Mentorship Program for Neurodiverse Students Expands After 27 Years of Service.

A mentorship program with a 27-year history that reaches students with learning differences began as the brainchild of a college student in 1998. Now, the organization reaches 12,000 students at more than 1,000 schools nationwide as part of The Neurodiversity Alliance.

October 28, 2025 by By Cathy Stack

Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in elementary school, David Flink spent many years of his childhood feeling insecure around his peers. Later, as a college student at Brown University, in 1998, he and a group of likeminded friends started a mentorship program called Eye to Eye for students who learn differently, which has since become a nationwide movement.

David came up in the educational system at a time when people often avoided open discussion of learning disabilities. At that time, students with learning differences faced a lack of awareness, support and resources at school. Eye to Eye sought to improve the school experience for neurodiverse students. David wanted to help other students like him to not feel so alone and so different. He and his initial volunteers also wanted to help educators better understand the unique needs of students like them.

David’s idea was to connect elementary and middle school students with positive role models and mentors each week. Having someone the students could relate to was instrumental in improving their experience and learning in school.

Recently, David expanded the program and founded The Neurodiversity Alliance, an organization "dedicated to building community, developing leadership skills, facilitating peer-to-peer support, and raising awareness for the 1 in 5 who learn differently."

Through its app and online community, The Neurodiversity Alliance connects students with scholarships, leadership opportunities, career skill-building and the resources they need to start neurodiversity clubs or events on their own campuses.

The Eye to Eye mentorship program continues to serve as a keystone program of the non-profit organization. Run by students, the program connects "near-peer" high-school or college-aged mentors with neurodiverse middle and elementary school students. The program helps both mentors and mentees develop crucial social-emotional skills, confidence and self-advocacy tools. Students meet weekly for structured activities and events.
Alumni ambassadors are invited to speak at nationwide conferences and events throughout the year.

The Foundation for a Better Life and PassItOn believes that David Flink is a hero. His program is helping to create a world that fully embraces and values neurodiversity. His movement helps to create a more inclusive society for us all. His action is a great example of the value of inclusion. Please celebrate David by sharing his inspiring story.