National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit
August 6-9, 2026
Eligibility
To be eligible to attend The National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit, you must:
- You must be between 16 and 26 years old at some point during the 2026–2027 school year. This means your date of birth must fall between August 2, 1999 and May 30, 2011.
- Identify as Neurodivergent or have been identified with one or more learning disabilities or challenges, such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Processing Disorders, Autism, or similar. Formal diagnosis is not required.
- If you are or will be 18 or older at the time of the event and plan to stay overnight in the residence halls, you must pass a criminal history check. This requirement does not apply to attendees who are under 18 or who are not staying overnight.
We define neurodivergent in the context of challenges with one or more key processes related to learning and cognition. Eligible conditions include:
- Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyspraxia, or similar
- ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning challenges, or similar
- Auditory or Visual Processing Disorders, Slow Processing, or similar
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's, or similar
- Aphasia, Dysnomia, Dysphasia, Stuttering, or similar
- Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) or similar
- Any other challenge that falls under specific learning disabilities or autism spectrum conditions
Formal diagnosis is not required. If you identify with any of the above, you are welcome to apply.
No. The Summit is designed for neurodivergent individuals in the high school, college, and early post-college stage of life. We recognize that neurodivergent individuals often take unique educational paths — so while we don't require school enrollment or hold strictly to age, our programming and community are built with this life stage in mind, whether in school or early in their careers. If that's where you are, you belong here.
The Summit experience is intentionally designed to center neurodivergent individuals — many of whom face barriers accessing leadership spaces and professional opportunities– that neurotypical people have more access to. We want this to be a space where ND attendees can show up fully, without having to explain or advocate for themselves. For these reasons, priority will be given to ND applicants first.
That said, allies are not discouraged from applying. If space is available, we welcome allies who are genuinely committed to the neurodivergent community and neurodiversity movement.
Yes! We love having returning community members. That said, we do prioritize first-time attendees to ensure the experience reaches as many new participants as possible.
Event & Travel Logistics
Thanks to our sponsors at The LEGO Foundation, we are able to cover the full cost of attendance at the National Summit for 2026-27 Mentoring Chapter Leaders, Paid Interns, Scholarship Recipients, and Representatives from ND Alliance Clubs who have met Club Foundations.
We have funding available to cover the full cost of attendance for a limited number of other applicants who meet our general eligibility criteria, but do not otherwise meet the program involvement milestones that guarantee their space.
Priority consideration for these remaining spots is given to those who are actively involved in The Neurodiversity Alliance community, including current club leaders and members active in their local ND Alliance Chapter or in our online community.
To learn more about these requirements, find the program that best describes your involvement in the “Pathways to Attend” section below.
Additional, non-sponsored, spaces are available on a space-available basis and there is a registration fee of $2,000. If you or your school are interested in paying your own way to the Summit, we encourage you to apply early and select "Option B: Self-Funded or School-Supported" on the application form. If accepted, details of how to pay will be included in your acceptance email.
Yes, a student, family, or school can pay the registration fee of $2,000 to attend if they do not receive a sponsored space. If interested in paying to attend to the Summit, we encourage you to apply early and select "Option B: Self-Funded or School-Supported" on the application form. If accepted, details of how to pay will be included in your acceptance email.
Note: If you initially apply for a sponsored role and are not selected, you will receive information about how to pay your way instead in your decline email.
Due to the limited number of participants we can host, we prioritize attendees who can attend the full event. If you anticipate a conflict, please reach out to us at [email protected] before applying.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with all applicants notified no later than May 30th. If accepted, you will receive instructions via email to confirm your attendance and provide the details required to book your travel. Once we receive those details, we will book travel on your behalf and share with you the itinerary no later than June 30th.
Yes. Students under 18 are expected to travel independently to Denver, Colorado. We do our best to coordinate travel arrangements so students can journey together, but this isn't always possible.
We make every effort to cluster students from the same geographic area, but traveling with peers from your school cannot be guaranteed.
Yes, you're welcome to have someone accompany you to Denver, though any travel costs related to your guest are your own responsibility. Residence hall housing is reserved exclusively for program participants, so accompanying guests will need to arrange their own accommodations at a nearby hotel.
Accommodations & Accessibility
Our venue is ADA compliant, and we offer a range of standard accommodations — including dietary and sensory supports — to ensure all neurodivergent participants have what they need to thrive. When available, accessibility information will be provided ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
You can request accommodations directly within the Summit application, or at any time by emailing us at [email protected]. We encourage you to make requests as early as possible so we can best support your needs.
Absolutely. If you need assistance at any point during the application process, email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help.
Application Details
The application for the 2026 Leadership Summit opens on April 13, 2026 at 12:00pm ET and closes on May 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. No late applications will be accepted.
The application is available within The Neurodiversity Alliance App and online portal. Once logged in, look for the "Summit Application" link in the left menu bar.
- Already registered? [Log in here.]
- New to the Alliance? Registration is free — [get started today!]
After filling out your preliminary information on the application form, select "Option C: I have an access code" and enter your code to complete your application.
You may submit responses as either written documents or videos:
- Written: 250–750 words per prompt (recommended), submitted as a .doc or .pdf file.
- Video: 2–5 minutes per prompt (recommended), submitted as an unlisted YouTube link or a shareable Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud link.
These are recommendations, not firm limits — take the space you need to answer thoroughly.
Very strict. We cannot accept late applications or materials and are not responsible for technical issues that prevent on-time submission. Plan ahead and submit early if possible.
You will receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting. If it doesn't arrive, check your junk/spam folder. If the problem persists, contact us at [email protected].
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. All applicants will be notified of a decision no later than May 30, 2026.
Pathways to Attend
Find the program that best describes your involvement.
I am a First-Time / New Community Member
Welcome! Start by registering for free at The Neurodiversity Alliance portal. Then submit your Summit application before May 15, 2026. If accepted, you'll receive further onboarding information by May 30, 2026.
No — anyone who meets the eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply. Priority is given to current program participants, some of whom receive guaranteed acceptance through their role. Any remaining spaces are filled on a rolling basis and are open to general community members and first-time applicants.
If you're not yet part of a program but are interested in getting more involved, or just registered for the first time recently, you are absolutely welcome to apply! Be sure to check out our other opportunities here.
I am a 2026-2027 ND Alliance Intern
Yes — a Summit application is required; but if you are accepted as a 2026-27 Intern, you are guaranteed acceptance and have a space held for you to attend the Summit.
We encourage all intern applications to submit their Summit application as soon as possible and select (Option A: Apply for a Sponsored Spot)
- If you are offered an internship, your application to the Summit will be automatically accepted.
- If you do not receive an internship offer, your application will be considered for the remaining sponsored opportunities to attend.
- If you do not receive an internship offer, and do not receive a sponsorship to attend, you will receive information about paying your own way to the Summit where applicable.
If you have questions, email us at [email protected].
Reach out to us at [email protected] with the subject line "Internship Inquiry - Summit"
I am a 2026-2027 ND Alliance Scholarship Recipient
Yes — a Summit application is required; but as a 2026-27 Scholarship Recipient, you are guaranteed acceptance and have a space held for you to attend.
You will receive an access code via email along with an invitation to attend.
Submit your Summit application and use your access code (Option C: I have an access code) to complete the process.
If you have questions, or do not receive your access code prior to the May 15 deadline, email us at [email protected].
Email us at [email protected] with the subject line "Scholarship Inquiry - Summit".
I am a 2026-2027 Mentoring Chapter Leader
Yes — a Summit application is required; but as a 2026-27 Mentoring Chapter Leader, you are guaranteed acceptance and have a space held for you to attend.
You will receive an access code via email along with an invitation to attend.
Submit your Summit application and use your access code (Option C: I have an access code) to complete the process.
If you have questions, or do not receive your access code prior to the May 15 deadline, email us at [email protected].
I am a 2026-2027 ND Alliance Intern Local Club Members & Leaders
No — local club members and leaders follow the same standard application process. However, clubs that meet our Club Foundations requirements are guaranteed the opportunity to send one representative to the Summit. Your representative a full-time enrolled during the 26-27 school year.
CLUB FOUNDATIONS
At minimum, your club has:
-
- 2 Chapter Leaders registered to lead for
- 1 club advisor registered
- Minimum 5 registered club members
- Submitted at least 1 club activity report in the 2025-2026 school year
- Submitted the 26-27 Club registration form
Eligible clubs will be notified and receive their Summit registration access code via email. It is up to each club to decide amongst themselves who will represent their campus ND Alliance club at the Summit. Once decided, that person should submit their Summit application using the access code provided in the notification email (Option C).
We have limited funding available to assist recently-formed ND Alliance clubs who were unable to meet Club Foundations during the 25-26 school year. Clubs can also pay to send a representative to the Summit. To apply for a Summit scholarship or to pay to attend, select Option A or B when completing your application to attend the Summit.
Great news — your intern or scholar’s spot is separate. Interns and scholars receive guaranteed acceptance through their program, independent of any club allocation. Your club's guaranteed seat is specifically intended for a representative who does not otherwise have a pathway to attend the Summit. So in this case, your intern/scholar attends through their program, and your club should select a different person to fill the club representative spot.
Yes! Here's how it breaks down:
- Club representative: Clubs that meet Club Foundations requirements are guaranteed one representative seat. Your club must decide who will represent your school’s chapter of the ND Alliance. Club Leaders and members are both eligible to represent your community, but they must be full-time enrolled students for the 2026-2027 school year.
- Interns & Scholarship Recipients: Acceptance into the ND Alliance’s Internship or Scholarship program includes a paid-for spot at the National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit. This does not count as the Club representative spot many ND Alliance Chapters earn by completing Club Foundations.
- Scholarships for additional members: Club members without a guaranteed pathway are welcome to apply through the standard application process. Acceptance is not guaranteed and is subject to availability and application.
School Leaders and Parents:
Have questions about the event or your students’ attendance? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we're happy to help!
Still Have Questions?
Email us at [email protected] — we're happy to help!