PUTTING NEURODIVERSITY
IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
Rooted connects neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults with the people and places that make Los Angeles inspiring — through interviews, art, storytelling, and real-world experience.
A CREATIVE STORYTELLING PROJECT WITH A REAL-WORLD PURPOSE.
Rooted introduces neurodivergent participants to Los Angeles artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, creators, public servants, coaches, business owners, and other local heroes.
Participants prepare questions, meet someone new, and lead a real conversation. The encounter is documented through video and photography and can become an original portrait or artwork created by Rooted founder and artist Rachel Schmeidler, sometimes in collaboration with the participant and other creative partners.
The public sees the story. The participant gains confidence, communication practice, community connection, and real-world experience.
MORE OPPORTUNITY.
MORE CONNECTION.
MORE POSSIBILITY.
Too many neurodivergent young adults reach adulthood without enough access to the social, professional, and community experiences that can help support greater independence and employment.
Rooted creates structured, interest-led opportunities to practice communication, meet new people, navigate unfamiliar settings, and build confidence in real time.
COMMUNICATION + CONNECTION
Preparing questions, listening closely, responding naturally, and building authentic relationships across Los Angeles.
INDEPENDENCE + CONFIDENCE
Navigating new environments, adapting in real time, taking greater ownership, and participating with more self-assurance.
THE PEOPLE TAKING PART.
A “Victor” is a Rooted participant — a neurodivergent teen, young adult, or adult learning by doing, meeting people, and building real-world experience.
Participants are matched around their interests and strengths. No one needs to publicly disclose private medical or diagnostic information.
INTEREST-LED
Boxing, animation, music, technology, food, art, public service, fashion, business, and more can become the starting point for a real conversation.
SUPPORTED
Rooted welcomes collaboration with social-skills groups and credentialed professionals serving the neurodivergent and special-needs community of Los Angeles. We work with credentialed BCBAs, speech therapists, educators, and other special-needs specialists, including professionals focused on adaptive skills and athletics.
THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU HERE.
BECOME A VICTOR
For neurodivergent teens, young adults, adults, families, and support teams interested in participating.
JOIN ROOTED → 02SHARE YOUR STORY OR COLLABORATE
For local heroes, creators, professionals, social-skills groups, credentialed professionals, hosts, mentors, and partners.
GET INVOLVED →