Bridging Neuroscience and Education
We aim to raise awareness for people with learning disabilities.
The Problem
Learning difficulties affect students around the world, yet many still go misunderstood, unrecognized, or unsupported. Gaps in awareness, teacher knowledge, and access to appropriate identification can make it harder for students to receive the support they need.
89%
of teachers in an Indonesian study showed moderate-to-low knowledge of inclusive education for students with disabilities.
31.5%
believed dyslexia could be caused by poor diet, low muscle tone, or spinal problems.
85%
of testing specialists across 44 countries reported needing better disability-identification tools, with learning disabilities the top need.
77%
of educators across four countries reported misunderstanding dyscalculia.
Our Impact est. 2025
2000+ Booklets given out
20+ Schools impacted
Over 5000+ individuals impacted
5 Countries impacted
Understand
Make learning difficulties easier to understand through clear, evidence-based educational content and our Parent Booklet.
Recognize
Recognize
Help students, parents, and teachers identify possible signs through our practical guides and checklists.
Connect
Make support easier to access through our expert directory, community platform, and school partnerships.
Support
Provide practical strategies through seminars, workshops, outreach, and digital resources for students, families, and schools.
What We Do
The Synapse App
An app for parents to notice possible signs of learning difficulties through guided questions, find trusted professionals, and connect with other parents for support
Key information about learning difficulties
- Professional Directory
Online forum to share information and experiences
Symptomps Checklist
Synapse at the United Nations
New York City · July 2026
Synapse was represented during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, where we took part in official sessions and youth-focused events including the Goals Lounge and UN Science Day. We also joined interviews and discussions with youth leaders and civil-society representatives, sharing Synapse’s work on learning difficulties and inclusive education.
The experience helped connect Synapse’s local work with wider global conversations on education, mental health, innovation, and youth participation, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Awareness in Action
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Who Are We?
Synapse is a student-led non-profit organisation based in Indonesia.
Our Vision
“Bridging neuroscience and education to support learning-challenged youth, especially in underserved communities.”
2027 Goals
- Empower youth through inclusive learning so they can grow with confidence.
- Promote equal opportunities so every child can succeed.
- Break a stigma to unlock potential and build self-acceptance.
Download Our Resources!
Free download in Indonesian, Chinese, English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French!
Communication Tracker
Symptoms Checklist
Communication Tracker
Symptoms Checklist
Michael Vincent Junaidi
Message from the Founder
"My journey with Synapse started from something very personal: finding out that I had low working memory.
For a long time, I thought some of my struggles were my own fault, or that I simply needed to try harder. But after understanding my diagnosis, I realized that learning difficulties are not always visible from the outside, and many students may be struggling silently without knowing why. This made me think about students who do not have access to support, testing, or understanding. If someone like me, with access to education and opportunities, could still feel confused and misunderstood, then many students in underprivileged communities may be facing the same challenges without ever receiving help.
Through Synapse, I hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help parents, teachers, and students understand that learning differently does not mean being lazy or incapable. My personal goal is to continue studying the brain, learning, and behaviour through fields such as cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology. In the future, I hope to use that knowledge to help build better support systems for students who learn differently."
Background
Michael is a student with a strong interest in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and education. He attended Brown University’s Neuroscience of Learning and Memory summer program, studied AP Psychology, and has conducted research on how learning difficulties are perceived across different communities, especially in relation to stigma and awareness.
Michael has also gained exposure to science and healthcare through an internship at BRIN and by shadowing doctors in a hospital setting. These experiences helped him better understand the connection between biology, the brain, education, and real-world support for students. Beyond academics, he is also active in music, sports, and student-led community service.
Meet Our Team!
Discover the incredible individuals behind Synapse!
Michael Junaidi
Founder
Bryan Lee
Head of Singapore outreach
Kim Yeeun
Head of media
Kenneth Dharmawan
Head of content creation
Owen Sanjaya
Head of outreach
Dennison Lee
Head of media
Proudly Supporting
