Raising a child that is neurodiverse can require some extra tools, and The Local Moms Network is thrilled to partner with an amazing new one that is sure to be a game-changer for neurodiverse kids.
Superpower Mentors is a virtual program that partners with families to connect neurodiverse (ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, etc.) mentors with neurodiverse kids or young adults.
Growing up, Jake Sussman shares that his own learning differences made school a miserable place for him. “When I was in 6th grade, I was four grade levels behind in reading and forced to reach out loud in class. That same year, I was told by my teacher that I would never go to college or be successful. From the very start I was judged and misunderstood, just for the way I learn,” says Jake.
From his experience, Superpower Mentors was hatched. “I founded Superpower Mentors on the belief that there are thousands of people that have gone through this experience and want to give back to those that are currently going through this experience. There is a gap in the resources that are currently out there. There are therapists, coaches, tutors, and other medical professionals that exist in the web of support but nothing exists where someone can truly relate to your kid,” shares Jake.
We asked Jake and his cofounder, his brother Max (pictured below), to share more about the creation of Superpower Mentors, what separates it from other resources out there, and how parents and kids can get involved.
What else is so different about Superpower Mentors?
Jake: Our kids need support from someone that has been there themselves. The power of a Superpower Mentors is that they can say, “I not only have what you have, but I’ve also been where you have been, and love what you love.”
Max: Growing up with a brother that has severe learning challenges is hard. Difficulties ranged from observing his emotions every time a textbook is opened, to witnessing the struggles my parents went through, to even feeling like there was not enough time for my own thoughts and feelings. Superpower Mentors is a unique experience that stems from a lack of true support available for my brother where he could be understood for who he was, and be empowered instead of trying to be fixed. My passion for providing that support to families around the world runs deep and our impact up to this point has already been tremendous, with nearly 10,000 mentorship sessions completed.
Amazing! How are your mentors vetted?
Max: Mentor vetting is an intense and thorough process that has resulted in an extremely low acceptance rate, of around 2% from a pool of over 8,000 applicants. Our mentors are interviewed multiple times by our team, undergo intensive background and security checks, participate in a certification course hosted by our Founder, and are interviewed by each family prior to beginning mentorship.
Why is mentorship so important to kids who are neurodiverse?
Jake: Neurodiverse kids navigate an environment not designed for how they learn. This often creates feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and isolation among peers. Having a mentor can be a game changer. They are someone who has not only been through similar experiences as your kid but also shares similar interests, while on top of that being a super cool ‘adult’. The end result is showing neurodiverse kids that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Ninety-three percent of our mentees see an increase in their emotional well-being, all because they get to talk to an older version of themselves.
How can parents who would like their kids to have mentors join the program? And once they join, what should they expect next?
Max: We would love to speak with you about getting your child a mentor and being part of our program! If you’re interested in this experience that has already touched so many, please fill out this form and we will get back to you within 48 hours.
After speaking with us and enrolling, our custom-tailored mentor-matching process immediately begins (this period typically about 4 weeks). Our approach to the mentor-matching process is one of the reasons why we have seen on average such quick success in our mentees.
We hand-pick your child’s mentor that fits their unique needs and shares their interests. All of our families have the opportunity to meet and approve the mentor before beginning the mentor relationship. Meeting the mentor is an important step that helps ensure we establish a solid foundation of goals and expectations.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Jake: Superpower Mentors extends far past our mentorship expertise. We believe that the best way to deliver this experience to your kid is by making sure that we are a Team: made up of the mentor, your family, and Superpower Mentors team as a whole.
After we match you to a mentor, you are assigned a personal program concierge that assists with the facilitation of our program. This concierge is responsible for assisting with scheduling, program expectations and results, progress and status updates, questions, and concerns as they arise.
Additionally, each family can participate in a monthly meeting between the Superpower Mentors team, you as a parent, and your mentor in what we call a Family Matters Meeting. The call allows you to learn more about the exciting momentum happening in real time between your kid and their mentor and dive into the progress that is being made.
We are so excited to speak with you about Superpower Mentors! Again, if mentorship could make a difference for your family, fill out THIS FORM and we will be in touch as soon as possible. We can’t wait to meet you!
