“Everyone should learn to respect neurodivergence, autism, and giftedness...”
“I started school at the age of three, like most of my classmates, but it soon became clear that I was different. I often got into fights and ended up in the principal's office, a place that became very familiar to me. It wasn’t that I wanted to cause problems—there was just something about me that didn’t fit, and neither I nor others understood what it was.
In fourth grade, I tried to show people what I was experiencing every day. I recorded an audio clip of my classmates to capture the noise and behavior in class. It was my way of communicating what was affecting me, how those stimuli caused me pain that few could perceive, an emotional weight that was hard for me to carry. But instead of understanding, I was suspended for three days. What I saw as a way of asking for help was viewed as a transgression.
After seeing several psychologists and specialists, my parents and I found the YBN Foundation. It was a huge relief; we finally had an explanation for my behavior. We understood that my brain works differently and that I perceive the world with an intensity and sensitivity that few can understand. My parents made a great effort to learn and find ways to support me, and thanks to their help, I now have more tools to explore my potential.
Over time, my family has learned to understand me, but I still face challenges communicating with some of my classmates and teachers. They don’t always understand that, although I am gifted and have certain abilities, I also need help in other areas. I’m not making excuses; I just want my efforts to be valued and my reality to be understood.
I still believe that schools should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone, where any student, regardless of their characteristics, can learn and feel valued. Teachers have the ability to transform our experiences, to make each of us feel like we belong, and to show that our uniqueness matters.”
“Ultimately, we all deserve respect, understanding, and an education adapted to our needs. Neurodivergent people simply see and feel the world differently. We process information in a unique way and live surrounded by stimuli that can often be overwhelming. But that should not be a reason for us to face discrimination. What we want is the same as everyone else: a space where our individuality is respected and where we are allowed to be ourselves.”
Adrian Mateo Rocabado Ballesteros
12 years old
Cochabamba - Bolivia
Sara Isabella Alvarez
9 years old
Palm Bay - Florida - USA
"We discovered YBN on 2021, and the impact on my son, Fernando, and our family has been incredibly positive. We came to YBN with a host of concerns, ranging from obtaining a diagnosis to addressing academic needs and managing the social and emotional behaviors that often prove most challenging for a family.
While there are still challenges and a few lingering concerns, working with this non-profit has illuminated our path, providing us with a clearer and brighter vision of where we are headed. YBN has been instrumental in resolving many of our issues, and we are grateful for the guidance and support they've provided. We have a newfound sense of hope and direction, all thanks to their invaluable assistance."
Mariana Romero
SIllerico - Romero Family
La Paz - Bolivia
"As a family, we couldn't be happier or more satisfied with the invaluable guidance and support provided by Ms. Cecilia to our son. Through one-on-one sessions with Cecilia, our son not only enjoys sharing his day-to-day experiences but also learns essential techniques for managing his emotions.
As parents, we've gained a deeper understanding of how to best assist and guide our son, thanks to the expert advice and insights she offers. While we acknowledge that this journey is a long one, we feel confident that we're heading in the right direction, thanks to Cecilia's unwavering support. We are immensely grateful for her contributions to our son's growth and development."
Córdova Rojas Family
Lima - Perú
"I'm thrilled to share the profound impact that YBN has had on my family during one of the most complex phases of our lives. Our journey with YBN commenced when my eldest son was identified as gifted and talented at the age of 7, presenting us with a host of challenges that required specialized support.
As if that weren't enough, our situation took an even more intricate turn when we relocated to another country, coinciding with the onset of adolescence for my son. Unfortunately, his new school lacked an understanding of what Giftedness truly meant and insisted on evaluating him for other forms of neurodivergence. Despite some shared characteristics, we underwent numerous assessments with different specialists, always ending up in the same place.
In the midst of this confusion, my younger son was also identified as gifted and talented. However, his traits were remarkably distinct from his brother's, which left us feeling even more adrift. We were in desperate need of help, but were struggling to find professionals who truly grasped the specific needs of our children.
It was at this juncture that a friend recommended YBN to us. We decided to attend a series of workshops with Cecilia, and it proved to be a pivotal moment for us. Finally, we began to gain a better understanding of these unique characteristics and learned to differentiate the profiles of gifted and talented individuals. Cecilia provided us with invaluable insights, introduced relevant theories, and, most importantly, equipped us with practical tools and strategies to navigate the intense emotional moments that often accompany giftedness.
I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to YBN for their unwavering support, dedication, time, and, above all, their deep understanding in a field that often remains invisible. Thanks to their work, we have discovered a way to support and guide our children in both their intellectual and emotional development.
Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend YBN to any family in a similar situation. They are dedicated professionals who provide vital support in an area that is often overlooked. Thank you for being a true lifeline for families with gifted and talented students. We are immensely grateful."
Andrea Asín
Flores - Asín Family
Chile
"Exploring and understanding neurodiversity will empower our educators to tailor their teaching methods, fostering a more inclusive learning environment that celebrates diverse abilities ultimately enhancing the academic journey for all of our students."
Marialejandra Llano
American Curriculum Director
Cochabamba Cooperative School Calvert