Individualized and Adapted Physical Activity Counselling for Neurodivergent Youth (NYSLI)

Supporting neurodivergent youth through individualized exercise counselling

Duration of the project

1.5.2025 – 31.12.2026

Source of funding

Ministry of Education and Culture: Get Finland moving programme

Total funding

74 259 €

The NYSLI project promotes the inclusion and well-being of neurodivergent youth through individualized and adapted physical activity counselling. By complementing existing group-based models, it provides tailored guidance that supports participation, motivation, and confidence in physical activity. The project also aims to prevent social exclusion and mental health challenges by strengthening collaboration between local actors and spreading best practices across Finland.

Funded by the ministry of education and culture: Get Finland moving programme the Individualized and Adapted Physical Activity Counselling for Neurodivergent Youth (NYSLI) project aims to develop and implement personalized physical activity counselling services that complement the existing group-based counselling model. The project focuses particularly on neurodivergent youth (with neuropsychiatric conditions such as ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, developmental language disorder, and autism spectrum disorder) who are at risk of developing mild depression, anxiety disorders, or social exclusion.

The project’s core actions

The project’s core actions include the development of an individualized counselling pathway, consisting of an initial assessment, sport and activity trials, and follow-up. In addition, adapted physical activity counselling will be provided to meet the needs of both at-risk populations and various patient groups. Communication and information campaigns will raise awareness of the project and its services, while the creation of collaborative networks will strengthen its impact.

The project holds significant societal importance, as it aims to prevent social exclusion by offering support and counselling to neurodivergent youth and other at-risk groups. This contributes to reducing school dropout rates, unemployment, and mental health problems, thereby promoting overall well-being and social inclusion in society.

The project holds significant societal importance, as it aims to prevent social exclusion by offering support and counselling to neurodivergent youth and other at-risk groups.

The results of the NYSLI project will be widely disseminated among stakeholders in Southwest Finland as well as to cities across Finland, enabling them to apply the project’s insights and best practices in their own operations.