POLICY

PURPOSE

This policy outlines a framework for a neurodiversity-centred mentorship program using art psychology strategies. It acknowledges the mentor’s and mentees neurodivergence and aims to create an empowering, supportive and flexible mentoring environment that fosters personal and professional growth through creative expression.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all mentorship activities in which neurodivergent individuals participate as mentors and mentees. it is particularly relevant for mentoring relationships where the neurodivergent mentor utilises art -based techniques to facilitate communication, emotional regulation, and goal -setting for neurodivergent mentees.

PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

INDIVIDUALISED MENTORSHIP APPROACH

The mentorship will be individualised to meet the unique needs and preferences of both the mentor and mentee. Every neurodivergent individual has distinct strengths, communication styles, and sensory sensitivities, and these will be considered when structuring mentoring sessions.

IMPLEMENTATION

Each mentoring relationship begins with a tailored assessment. mentors will use art -based tools, such as drawings or visual representation, to understand how mentees prefer to communicate and process information.

Mentors will adjust the mentorship pace, environment and activities based on the mentees sensory and cognitive needs.

ART AS A COMMUINCATION TOOL

Nonverbal communication through art will be a central aspect of the mentorship. Art will serve as a bridge for emotional expression and understanding between mentor and mentee, providing a supportive alternative for individuals who may find verbal communication challenging

.IMPLEMENTATION

Mentors will incorporate art activities such as drawing, painting, collage -making into sessions to encourage mentees to express thoughts and emotions nonverbally.

Mentees will be given the freedom to choose how they communicate, with an understanding that art can be a substitute or supplement for verbal feedback.

SENSORY- FREINDLY ART PRACTICES

POLICY STATEMENT

Art-making practices will be sensitive to the sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals. The goal is to provide a calming, inclusive environment that respects individual sensory preferences.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mentors will offer a range of sensory- friendly art materials, including soft clay, textured brushes to cater to different sensory profiles.

Quiet spaces, adjusted lighting or other sensory accommodations will be offered to mentees who may feel overwhelmed by certain stimuli during mentoring sessions.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION THROUGH ART

POLICY STATEMENT

Art psychology strategies will be used to help neurodivergent mentees regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and build coping skills.

IMPLEMEMTATION

Art activities will be designed to help mentee’s explore their emotions and process complex feelings. For instance, mentor’s might guide mentees to create visual representations of emotions to use colour to express their mood.

Mentors will model emotional regulation techniques through art based practices, offering mentees strategies they can use to manage their own emotions.

Visual goal setting and growth tracking.

Visual representation tools will be used for goal-setting and tracking progress. This approach acknowledges that many neurodivergent individuals thrive with structured, visual information.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mentors will support mentees in creating visual goal setting tools, such as vision boards, mind maps, flow charts to visually map out their personable and professional aspirations.

Goals will be reviewed regularly through reflective discussions, where mentees are encouraged to use art to reflect on their progress and adjust their goals as needed.

STRENGTH -BASED MENTORSHIP

POLICY STATEMENT

Mentorship will focus on the strengths of neurodivergent individual, utilising art as a means of highlighting and developing their abilities rather than focusing on deficits or challenges.

IMPLEMENTATION

mentors will design activities that align with the mentees strengths , interests and talents using art as a tool to explore the strengths further.

through art-based reflections, mentors will identify and reinforce the mentees unique capabilities and potential, promoting a positive self-image.

COLLABORATION AND FEEDBACK

POLICY STATEMENT

Mentorship will involve ongoing, collaborative feedback, with the mentor and mentee engaging in reflective dialogue about the mentoring process and art activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

After each art-based activity, mentors will engage in open discussion about the process , focusing on how the mentee felt and what they learned.

Peer mentorship and co creation of art may be introduced to foster mutual learning and reflection between mentor and mentee.

ENCOURAGING SELF-ADVOCACY AND CONFIDENCE

POLICY STATEMENT

The mentorship process will empower neurodivergent mentees to become self-advocates by building confidence in their creative expression and decision-making abilities.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mentee’s will be encouraged to take ownership of their creative proces, from choosing art materials to setting their own personal goals within the mentorship.

Mentors will support mentees’s in building a creative portfolio that can be used to reflect on their growth or present in professional or academic contexts.

FLEXIBILITY AND BOUNDARIES

POLICY STATEMENT

Mentorship sessions will remain flexiable to accommodate the varying needs of neurodivergent individuals. Both mentors and mentees will respect each other’s boundaries and adapt as needed to ensure a safe, productive environment.

IMPLEMENTATION

Sessions can be adjusted in terms of frequency, length and format(in person or virtual) based on the mentee’s energy levels and needs. Mentee’s are encouraged to express their boundaries during art-making activities, and mentors will respect these boundaries by providing alternate ways to explore themes or emotions.

CONTINOUS IMPROVEMENT AND SELF-REFLECTION

POLICY STATEMENT

Mentors will engage in continuous self-reflection to adapt their mentoring approach based on their own neurodivergent experience and feedback from mentees.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mentors will regularly reflect on how their neurodivergence influences their mentoring style and adjust their approach to better meet the needs of their mentees.

A feedback loop will be established, where mentees can provide input on the mentoring process and suggest changes to improve the experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

MENTOR’S ROLE

Use art and psychology strategies to facilitate communication and emotional growth in mentees. Tailor the mentoring process to accommodate the unique need and preferences neurodivergent mentees. Engage in continuous reflection and adaption of mentoring strategies based on self-awareness and feedback.

MENTEE’S ROLE

Actively participate in the mentoring process, utilising art as a means of expression and growth. Communicate needs, and boundaries to the mentor to foster a collaborative relationship. Provide feedback to support the ongoing refinement of the mentoring approach.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in supporting neurodivergent mentoring relationships. Updates will be made based on feedback from mentor’s, mentees, and developments in art and psychology strategies.

CONCLUSION

This neurodiversity -focused mentorship policy, grounded in art and psychology strategies, promotes a respectful, supportive, and creative environment where both mentor and mentee can thrive. By emphasising individualised approaches, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy, the policy seeks to empower neurodivergent individuals to explore their strengths and achieve personal and professional growth.