Neurodivergent brains: autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, AuDHD, and more, process the world differently. This page is an introduction, a set of resources, and a list of organizations doing serious work that I’d like more people to support.
Neurodivergence describes brains that develop or function in ways that differ from what is statistically typical: including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, OCD, and others. The term was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s and is associated with the neurodiversity movement: the idea that these differences are part of the natural variation in human cognition, deserving of accommodation and respect rather than only treatment.
Neurodivergent people face real challenges, often made worse by environments designed for neurotypical brains. They also bring real strengths: pattern recognition, focus on areas of interest, divergent thinking, sensory acuity, deep empathy. The most useful question isn’t “how do we fix these brains?” but “how do we build classrooms, workplaces, and communities that work for the full range of how brains actually work?”
U.S. children identified with autism spectrum disorder, per the CDC’s 2023 ADDM report.
CDC ADDM Network, 2023of U.S. children aged 3–17 diagnosed with ADHD.
CDC, NHIS data 2022of the population estimated to have some form of dyslexia or learning differences.
International Dyslexia AssociationNeurodivergence isn’t rare. The likelihood that you, someone you love, or a classmate is neurodivergent is high. Most are undiagnosed.
Each of these is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations go directly to them and you receive a tax receipt automatically. I’ve picked organizations that are well-rated by independent watchdogs (Charity Navigator, GuideStar) and that center the voices of the communities they serve.
Founded 2006 · “Nothing about us without us.”
The leading autistic-led advocacy organization in the United States. ASAN works on policy, civil rights, and community programs that center autistic perspectives in decisions that affect autistic lives.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
National nonprofit serving the ADHD community since 1987. Provides education, advocacy, and family support, plus the National Resource Center on ADHD funded in cooperation with the CDC.
Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (formerly AANE: Asperger / Autism Network of New England)
Provides support, education, and community for autistic and neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, with a strong focus on adult and family programming.
IDA · founded 1949
Promotes literacy through research, education, and advocacy. Provides clinical guidelines and teacher-training standards used in schools and clinics worldwide.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The largest grassroots mental health organization in the US. Provides peer-led support, education, and a national HelpLine. Strong programming for teens and young adults.
100% of donations fund research grants
Funds the next generation of mental-health and neurodevelopmental research. Their funding model is unusual: 100% of public donations go directly to scientist grants.
Some of the most curious, capable, original-thinking people I know are neurodivergent. The world doesn’t always make space for the way they process it: and the world is poorer for it. NeuroCalm, one of my projects, was designed with autistic individuals in mind, but I think the underlying idea, that brains under strain deserve gentle, well-timed support rather than judgment, applies broadly.
If you have suggestions for organizations to add, resources I’ve missed, or experiences you’d like reflected better, please write to me.