Through this project we aim to empower young people with neurodivergency to develop their skills, confidence, and self-expression while cultivating inclusive, participatory, and nature-based learning practices. The project’s objectives are grounded in these youth work principles - creating safe, supportive environments, encouraging active engagement and promoting personal and social development. By implementing the project Talking Roots we wish to: • Empower neurodivergent youth in a safe and supportive environment • This project aims to strengthen the autonomy, self-confidence, creativity, advocacy, and social skills of participating neurodivergent youth. Through non-formal, nature-based activities, participants will engage in experiential learning that enhances ecological literacy, empathy and advocacy skills. They will be encouraged to express themselves, reflect on their experiences, and take ownership of both their learning and their contributions to the project. A central aspect of achieving these outcomes is providing a safe, supportive, and tailored environment that meets the individual needs of neurodivergent youth. Clear structures, predictable routines, and accessible guidance will be offered at every stage of the project. Facilitators, assistants, volunteers and group leaders will be trained to recognise and respond to sensory, social, and emotional needs, offering personalised support while promoting autonomy and self-expression. By combining this nurturing atmosphere with adaptable activities and small-group interactions, we aim to maximise participation, learning and personal growth for each young person. • Promote inclusion and understanding of neurodiversity • A core objective is to model and promote inclusive practices for youth with neurodivergence. Activities are designed to foster understanding among participants, facilitators and local communities about Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodivergent experiences. Participants will develop social awareness, empathy, and inclusive behaviours, while staff and partner organisations will strengthen their capacity to support neurodivergent youth. • Test and implement innovative non-formal, nature-based methods • We aim to safely test and implement nature-based, non-formal education methods for neurodivergent youth, particularly in an international context. This approach will allow both Arrexini Asula and Nepaliec Viens to experiment with new activities, refine strategies and share insights with the wider European youth work network, enhancing future practices and increasing the project’s long-term impact. • Strengthen advocacy and civic engagement • Through youth-led dissemination and advocacy initiatives, participants will practice raising awareness on sustainability, environmental responsibility and inclusion. By designing local advocacy actions and contributing to online campaigns, participants will develop communication, leadership and civic engagement skills. • Foster international cooperation and knowledge exchange • Collaboration with Nepaliec Viens will allows participants to share experiences across cultural contexts, developing intercultural understanding and global perspectives. Staff and youth workers will gain insights into best practices and innovative methods, improving the quality of future projects and strengthening international youth work networks. • Create sustainable outcomes beyond the project • The project aims to leave lasting benefits by equipping participants with tools and experiences they can apply in their communities. Youth will continue advocacy, mentorship and peer engagement activities, while partner organisations will document and share lessons learned with European NGO networks, ensuring the project’s results reach a wider audience. In summary, the project’s objectives from a youth work perspective are to empower neurodivergent youth, promote inclusion and empathy, safely test innovative nature-based non-formal methods, foster advocacy and civic engagement, provide international exposure and create sustainable results that benefit participants, staff, and wider communities.