Resources

ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning, impacting learning, behavior, and social interactions. These resources provide information about diagnosis, treatment, and practical strategies for managing ADHD.

ADDitude Magazine

Link: https://www.additudemag.com

A trusted online resource providing practical advice, research updates, and personal stories about ADHD for children, teens, and adults. Offers free articles, videos, and tools for understanding ADHD symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies.

CHADD (ADHD)

Link: https://chadd.org

A national organization dedicated to ADHD awareness and support with evidence-based information on signs, diagnosis, treatment options, and educational accommodations. Connects families with local chapters, support groups, and professional resources.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): ADHD

Link: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

A federal research institute providing evidence-based information about ADHD, including research findings, treatment information, and resources for families. Offers access to the latest scientific understanding of ADHD and its management.

Autism

Autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and information processing. It is a spectrum, and autistic individuals have diverse strengths, abilities, and support needs. These resources offer information about autism, self-advocacy, and guidance for families.

Autism Science Foundation

Link: https://autismsciencefoundation.org

Funds autism research and provides educational resources grounded in scientific evidence about autism spectrum disorder. Offers detailed information about autism characteristics, early identification, and evidence-based interventions.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Link: https://autisticadvocacy.org

Founded and led by autistic people, this organization promotes the rights and inclusion of autistic individuals in all aspects of society. Provides resources, advocacy tools, and community support focused on neurodiversity and acceptance.

Different Brains

Link: https://differentbrains.org

Provides easy-to-understand, science-based information about neurodiversity and how neurodivergent individuals think, learn, and experience the world. Covers autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences with a strengths-based perspective.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Autism

Link: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd

A federal research institute providing evidence-based information about autism spectrum disorder, including research findings, treatment information, and resources for families. Offers access to the latest scientific understanding of autism.

Breathing

These resources provide information about breathing conditions, including asthma and other respiratory symptoms. They offer information on symptoms, management strategies, and when to seek medical care.

American Lung Association

Link: https://lung.org

A national nonprofit dedicated to lung health offering information about asthma, other lung conditions, and respiratory health. Provides resources on recognizing symptoms, managing conditions, and knowing when to seek emergency medical care.

MedlinePlus: Breathing Problems

Link: https://medlineplus.gov/breathingproblems.html

A free, authoritative health information resource from the National Library of Medicine. Offers plain-language explanations of breathing conditions, medications, treatments, and how to understand medical test results, all reviewed by health professionals.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma

A federal research institute providing evidence-based information about lung diseases and respiratory conditions. Offers educational resources, research findings, and practical guidance for managing breathing-related health issues.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It affects muscle coordination, posture, and balance, and results from damage to the developing brain. These resources provide information about cerebral palsy, accessing accommodations, and finding specialized support.

Cerebral Palsy Foundation

Link: https://yourcpf.org

Offers easy-to-understand information about cerebral palsy including diagnosis, treatment options, daily living tips, and quality-of-life resources. Provides support and connections for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families to improve outcomes and independence.

United Cerebral Palsy

Link: https://ucp.org

A national organization providing resources, advocacy, and support services for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Offers information on therapy options, equipment, education, employment, and community programs to help individuals reach their full potential.

Learning and Development

Learning and developmental differences affect how individuals process information, communicate, and learn. These resources offer guidance on understanding learning differences, accessing accommodations, and finding specialized support.

ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

Link: https://asha.org

A professional organization representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Use their directory to find certified specialists in your area if you have concerns about speech, language, or communication development.

Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)

Link: https://www.ldanatl.org/

The nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities since 1963, offering information, advocacy, and community through a network of state affiliates. Provides resources for parents, educators, students, and professionals on understanding learning disabilities, accessing accommodations, and navigating education and advocacy.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

Link: https://ncld.org

Provides comprehensive information about various learning disabilities and ADHD. Offers tools to understand learning differences, guidance on accessing support and accommodations, and resources to help navigate school systems and advocacy.

Mental Health

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. These resources provide information about mental health conditions, treatment options, crisis support, and connections to counselors and support groups.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Link: www.988lifeline.org
Call or text 988

A free, confidential 24/7 service providing immediate support during mental health, emotional, or substance use crises. Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors who can provide support for yourself or someone you’re concerned about.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Link: https://www.nami.org

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI operates across the nation, offering free support groups, educational programs, and advocacy resources for individuals with mental health conditions and their families, with services tailored to different communities and life stages.

Psychology Today Therapist Directory

Link: https://psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

A searchable database of licensed mental health professionals including therapists, psychologists, and counselors in your area. Filter by location, specialty, insurance, and treatment approach to find a professional who’s a good fit for your needs.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Link: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Phone: 1-800-662-4357

A free, confidential helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration available 24/7 to help you find mental health or substance use treatment and support services in your area. Referrals are always free and don’t require insurance.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth and NICU hospitalization can affect early development and health outcomes. These resources provide information about neonatal care, long-term health considerations, and emotional support for families.

American Academy of Pediatrics

Link: https://healthychildren.org

The official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, offering evidence-based guidance on child health and development. Includes specific sections on caring for premature infants and understanding developmental milestones for children born early.

Graham’s Foundation

Link: https://grahamsfoundation.org

Founded by parents of premature babies, this organization offers peer support, community connections, and resources specifically for families with children born prematurely. Connects families who understand the unique challenges of having a baby in the NICU.

Hand to Hold

Link: https://handtohold.org

Provides emotional and practical support for families during their NICU journey and beyond. Offers peer mentoring, educational resources, and connection to other families to help reduce feelings of isolation and fear.

March of Dimes

Link: https://marchofdimes.org

A leading nonprofit focused on improving the health of mothers and babies. Provides evidence-based information about premature birth, neonatal conditions, and emotional support for families navigating NICU experiences and long-term outcomes.

Physical Health

Physical health includes growth, development, fitness, and managing chronic conditions. These resources provide evidence-based information about measurements, screenings, nutrition, and common health concerns across childhood and adulthood.

AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

Link: https://ahrq.gov/patients-consumers

Offers patient-focused resources to help you navigate the healthcare system, understand medical diagnoses, and prepare for conversations with healthcare providers. Provides practical tools for asking questions and advocating for better care.

CDC Healthy Weight

Link: https://cdc.gov/healthyweight

Provides evidence-based information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about growth, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for children and adults. Includes tools to understand what measurements mean and how they change across different life stages.

MedlinePlus

Link: https://medlineplus.gov

A free, authoritative health information resource from the National Library of Medicine. Offers plain-language explanations of medical conditions, medications, treatments, and how to understand medical test results, all reviewed by health professionals.

MyHealthFinder

Link: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder

An interactive tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides personalized preventive care recommendations based on age, sex, and family history. Helps you understand which health screenings and services are appropriate for your child.

Nutrition.gov

Link: https://www.nutrition.gov/

A USDA-powered resource offering credible, science-based information about healthy eating choices across all life stages. Provides nutrition tips, recipes, and guidance on diet-related health conditions.

Transition to Adulthood

Transitioning to adulthood involves navigating healthcare, education, employment, housing, and independence. These resources support individuals with learning or developmental disabilities and their families through major life transitions.

The Arc

Link: https://thearc.org/

The Arc is a national organization with over 600 chapters throughout the country. It helps provide a community and facilitate access to supportive resources for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It has several different focus areas including advocacy, housing, travel, healthcare access, employment and planning for future changes, among other useful topics.

Got Transition

Link: https://www.gottransition.org/

This site provides resources for navigating the transition from pediatrics to adult medical care. It includes details about finding a new provider, making decisions about how, when, and with whom to share health information, and how to transfer health care records to new providers. It also outlines some helpful information about health insurance. It is also available in Spanish. Some areas to highlight in their resources page include relationships, sexual health, and pregnancy prevention, mental health and transition, employment, education, and independent living transitions.

Pacer Center

Link: https://www.pacer.org/

Pacer provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities including events, summer camps, and educational resources throughout childhood and young adulthood. Some helpful areas include information about housing, children’s mental health, transition and employment, and inclusive recreation groups.

Think College

Link: https://thinkcollege.net/

Think College is a helpful page for researching college-level education options for young people with intellectual disabilities and their families. It provides a state-level policy and activity breakdown as well as resources for supports while in school/in the application process. This would be great to look at if you want to get more involved with inclusive education policy or if you are in the process of finding the right post-secondary education option for yourself or your family member.