The Neurodivergent project aims to develop a training programme for educational professionals and staff to enhance their abilities to work successfully with students with Asperger’s and in turn, decrease early school leaving. Running from September 2020 to March 2023, the project is funded by the European Commission’s Erasmus + Programme.
Young adults with Asperger’s face barriers while accessing Initial vocational education and training (VET) including university or colleague, due to a lack of appropriate support. The demands on these students in initial VET can result in slower completion rates, school failure and even school dropout. There is a clear need for interventions from teachers and trainers in an educational context.
The Neurodivergent project will provide training to educational professionals on how to approach and support a student with Asperger’s and improve their educational experience. The project aims to minimise the gap in learning outcomes between young adults with Asperger’s and neurotypical students.
In the framework of the project, a training package and toolkit will be developed and delivered to trainers in initial VET. Neurodivergent will also conduct a status report on the inclusion of persons with Asperger’s in VET and work life in Europe, and produce both a user guide to Asperger’s students in VET and Policy Recommendations related to the projects’ findings.
Those involved come from various backgrounds – both national and cultural – and have a wide set of skills. The project coordinator, Godalen Videregående Skole (Norway) works closely with all the other partners: BILDUNGSDIREKTION FUER WIEN (The Board of Education for Vienna – Austria), Sotogrande International school (Spain), Riga 5th Primary School – Development Center (Latvia), Autismeforeningen i Norge (Norway), Kristianstad University (Sweden) and Autism-Europe (Belgium).
About the Erasmus+ Programme
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Its budget of €14.7 billion will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain experience, and volunteer abroad.