Neurodiversity-affirming resources for ADHD, autism, and sensory processing

Resources

Want to learn more about neurodiversity, sensory processing, ADHD, or special education?

Check out some of my favorite resources below.

These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion on this list does not constitute a clinical endorsement. We encourage you to explore and evaluate resources based on your own needs and values. If you have a suggestion, reach out →

For everyone

General neurodiversity — understanding, lived experience & advocacy

These resources are relevant across ages and neurotypes — whether you're newly learning about neurodiversity, deepening your understanding, or looking for affirming perspectives on what it means to have a different kind of mind.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Autistic-led

A nonprofit run by and for autistic people. Advocates for the rights, inclusion, and self-determination of autistic individuals. Grounded in the disability rights movement and the principle of "nothing about us without us."

autisticadvocacy.org →

Neuroclastic

Autistic-led

An autistic-led platform featuring writing, art, and perspectives from autistic contributors worldwide. Deeply affirming, often challenging, and genuinely centering lived experience over clinical narrative.

neuroclastic.com →

Understood.org

All ages

Comprehensive, accessible resources for neurodivergent individuals and the people who support them. Covers learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, and more — with content for kids, teens, adults, and caregivers.

understood.org →

ADDitude Magazine

ADHD & LD

One of the most widely used ADHD resources for families and adults. Practical, evidence-informed articles on ADHD across the lifespan — including sensory processing, executive functioning, parenting, school, and relationships.

additudemag.com →

Parents & caregivers

Support, information & community for the people raising neurodivergent children

Parenting a neurodivergent child is meaningful work — and it can also be exhausting, isolating, and confusing, especially when systems aren't supporting you. These resources are for you.

CHADD

ADHD

Children and Adults with ADHD — one of the most established ADHD organizations in the US. Evidence-based information, local support groups, webinars, and a national conference. Covers ADHD in children, teens, and adults.

chadd.org →

Beautifully Complex (Podcast)

Parenting

Penny Williams' podcast for parents of neurodivergent children. Grounded, compassionate, and deeply neurodiversity-affirming. This is one we recommend to almost every parent we work with. The Behavior Revolution course also lives in this community.

parentingadhdandautism.com →

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Mental health

Support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Family Support Groups are free peer-led groups for caregivers. Resources for navigating diagnosis, treatment, and crisis.

nami.org →

Parent Training & Information Centers (PTI)

Special education

Federally funded centers in every state that provide free training and information to help families of children with disabilities participate effectively in their child's education. Arizona's PTI is Raising Special Kids.

Find your state's PTI →

Adults

For neurodivergent adults — including those diagnosed later in life

Neurodivergent adults — especially those who received a late diagnosis or no diagnosis at all — are often navigating systems that were never designed for them. These resources center adult experiences and practical support.

ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)

Adults · ADHD

Focused specifically on adults with ADHD. Resources on relationships, work, finances, and daily life — areas that are often overlooked in content focused on children. Virtual support groups and an annual conference.

add.org →

ADHD reWired (Podcast)

Adults · ADHD

Eric Tivers' podcast and coaching community for adults with ADHD. Practical, evidence-based, and deeply empathetic. Strong focus on executive functioning, productivity, and building sustainable systems that work with your brain.

adhdreWired.com →

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)

Adults · Autism

Autistic adults navigating identity, disclosure, advocacy, and daily life will find community and resources here. ASAN's publications on healthcare, employment, housing, and self-determination are especially valuable for newly-diagnosed adults.

autisticadvocacy.org →

JAN (Job Accommodation Network)

Workplace

Free, expert guidance on workplace accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you're navigating disclosure, requesting accommodations, or understanding your rights at work — JAN is an essential resource.

askjan.org →

Educators & professionals

For teachers, clinicians, and school teams supporting neurodivergent individuals

Understanding the neuroscience and practical strategies behind neurodiversity-affirming practice makes a real difference for the people you work with. These resources are designed for professionals who want to do better.

JAN (Job Accommodation Network)

Workplace

An invaluable resource for HR professionals, managers, and educators navigating disability accommodations. Searchable by diagnosis and job function, with specific accommodation ideas for ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, and more.

askjan.org →

SAMHSA

Mental health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers trauma-informed care resources, treatment locators, and evidence-based practice guidelines. Essential for clinicians and school mental health professionals.

samhsa.gov →

Understood.org — For Educators

Classroom

Practical classroom strategies, professional learning resources, and tools for supporting students with learning and attention differences. Especially useful for understanding how sensory processing and executive functioning affect school performance.

understood.org/for-educators →

CHADD — For Professionals

ADHD

CHADD's professional resources include continuing education, clinical guidelines, and research updates on ADHD. Useful for clinicians, educators, and school psychologists wanting evidence-based, up-to-date ADHD information.

chadd.org/for-professionals →

Special education & advocacy

Know your rights. Advocate with confidence.

Navigating IEPs, 504 plans, and special education law is a full-time job on top of everything else caregivers are managing. These resources help families understand the law, exercise their rights, and advocate effectively for their children.

Wrightslaw

Special ed law

The gold standard for special education law and advocacy. Covers IDEA, Section 504, the ADA, and IEP rights in plain language. The Yellow Pages for Kids directory helps families find local advocates and attorneys.

wrightslaw.com →

COPAA

Legal advocacy

The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. Connects families with special education attorneys and advocates, and provides training on IEP rights. If you're in a dispute with a school district, COPAA is where to start.

copaa.org →

Parent Training & Information Centers (PTI)

Free support

Federally funded centers in every state offering free IEP training, advocacy support, and guidance for families of children with disabilities. Arizona's PTI is Raising Special Kids — a tremendous free resource for Arizona families.

Raising Special Kids (AZ) →

CHADD — School & Learning

ADHD · School

CHADD's school resources cover 504 plans, IEPs, classroom accommodations, and working with teachers. Particularly helpful for families navigating ADHD in educational settings for the first time.

chadd.org/school-and-learning →

Mental health & wellness

Support for the mental health and nervous system needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families

Mental health challenges are disproportionately common among neurodivergent individuals — and among the caregivers and family members who support them. These resources cover a range of needs, from everyday wellness to crisis support.

SAMHSA

Mental health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. SAMHSA's treatment locator helps individuals find mental health and substance use services nationwide.

samhsa.gov · 1-800-662-4357 →

NAMI

Mental health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free education programs, peer support groups, and a helpline. NAMI Family-to-Family and NAMI Peer-to-Peer are highly regarded free education programs for those affected by mental illness.

nami.org · NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 →

Autistic Burnout — ASAN Resources

Burnout

ASAN and Neuroclastic both have significant resources on autistic burnout — a distinct and serious experience that differs from general burnout and is often misdiagnosed. Understanding burnout is critical for autistic adults and those who support them.

neuroclastic.com/autistic-burnout →

Polyvagal Institute (PVI)

Nervous system

The founding home of Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Polyvagal Theory explains how the autonomic nervous system shapes our capacity for safety, connection, and regulation — and is foundational to understanding sensory processing, trauma, and co-regulation. PVI offers a free learning library, courses, and community resources for individuals and professionals alike.

polyvagalinstitute.org →

If you or someone you love is in crisis

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 — available 24/7. Free and confidential. Also available via chat at 988lifeline.org. Specialized support for LGBTQ+ individuals and veterans.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 — free, confidential 24/7 crisis support via text. Accessible for people who find it difficult to talk on the phone.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Call 1-800-662-4357 — free, confidential, 24/7 information and treatment referrals for mental health and substance use.

NAMI Helpline

Call 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741741 — free Monday–Friday 10am–10pm ET. Information, support, and referrals for mental health concerns.

Content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health care. If you are working with a therapist or other mental health provider, please reach out to them directly.

Arizona-specific resources

Local support, advocacy & services for Arizona families

These organizations are based in or specifically serve Arizona. From disability rights legal advocacy to local autism support networks, Arizona has a growing ecosystem of resources worth knowing about. Serving neurodivergent families across the Phoenix metro area — including Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and beyond — these Arizona-based organizations offer local support, advocacy, and services.

Arizona Center for Disability Law

Legal advocacy

Arizona's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy organization. Free legal advocacy services for Arizonans with disabilities — including special education disputes, discrimination, abuse, and civil rights violations.

azdisabilitylaw.org →

The Arc of Arizona

Disability rights

Part of the national Arc network, focused on the rights, inclusion, and community living of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy, support services, and community connection throughout Arizona.

arcarizona.org →

Raising Special Kids (Arizona PTI)

Special education

Arizona's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. Free workshops, one-on-one support, and resources for Arizona families navigating special education, IEPs, 504 plans, and disability services. An essential resource for Arizona families.

raisingspecialkids.org →

SARRC

Phoenix · Research & support

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center is a Phoenix-based nonprofit offering diagnostic evaluations, family support services, community programs, and a free autism basics program for Arizona families new to a diagnosis. One of the most established autism-specific organizations in the state.

autismcenter.org →

NAMI Arizona

Mental health

Arizona's state chapter of NAMI — free support groups, education programs, and advocacy for Arizonans affected by mental illness. Local chapters throughout the state including Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and more.

namiaz.org →

Arizona Department of Education — ESA

ESA funding

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program for eligible students. Funds can be used for approved educational services including occupational therapy. Sensory Life Assessment & Wellness™ is an approved ESA vendor.

azed.gov/esa →

Autism Society of Greater Phoenix

Phoenix · Community

A Phoenix-based affiliate of the Autism Society of America — run by families, for families, with many board members who are neurodivergent themselves. Offers community support groups, a comprehensive 101 training series for navigating Arizona's systems of care, advocacy, and events across the Valley. 2024 Affiliate of the Year.

phxautism.org →

Developmental & Educational Psychological Services (DEPS)

Scottsdale · Diagnosis

A Scottsdale-based practice and a trusted local resource for families seeking comprehensive diagnostic assessments for autism, ADHD, and learning differences — from early childhood through adulthood.

depsassessment.com →

Books & podcasts

Recommended reading & listening

A short list of books and podcasts we regularly recommend. These are resources that have shifted how we think, how we practice, and how we talk about neurodivergence — and that we believe will do the same for the people who find them.

Books

Autism · Identity

Unmasking Autism

Devon Price, PhD

A compassionate, research-backed exploration of the hidden ways autism presents — especially in people who were missed, misdiagnosed, or told they were "too high-functioning" to need support. Validating for late-diagnosed adults and their families alike.

ADHD · All ages

ADHD 2.0

Edward Hallowell, MD & John Ratey, MD

An updated, science-based look at ADHD across the lifespan — from the brains behind the original Driven to Distraction. Covers new research on the default mode network, exercise, and what actually helps. Accessible and affirming.

Trauma · Nervous system

The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk, MD

A foundational text on how trauma is stored in the body and nervous system — and how healing happens through understanding that connection. Deeply relevant for neurodivergent individuals whose sensory and nervous system differences are often intertwined with trauma histories.

Sensory · Children

The Out-of-Sync Child

Carol Stock Kranowitz

A foundational resource for families trying to understand sensory processing differences in children. Written for parents and caregivers, it translates sensory processing research into practical, compassionate language. A classic that holds up.

Podcasts

Parenting · ADHD & Autism

Beautifully Complex

Penny Williams

Penny Williams is an advocate, author, and parent of a son with ADHD and autism. Her podcast is warm, honest, and deeply neurodiversity-affirming — and one of the resources that shaped this practice. A must-listen for any parent of a neurodivergent child.

Listen →
Adults · ADHD

ADHD reWired

Eric Tivers

A podcast and coaching community for adults with ADHD. Practical, grounded, and evidence-informed — with a genuine understanding of what it actually feels like to have an ADHD brain. Strong focus on executive functioning and building systems that stick.

Listen →
ADHD · Evidence-based

ADHD Experts Podcast

CHADD

CHADD's podcast features leading ADHD researchers, clinicians, and educators covering the latest evidence on ADHD diagnosis, treatment, parenting, school, and adult life. One of the most reliable sources of ADHD information available in podcast form.

Listen →
Autism · Neurodiversity

Uniquely Human

Dr. Barry Prizant & Dave Finch

Hosted by autism scholar Dr. Barry Prizant and autistic author Dave Finch, this podcast illuminates and celebrates autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders. Grounded in the same philosophy as Barry's landmark book — that autism is a unique way of being human, not a disorder to be fixed.

Listen →

Have a resource to suggest?

We're always looking to grow this list with high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming resources. If you know of something that belongs here, we'd love to hear about it.