The goal of this activity was to educate and prepare participants for meaningful, informed, and compassionate interactions with neurodiverse children by increasing their understanding of conditions such as ADHD and autism. Through knowledge-sharing and practical guidance, the initiative aimed to promote empathy, inclusion, and effective communication, ultimately creating a safe and supportive environment for the children involved.
Before visiting the children at the Children in Distress Foundation, our participants took part in an online workshop titled "The Magic of Working with a Neurodiverse Kid". The session was facilitated by a representative from ESN Romania and focused on increasing awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Participants learned about ADHD, autism, and how neurodiverse individuals perceive and respond to the world around them. The workshop explored topics such as the autonomic nervous system, common barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals, and how we can adapt our behavior and communication to make them feel safe, understood, and included.
This educational component equipped the volunteers with essential knowledge, tools, and perspectives, enabling them to engage more effectively during the in-person activities that followed. In the days after the workshop, participants visited the Children in Distress Foundation and took part in physical and interactive activities with the children, applying what they had learned to foster connection, joy, and mutual respect.
This activity is part of the project:
ECEM - Enriching Communities Through Engaged Mobilities