The Neurodiverse Advisory Council (NAC) is a group of alumni and long-time Tech Kids Unlimited Students (TKU) who serve as advisors on program development while learning self-advocacy skills. Many of our NAC members are college students, college-bound, or have participated in TKU's College Access Program, which aims to make the college experience more accessible to neurodiverse students. In this session, NAC members will share their personal experiences as neurodiverse individuals navigating community-building, both within NAC and beyond. They will discuss how they have shaped inclusive spaces, advocated for accessibility, and developed leadership skills. Attendees will gain insight into the importance of neurodiverse-led communities and the power of self-advocacy. For many neurodiverse individuals, finding or creating a strong community can be challenging--but it is also an opportunity for growth. Many spaces do not fully account for diverse communication styles, accessibility needs, or different perspectives. In this panel, NAC members will discuss their personal experiences in community-building. They will highlight various themes, such as building the confidence and skills to advocate for themselves, navigating challenges, creating neurodiverse-led communities, the intersection of digital and in-person communities, and the impact of neurodiverse representation and leadership. The session will be structured as a panel discussion featuring NAC members, followed by an interactive Q&A session. By sharing their experiences, NAC members hope to provide the attendees--both neurodiverse individuals and allies--with practical advice on creating and strengthening inclusive spaces. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how leadership roles can empower neurodiverse individuals and how they can support neurodiverse people in their own spaces. This conversation will aim to highlight challenges and celebrate the resilience, creativity, and leadership of neurodiverse people working together to create inclusive communities.

Additional Presenters: Aaron Jean-Francois & Justin Terry