320: Can Experiential Therapy Help Neurodiverse Young Adults?

What happens when a neurodiverse young adult isn't ready for college or independent living—but has outgrown living at home? In this episode, Will sits down with David Chandler, Program Director at Intrepid Young Adults in Asheville, North Carolina, to explore how experiential therapy helps young adults with autism, ADHD, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and other forms of neurodiversity develop the skills needed for adulthood. David explains how individualized coaching, community living, employment, and real-world experiences help young adults build confidence, purpose, relationships, and greater independence. David also shares his journey from psychiatric care to wilderness therapy at SUWS of the Carolinas before helping launch Intrepid Young Adults. Together, Will and David discuss why so many young adults struggle to transition into adulthood, the impact of COVID, technology, AI, and changing family dynamics, and why experiential learning remains a powerful approach to mental health treatment. Whether you're a parent, therapist, educational consultant, or professional working with neurodiverse young adults, this episode offers practical insights into helping young people move beyond "failure to launch" and toward meaningful, independent lives. This podcast is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute (wmai.org), offering adventure inspired retreats and coaching facilitated by Will White.