Let's Get Real…
We deserve leadership opportunities that work for us rather than telling us we're doing it wrong.
We're not the problem, but we keep hearing that it's our fault.
We all feel this way, but Autistics are finally doing something about it. Read more to find out how.
Autistic Leaders Program (ALP)
The Autistic Leaders Program (ALP) was created by a group of Autistic people in 2022 who saw the need for peer leadership opportunities in our community and decided to do something about it.
Those same leaders later came together to create the Neurodivergent Advocacy and Resource Group (NARG), incorporated in 2024, which is the parent non-profit that created Autism On the Go (AOG).
The Autistic Leaders Program (ALP) is:
Peer Led: We are people, like you. We are leaders, like you. All mentors identify as peers on your level, not authority figures.
Flexible: The program is designed to fit you, not the other way around. If something isn't working, we change the program to make it work.
Up to You: What do you want to do? How do you want to lead? You get to choose your leadership style and goals, no matter what that looks like.
We believe that any system that doesn't work for people is a bad system and should be changed.
We believe that doing it our way is how we do it best.
We believe that when we're provided the opportunity to do our best, we can be our best, and feel our best.
The Autistic Leaders Program (ALP) demonstrates what can happen when Autistic and neurodivergent people are offered leadership opportunities that are designed with them, not imposed on them.
-ALP helped inspire the formation of the Neurodivergent Advocacy & Resource Group (NARG), a nonprofit created to expand resources, leadership opportunities, and advocacy led by neurodivergent people.
-The program contributed to the creation of peer-led groups, community spaces, and programs that continue to open new and flexible pathways into leadership, allowing people to lead in ways that align with their needs, strengths, and capacities.
-For many participants, one of the most meaningful outcomes has been validation — hearing from a peer that their challenges are not a personal failure, but the result of systems not designed for them. That recognition has helped people move forward with greater confidence, self-trust, and readiness to lead.
The impact of ALP is measured not by a single outcome, but by agency, belonging, and momentum — people feeling more supported, more capable, and more empowered to shape their own lives and communities.
What is the Autistic Leaders Program?
The Autistic Leaders Program is a neurosensitive leadership development initiative designed to empower neurodivergent people and others by providing structured leadership training, mentorship, and real-world leadership opportunities.
This program is open to anyone age 18 and over or with parent/guardian permission, regardless of role, status, experience, or support needs, who wants to explore what leadership looks like for them in a supportive and adaptive environment.
Core belief: Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people will step into leadership when the opportunity is designed with us in mind—respecting our strengths, accommodating our needs, and offering ongoing support.
You are already accepted into the program by being here and being a person. Enroll today!
Our Mission & Vision
To identify skills and passions in neurodivergent people and provide the resources, mentorship, and leadership opportunities they need to succeed as leaders in ways that work for them.
To establish a self-sustaining network of neurodivergent self-advocate leaders and allies who support and uplift others within the community.
Neurodivergent people are often excluded from leadership opportunities because leadership is defined in narrow, inflexible ways. Many of us were told we "weren't leaders" when really the systems weren't built for us.
We create multiple leadership pathways that match each person's strengths and interests, remove unnecessary obstacles, and provide mentorship, training, and real-world leadership experiences tailored to their needs.
Who is This Program For? Everyone.
✅ Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people (ADHD, Dyslexic, etc.) who want to explore or develop leadership
✅ People who care about advocacy, organizing, mutual aid, systems change, or community care
✅ People who may not see themselves as "leaders" yet, but are curious about how they influence the world around them
✅ Anyone who wants to explore leadership at their own pace, in their own way, with support and accommodations
You do not need a title, a certain support level, or previous experience. If you're interested, you belong here.
Three Leadership Pathways
Participants can explore one, two, or all three pathways. You can move between them, combine them, or focus on just one. There is no "higher" or "lower" tier—just different ways to lead.
Understanding and guiding yourself
- self-awareness
- self-management and pacing
- understanding your rights
- understanding your responsibilities
- identifying strengths and needs
- asking for accommodations
- making choices that are kind to yourself and others
Some people stay primarily in this pathway, exploring what leadership of self looks like. That is real leadership.
Supporting and guiding others
- supporting and guiding peers
- creating spaces for people to gather and connect
- co-facilitating groups or events
- active listening and conflict support
- setting examples through behavior and boundaries
- building mutual aid, support, and care networks
This pathway is for people who want to host, facilitate, or support others in groups, meetings, projects, or events.
Designing structures that allow others to lead
- designing structures to enable leadership
- building programs "by us, for all"
- creating processes, frameworks, and models
- mentoring and supporting other leaders
- shaping culture and values
- thinking about the "big picture" and long-term impact
This pathway is for people who are drawn to program design, systems change, and creating the containers that other leaders and community members use.
How the Program Works
🔹 Step 1: Intake & Self-Assessment
- Participants choose their intake format (written, verbal, or alternative). Enroll HERE to begin.
- A self-reflective and mentor-supported assessment helps identify strengths, interests, and access needs.
- Together, we explore which leadership pathways (Self, Community, Systems) you want to start with.
- The process is flexible and can be changed at any time.
🔹 Step 2: Personalized Leadership Pathway
Each pathway has its own neurosensitive methods for exploring and developing leadership in ways that fit the person:
- Leading Self: reflection prompts, rights and responsibilities education, self-advocacy skills, energy and sensory mapping, executive functioning support.
- Leading Community: group facilitation skills, communication and conflict support, event organizing, community engagement, peer support practices.
- Leading Systems: systems thinking, program design, creating new roles or projects, policy and structure building, mentoring other leaders.
Participants can:
- focus deeply on one pathway
- explore more than one at the same time
- shift pathways as their interests, capacity, or life situations change
Learning can include self-study, mentor meetings, peer discussions, and hands-on practice.
🔹 Step 3: Shadowing & Mentorship
- Every participant has access to mentors (existing AOG leaders and partners).
- You can shadow leaders in Self, Community, and/or Systems roles.
- Shadowing can last as long as you need and can include observing meetings, projects, events, or behind-the-scenes planning.
- Over time, you can move from observing to co-leading to taking on your own leadership roles—if and when you want to.
🔹 Step 4: Leadership Readiness & Progression
- There is no single "graduation." Instead, readiness is based on mutual agreement between you and your mentor(s).
- We use simple, neurosensitive competency markers, focused on safety, alignment with AOG values, and your own comfort level.
- You can step into leadership roles in Self, Community, Systems, or any combination.
- You can pause, adjust, or change focus whenever you need to.
🔹 Step 5: Ongoing Support & Feedback
- Regular mentor check-ins help us improve the program and support you better.
- Refresher sessions and continued learning are available so you're not "on your own" once you start leading.
- You can switch pathways, try new roles, or step back and focus on self-leadership as your life and needs change.
Why Join?
⭐ You define what leadership means for you – self, community, systems, or any mix of the three
⭐ You set the pace – no deadlines, no pressure to "keep up" with anyone else
⭐ You get real mentorship – from Autistic and neurodivergent leaders who understand
⭐ You receive support & accommodations – your access needs are part of the design
⭐ You build real skills – from self-advocacy to community organizing to systems design
⭐ You shape the future – of AOG, of your communities, and of neurodivergent leadership itself
What's the Cost?
This program is a FREE service of Autism On the Go (AOG) and is possible due to the donated time and energies of our peer volunteers.
In exchange for participation in the program, we ask you to pledge 10 Interaction Hours with us or make a donation to us in addition or instead to keep us going.
Interaction Hours can look like donating your own time and energies to our spaces and programs, attending our groups and events, or just spending some time thinking about who we are and what we do. That's it. It's completely flexible, totally voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time. Ask your assigned mentor for more details.
How to Get Involved
📩 Interested in joining? Enroll HERE or reach out with questions: info@autismonthego.org. You're already accepted.
Let's redefine what leadership looks like — together, in all the ways we lead. 💚
