What is Neurodivergent Success with Self-Directed Education?
“Everyone is genetically structured to do something superbly.” — Brian Tracy
What does success look like for neurodivergent learners in self-directed education?
Success is a self-identified, subjective, and moving goal post.
For families navigating the journey of self-directed education with neurodivergent learners, identifying and celebrating success can feel elusive. Yet, these successes—often unconventional—can be profound and life-changing.
As someone who has walked this path personally and professionally, I want to share my story and the stories of some of those empowered by going Off Da Beaten Path. This is not a blueprint, more so, it is encouragement.
“You can’t hit a target that you can’t see.” That is why I’m providing these example stories of success (and struggle).
I have been an alternative educator for 14 years, a founder for about 4 years, a registered business owner for about 2, and certified in marketing since May 2023. I got my first chronic diagnosis when I was 12 years old, was poked and prodded, medicated, and sent to a separate special education section of my school. I have found alternative education to be literally lifesaving, and business similarly so. Regular day-to-day health issues mean that I need a controversial level of flexibility, and working for myself provides that.
As a founder, I have generated six figure earnings over the years, refined old skills, gained new skills, took risks, made mistakes, and learned lessons.
Living from this perspective has made me realize that it is not an experience particular to neurodivergent people. “Not an anomaly” as Andrea Cubelo-McKay, co-founder of Embark Center, said to me over the phone. Neurotypical, healthy, able-bodied people also find themselves needing a lot of flexibility. Life is messy. Starting your own income generation, whether it’s founding a business, buying another business, or freelancing as a self-employed individual, can be accommodating.
What’s your genius? Take the quiz below!
Manifest then reflect, and repeat.
Generally, going to the beat of your own drum, going against the mainstream in any regard, is going to take more time, more effort, and more resilience.
That is why Off Da Beaten Path Learning LLC exists, to empower those who want something different or more. Seeing the impact of my business has been incredible. Off Da Beaten Path has empowered 23 people of all ages directly through 1-on-1 self-directed education guidance.
The problem is that, in the process of figuring things out, I have fallen into Stage 3 of the business life cycle, also known as The Valley of Despair. (I like to think of it as a valley of both despair and determination.)
In response to the highs and lows, I am premiering the “NOT YOUR AVERAGE” Off Da Beaten Path Awards Show to share acknowledgements on the company YouTube channel.
With an impact this incredible and a year this difficult, it’s the perfect time to show gratitude for those who have helped make this possible.
Here’s a short list of the impact made:
Helped an 8 year old to read independently. She is now top of her class.
Helped a young artist to gain admittance to an overseas university. They now have a portfolio and resume full of compounding experiences and accolades.
Helped a college student get back into school and get top grades. And when the school bursar office started playing around, we managed to appeal so that her balance was lowered by thousands of dollars.
Helped a young person to transition successfully into a boarding school experience. He is now a college student!
Helped a young teenager to express and advocate for himself through writing coaching.
Helped a teenager to strengthen his confidence and learn how to learn through working on his self-identified goal of mastering the basics of breakdance.
Helped a young man with autism to realize his core strength of going places. His transit-dedicated YouTube channel actively posts new content and progressively gaining more subscribers!
Helped 4 (and counting) families with the homeschool process.
Helped a single mom to find music therapy for her young child with autism.
Helped an educator create a structure to help parents learn how about deschooling.
Helped a mom to refine her marketing skills. Now a thriving business owner.
Helped a freelancer to settle into a night routine to better transition into a steady and productive morning. She is fully booked!
A virtual mentoring meeting: 1-on-1 self-directed education looks different for everyone.
When we rethink success, especially through the lens of neurodivergence, we open the door to possibilities that traditional systems often overlook. My journey is just one example of how self-directed education can empower learners to thrive on their terms. From cultivating flexibility to building confidence and pursuing passions, success is deeply personal and profoundly rewarding.
What I’ve learned is this: neurodivergence is not a limitation. To the contrary, it is a superpower IF you learn how to maneuver. Neurodivergence is a unique set of strengths waiting to be unlocked. Families can identify genius in unexpected places, and your support can make all the difference in this process.
If my story has sparked a sense of possibility for your learner, I invite you to grab your free “What’s Your Genius?” self-assessment to uncover your greatest area of strength.
