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From film kits and lesson plans to the building blocks of a customized Learning Plan-texts, student tasks and teaching strategies-our resources will help you bring relevance, rigor and social emotional learning into your classroom-all for FREE.

Not sure where to begin? Get to know our Social Justice Standards, anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes divided into four domains-Identity, Diversity, Justice and Action. The Standards provide a common language and a road map for anti-bias education at every grade level.

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From film kits and lesson plans to the building blocks of a customized Learning Plan-texts, student tasks and teaching strategies-our resources will help you bring relevance, rigor and social emotional learning into your classroom-all for FREE.

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The UDL Guidelines are a tool used in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning, a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Learn more about the Universal Design for Learning framework from CAST. The UDL Guidelines can be used by educators, curriculum developers, researchers, parents, and anyone else who wants to implement the UDL framework in a learning environment. These guidelines offer a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.

Reenvisioning the UDL Guidelines

Because the UDL Guidelines are meant to be informed by feedback from the field as well as new research, they have been updated several times in the past. We are in the process of updating the Guidelines once again in our UDL Rising to Equity initiative.

This update will focus specifically on addressing systemic barriers that result in inequitable learning opportunities and outcomes. CAST aims to develop a transparent, inclusive, and community-driven process. If you are interested in collaborating and staying updated on our progress, we invite you to complete a brief survey.

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The UDL Guidelines are a tool used in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning, a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. Learn more about the Universal Design for Learning framework from CAST. The UDL Guidelines can be used by educators, curriculum developers, researchers, parents, and anyone else who wants to implement the UDL framework in a learning environment. These guidelines offer a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.

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Helping your kid become a future

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Homeschooling in 2024?

Dive into a world of learning with Math, English, and Science courses designed to support and enrich your homeschooling journey.

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Find the perfect academic resource for your kids. Try online classes and tutoring from Outschool's vetted 5-star teachers. No contracts or sales calls

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Mindfulness Practice Program | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

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Inner Explorer is a completely reliable mindfulness practice program. Get rid of anxiety and bring peace of mind with our 5-10 minutes audio practice.

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We are Understood.
We are the lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently. In the past year, we've helped more than 20 million people discover their potentials, take control of their lives, and stay on positive paths.

We support the 1 in 5 Americans who learn and think differently.

Learn more

We believe difference is our greatest strength.

Learn more

When we shape the world for difference, we all thrive.

Learn more

Discover what's possible when you're understood.

We'll email you our most helpful stories and resources.

We just launched our "Be the Reason" stigma campaign. Learn more here.

Helpful guidance from Understood

Essential resource spotlight

Are you wondering why your child is struggling?

We're here to help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Take N.O.T.E. (Notice. Observe. Talk. Engage.) is a simple step-by-step tool that can help you figure out if the struggles you're seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference.

"I have a hard time focusing, mostly in school. When I do my homework, I kind of feel stressed out because it feels like so much even though it's not too much."

Emperor Kaioyus, Grade 4

Copyright © Understood for All, Inc.

Understood is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax identification number 83-2365235). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice.

Use of this website is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Copyright © 2014-2023 Understood For All Inc.

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Understood - For Learning and Thinking Differences

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Understood.org is the resource that helps the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences anticipate the challenges, barriers, or opportunities in life and confidently reach their potential.

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Smithsonian

Learning Lab

Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories.

Collections by Grade

Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site.

Talk with Me!
Learn about your community and neighborhood. In this Toolkit, leaners explore different homes, shops, and people in your neighborhood and have fun with related activities.

Talk with Me Toolkits provide you with chances to talk with your children to improve thinking, vocabulary, and language development. Talking with your child is great-and research shows that the quality of words children hear matters more than how much you talk.

Talk with Me Toolkits give you ideas to begin conversations that are organized around a theme. The Toolkits feature videos, photographs, paintings, and artworks along with questions to talk about with your child. At the end of each toolkit there are more activities to do and books to read together. Go through this toolkit with your child and see how many topics there are to talk about!
This toolkit was adapted with a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Links to third-party websites and videos are included in this Toolkit for informational purposes only. They do not indicate the Smithsonian's endorsement, sponsorship of, or affiliation with the third party or content of the linked site, including any advertisements that might be posted.

Learn More

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

What inspires you? Get to know Alma Thomas, (b. Columbus, Georgia; lived and worked in Washington, DC, 1891-1978), an American artist and educator known for her signature painting style using bright colors and patterns inspired by nature. She became a full-time artist late in her life. Born in a time of horses and buggies, she lived through big advancements in technology, such as the space race and moon landing. Her art was inspired by the nature she saw outside her home studio, and awe for the exploration of our vast universe.
Get To Know Alma Thomas Use it in the classroom to teach:
is part of the Hirshhorn KIDS About the Artist series. About the Artist biographies are designed for kids under age 12. Modern and contemporary artists' lives reflect recent human history and events. Sharing these life stories and artworks can help kids see their own potential and better understand the world and their place in it. It is our goal to inspire future generations of artists, makers, and creative problem solvers-sharing artists stories is one way Hirshhorn KIDS realize this goal.
Art classroom: Color Theory, Pattern

Language Arts classroom: Biography

Social Studies classroom: 20th century

Learn More

National Museum of American History

In this playlist you will learn about how three of the first presidents shaped the executive branch of the United States government.

Start by clicking on the first tile in the upper left hand corner. Then move through the playlist by clicking on the ">" symbol at the bottom of the page. Look for the information and paperclip icons to provide more information about selected resources. There are 34 tiles in this collection.

Learn More

Educator Programs

Cultivating Learning is a professional development series where Smithsonian educators model teaching techniques for using digital museum resources to support student learning. This year's series celebrates America at 250. Programs are free and accessible to anyone.

Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 PM EST

Join Phoebe Sherman of the National Postal Museum to explore how postage stamps can be used in the classroom to encourage civic awareness and engagement. We'll examine how stamps can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of civics, American history, national identity, and commemoration by using thinking routines that focus on both subject matter and artistic design. You'll see how these approaches come to life with students and leave with classroom-ready resources and fresh ideas for incorporating postage stamps into your teaching practice.

Watch

Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 PM EST

Join Nyssa Buning of the National Museum of American History's Spark!Lab and Carol O'Donnell of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore strategies for cultivating an inventive mindset in your students. We'll discuss the history of STEAM innovation in America and try an open-ended invention challenge that uses object-based learning techniques to encourage creative problem solving and support curiosity and perseverance, skills essential to inventors throughout history. You'll leave with a set of facilitation tools to support students as they develop their own inventive identity and become future problem-solvers. You'll also receive access to a newly released e-book from the Smithsonian Science Education Center, STEAM Innovation: Celebrating Our Nation's 250 Years.

Register

Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 PM EST

As America turns 250 in 2026, young people are writing its next chapter. Join a group of educators who apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning to engage young people in civic dialogue tied to their communities.

Register

What will you find in the Smithsonian Learning Lab?

Resources

Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

Collections

Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

Resources

Millions of Smithsonian digital images, recordings, texts, and videos in history, art and culture, and the sciences

Collections

Thousands of examples of resources organized and structured for teaching and learning by educators and subject experts

Browse individual resources by type

Browse model collections on different topics

Tips

Tips

Create collections of resources to engage learners, or freely adapt ones already made by Learning Lab users like you.

Use Learning Lab tools to customize and enhance your collections.

Browse ready-to-use model collections by educational use

Browse ready-to-use model collections by learning strategy or theme

Tips

Tips

Subscribe to our Bright Ideas newsletter

To learn more about the Smithsonian Learning Lab and to read about strategies, approaches, new features, and more, subscribe to the Bright Ideas newsletter. We'll be sending out a new issue every few weeks.

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Smithsonian Learning Lab: Discover, Create, Share

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Smithsonian Learning Lab Discover the digital education platform that connects people to Smithsonian objects, resources, and stories. Explore some of our most popular Learning Lab Collections. Use them as a springboard to continue your exploration of the many collections available on the site. Talk with Me! Learn about your community and neighborhood.

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ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS - Encompass Community Supports

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Encompass Community Supports (formerly RRCS) aims to improve the quality of life by providing comprehensive services in five counties.

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The Center for Family Engagement | National PTA

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The Center for Family Engagement has a clear purpose: to embed transformative family engagement practices, programs and policies across the educational system so that every parent is treated as a valuable partner in their child’s education.

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211 connects you to expert, caring help. Every call is completely confidential.

What are you looking for today?

This phone call has given me more hope than I ever thought possible. I have been beaten down for so long and told that I could never be anything. Just talking with you meant even more than all the resources you gave me.

United Way of Central Maryland 211 Client

Referrals to help and resources were made by the 211 network in 2022.

If it were not for your help, I don't know what I would have done without food. It's been too dangerous to go out and I can't afford to be at risk.

211 Miami Client

Average increase in 211 call volume throughout 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

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Cleveland 211 Client

People call 211 for assistance with housing, homelessness, and utility bills every year.

Partner with Us

Whether you provide local services, operate a national non-profit, or represent a company that wants to help more people, 211 can help. Across the country, 211s are vital partners to hundreds of organizations, businesses, and government agencies.

Learn more about our work with partners like the Ad Council, IBM, Lyft, SingleCare, and join us today.

Not sure where to start? We can help. Call 211

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Get help paying bills, finding food, and locating other resources near you. Call 211 now for confidential help from a caring expert.

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Middle and high school teachers can take simple steps to help students feel confident of success in their studies as they begin to transition into adulthood.

Being an adolescent can be hard work. Adolescents face social, emotional, and hormonal changes, often with little or no guidance, and they're influenced by social media in both positive and negative ways. They're often unsure of what they're experiencing both mentally and physically. Sometimes they're afraid and confused. Some don't know how to "properly" express themselves, so they bottle their emotions, only to become overwhelmed. They're faced with the pressure of figuring out where they belong, or even if they belong.

As educators, we strive to support students to the best of our ability, a challenging task with tweens and teens, particularly for new teachers. How can we make the transitions of life smoother for our adolescent students?

What We Can We Do

Make a phone call to each student's parents or guardians to establish a rapport before the school year begins or very early in the year. Introduce yourself and the subject you'll be teaching, and give a little background information about yourself. Let them know how important education is to you and your plans to ensure that their child has a successful year.

Consider sending a postcard to each student during the first two weeks of school. Students love getting mail, and this is a way to connect with them. Include some encouraging words that will motivate them to succeed. This will make them eager to attend and engage in class.

Use an online platform such as ClassDojo to send positive messages and pictures to your students' parents. ClassDojo is a user-friendly and fun tool that allows you to stay connected with your students and build a quick rapport with families. It's great for posting class assignments, class announcements, and any other important information your students might need. Students can create characters and interact, and they can message teachers directly with any questions. This platform is also useful for highlighting students' birthdays, recognizing their achievements, and giving kudos.

We can give them a level of confidence. The classroom should be a safe haven where students feel comfortable no matter their level of proficiency. It's essential that educators build appropriate and trustworthy relationships with students, so that they'll develop a passion for learning.

Create an atmosphere that encourages students to express themselves in a respectful way. Some adolescents feel that no one has experienced what they're facing and that no one understands. Listen with positive ears and don't be judgmental; provide guidance. When students feel they are heard, they're more willing to accept corrections.

Set a positive tone when your students first meet you. Let them know that your classroom is their safe haven and that everyone is family. Encourage them to be kind to one another. Ensure that they know your classroom will always be a positive environment and that negativity isn't allowed. Promote respecting each other's opinions, differences, space, and privacy, so that students learn how to have healthy debates and build positive social skills.

Use entrance and exit tickets to find out what students know and what they may have trouble understanding. Students can complete them during the first and last 20 minutes of class. An exit ticket is a great way to identify where students are still struggling.

Model, model, model. At the beginning of the year, demonstrate what effective debates and ineffective communication look like.

Consider using discussion boards for some of your communication between students. Some students feel more confident writing their responses than speaking them.

Strategies That Foster Student Voice

Teaching Strategies That Can Help All Learners

Students can be at different learning levels or come from different communities and backgrounds. This diversity means that educators needs to be effective in helping each level of student to grow academically. Create small groups that include a mixture of all levels of learners, which allows students to learn from one another and gain leadership skills. Many students find it easier to understand concepts when their peers present them.

Using visual aids such as projectors, interactive whiteboards, and hands-on equipment can help students better understand the subject at hand. Sometimes listening is not enough-when you use visual examples, students can take notes and see the steps necessary to achieve the objective of the lesson.

Don't assume that your students come to you with a particular ability or skill. Model exactly what you want students to do, and provide examples.

Differentiate your lessons and activities to meet students exactly where they are.

Try to have visual, auditory, and kinesthetic portions to each lesson so that students can learn using multiple modalities.

Strategies to Help Learners Gain Mastery

As educators, we wear many hats, and many developing minds depend on us academically and personally. We not only educate students but also nurture them. We want our students to achieve their goals. Being an educator can be tough, but it's well worth it. There's a joy we feel when we've changed a student's life, even in some small way. The excitement we see in a student's eyes when they've mastered a new lesson warms our soul. Those long nights of planning and teaching will pay off in shaping minds and building confidence. We educate because we care.

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Supporting Tweens and Teens During a Challenging Life Stage

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Middle and high school teachers can take simple steps to help students feel confident of success in their studies as they begin to transition into adulthood. Being an adolescent can be hard work. Adolescents face social, emotional, and hormonal changes, often with little or no guidance, and they're influenced by social media in both positive and negative ways.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Learn about how the teen brain grows, matures, and adapts to the world.

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By: Brittany Allen, MD, FAAP & Helen Waterman, DO

Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes-to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world.

The many physical, sexual, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that happen during this time can bring anticipation and anxiety for both children and their families. Understanding what to expect at different stages can promote healthy development throughout adolescence and into early adulthood.

Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13)

During this stage, children often start to grow more quickly. They also begin notice other body changes, including hair growth under the arms and near the genitals, breast development in females and enlargement of the testicles in males. They usually start a year or two earlier in girls than boys, and it can be normal for some changes to start as early as age 8 for females and age 9 for males. Many girls may start their period at around age 12, on average 2-3 years after the onset of breast development.

These body changes can inspire curiosity and anxiety in some―especially if they do not know what to expect or what is normal. Some children may also question their gender identity at this time, and the onset of puberty can be a difficult time for transgender children.

Early adolescents have concrete, black-and-white thinking. Things are either right or wrong, great or terrible, without much room in between. It is normal at this stage for young people to center their thinking on themselves (called "egocentrism"). As part of this, preteens and early teens are often self-conscious about their appearance and feel as though they are always being judged by their peers.

Pre-teens feel an increased need for privacy. They may start to explore ways of being independent from their family. In this process, they may push boundaries and may react strongly if parents or guardians reinforce limits.

Middle Adolescence (Ages 14 to 17)

Physical changes from puberty continue during middle adolescence. Most males will have started their growth spurt, and puberty-related changes continue. They may have some voice cracking, for example, as their voices lower. Some develop acne. Physical changes may be nearly complete for females, and most girls now have regular periods.

At this age, many teens become interested in romantic and sexual relationships. They may question and explore their sexual identity―which may be stressful if they do not have support from peers, family, or community. Another typical way of exploring sex and sexuality for teens of all genders is self-stimulation, also called masturbation.

Many middle adolescents have more arguments with their parents as they struggle for more independence. They may spend less time with family and more time with friends. They are very concerned about their appearance, and peer pressure may peak at this age.

The brain continues to change and mature in this stage, but there are still many differences in how a normal middle adolescent thinks compared to an adult. Much of this is because the frontal lobes are the last areas of the brain to mature―development is not complete until a person is well into their 20s! The frontal lobes play a big role in coordinating complex decision making, impulse control, and being able to consider multiple options and consequences. Middle adolescents are more able to think abstractly and consider "the big picture," but they still may lack the ability to apply it in the moment. For example, in certain situations, kids in middle adolescence may find themselves thinking things like:

"I'm doing well enough in math and I really want to see this movie... one night of skipping studying won't matter."

Do I really have to wear a condom during sex if my girlfriend takes the pill?"

"Marijuana is legal now, so it can't be that bad."

While they may be able to walk through the logic of avoiding risks outside of these situations, strong emotions often continue to drive their decisions when impulses come into play.

Late Adolescents (18-21... and beyond!)

Late adolescents generally have completed physical development and grown to their full adult height. They usually have more impulse control by now and may be better able to gauge risks and rewards accurately. In comparison to middle adolescents, youth in late adolescence might find themselves thinking:

"While I do love Paul Rudd movies, I need to study for my final."

"I should wear a condom...even though my girlfriend is on birth control, that's not 100% in preventing pregnancy."

"Even though marijuana is legal, I'm worried about how it might affect my mood and work/school performance."

Teens entering early adulthood have a stronger sense of their own individuality now and can identify their own values. They may become more focused on the future and base decisions on their hopes and ideals. Friendships and romantic relationships become more stable. They become more emotionally and physically separated from their family. However, many reestablish an "adult" relationship with their parents, considering them more an equal from whom to ask advice and discuss mature topics with, rather than an authority figure.

Parents: How To Help Your Children Navigate Adolescence

Children and their parents often struggle with changing dynamics of family relationships during adolescence. But parents are still a critical support throughout this time.

Here are some things you can do:

Help your child anticipate changes in his or her body. Learn about puberty and explain what's ahead. Reassure them that physical changes and emerging sexuality is part of normal, healthy development. Leave room for questions and allow children to ask them at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician when needed!

Start early conversations about other important topics. Maintain open communication about healthy relationships, sex, sexuality, consent, and safety (such as how to prevent sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, and substance use). Starting these conversations during early adolescence will help build a good framework for discussions later.

Keep conversations with your child positive. Point out strengths. Celebrate successes.

Be supportive and set clear limits with high (but reasonable) expectations. Communicate clear, reasonable expectations for curfews, school engagement, media use, and behavior, for example. At the same time, gradually expanding opportunities for more independence over time as your child takes on responsibility. Youth with parents that aim for this balance have been shown to have lower rates of depression and drug use.

Discuss risky behaviors (such as sexual activity and substance use) and their consequences. Be sure to set a positive example yourself. This can help teens consider or rehearse decision-making ahead of time and prepare for when situations arise.

Honor independence and individuality. This is all part of moving into early adulthood. Always remind your child you are there to help when needed.

The adolescent years can feel like riding a roller coaster. By maintaining positive and respectful parent-child relationships during this period, your family can (try to) enjoy the ride!

Additional Information:

About Dr. Allen:

Brittany Allen, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatrician and provides specialty care to transgender and gender nonconforming youth. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She is a member of American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness and the Wisconsin Chapter.

About Dr. Waterman:

Helen Waterman, DO is a resident physician in pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. Within the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is a member of the Section on Pediatric Trainees and the Section on Osteopathic Pediatricians.

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Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It includes some big changes-to the body, and to the way a young person relates to the world. Learn about these different stages here.

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Center for Parent and Teen Communication

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The Center for Parent and Teen Communication is your guide through the journey of adolescence.

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Your gift helps provide mental health support to teens and young adults. Donate now through 11/28 and your gift will be matched, having 2x the impact.

JED's Mental Health Resource Center helps you manage your emotional health, cope with challenges, and support the people in your life.

Together, we're changing and saving lives.

The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today...and tomorrow.

Equipping Individuals

Research shows that building resiliency and life skills, promoting social connectedness, and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviors in teens and young adults supports their overall well-being, helps them thrive, and protects their emotional health, making it less likely they will fall into unhealthy behaviors. JED uses digital campaigns, the media, and partnerships to engage teens and young adults where they are and in a way they'll understand.

Explore JED's programs that reach millions of young people every year.

Strengthening Schools

For students, their school community is a critical part of their support network and emotional safety net. JED works directly with high schools, colleges, and universities representing millions of students to put systems, programs, and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills, and makes it more likely students will seek help and struggling students will be recognized, connected to mental health care, and supported.

Learn more about JED's programs for high schools and colleges.

Mobilizing Communities

Our mental health is impacted by the world around us. There are a range of factors that can influence the perspective, well-being, and behaviors of our teens and young adults including families, friends, media, and high-profile voices. JED partners with these communities to create a culture of caring, grounded in deeper understanding and reduced shame and secrecy, and to collaborate on amplifying their positive impact while minimizing potential harm.

Find out how JED is activating communities across the country and beyond.

Megan Thee Stallion Gets Real in New Seize the Awkward PSA "Check In On Your Friends"

Megan talks pressures to be strong, peer-to-peer support, & reminds fans "It's okay to not be okay.

JED's office will be closed this wk so our team can recharge their batteries & enjoy time w/ family & friends. You'll continue to see some activity on our page but our team will be offline.

#TakingABreak #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #JEDCares

Want to get updates? Sign up for our newsletter.

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The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today...and tomorrow.

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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

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NASP Practice Model

The NASP Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services, also known as the NASP Practice Model, represents NASP's official policy regarding the delivery of school psychological services. The model was updated as part of the NASP 2020 Professional Standards revision and builds on the success of the 2010 standards in advancing the comprehensive role of school psychologists across the country.

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National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

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The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports the profession of school psychology by advancing effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental ...

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A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners

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How can we help?

I want help with behaviors , learning , and everyday skills

We are Understood.
We are the lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently. In the past year, we've helped more than 20 million people discover their potentials, take control of their lives, and stay on positive paths.

We support the 1 in 5 Americans who learn and think differently.

Learn more

We believe difference is our greatest strength.

Learn more

When we shape the world for difference, we all thrive.

Learn more

Discover what's possible when you're understood.

We'll email you our most helpful stories and resources.

We just launched our "Be the Reason" stigma campaign. Learn more here.

Helpful guidance from Understood

Essential resource spotlight

Are you wondering why your child is struggling?

We're here to help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Take N.O.T.E. (Notice. Observe. Talk. Engage.) is a simple step-by-step tool that can help you figure out if the struggles you're seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference.

"I have a hard time focusing, mostly in school. When I do my homework, I kind of feel stressed out because it feels like so much even though it's not too much."

Emperor Kaioyus, Grade 4

Copyright © Understood for All, Inc.

Understood is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax identification number 83-2365235). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice.

Use of this website is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Copyright © 2014-2023 Understood For All Inc.

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Understood - For Learning and Thinking Differences

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Understood.org is the resource that helps the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences anticipate the challenges, barriers, or opportunities in life and confidently reach their potential.

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Child Care Aware of America is the nation's leading voice on child care issues. All families should have access to high-quality & affordable child care.

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Our mission is to drive science-based innovation that achieves breakthrough outcomes for children facing adversity.

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Advocate at the national level for the rights of families who have children with emotional, behavioral, mental health and

Develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families.

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION

The Federation provides the only national certification for a family/parent peer workforce, known as

Certified Family Peer Specialists™, to provide support to other families who have children

with emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges.

THE NATIONAL FAMILY SUPPORT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NFSTAC)

For technical assistance and training needs, please click the link below or email info@nfstac.org

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Join us in Chicago, Illinois for our annual conference in November!

Registration costs will increase on October 1st, so purchase your tickets soon!

Learn more about our theme, breakout sessions, and presenters from all over the country.

At the National Federation of Families, we believe that we must rediscover our capacity for lifting up all members of our society, no matter their lived experiences, challenges, or personal traumas. By focusing on peoples' potential - rather than their differences - we can begin to build stronger and more inclusive neighborhoods. We believe that true equity is the result of vibrant communities and responsive systems that promote self-reliance and interdependence and that celebrate diversity.

Adapted from Adler University (2023)

Recent Events

Webinar: The Role of Families in SAMHSA's Office of Recovery, February 2023

A SAMHSA-Sponsored webinar titled: "The Role of Families in SAMHSA's Office of Recovery" presented on behalf of SAMHSA's Office of Recovery with panelists, Paolo del Vecchio, Director, Dona Dmitrovic, Senior Advisor, Elizabeth Sweet, Public Health Advisor, and the National Federation of Families with moderator, Dr. Lynda Gargan, Executive Director.

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Recording

Presentation Slides

Webinar: Family Engagement Strategies for Clinicians, April 2023

A SAMHSA-Sponsored webinar titled: "Family Engagement Strategies for Clinicians: Natural Support Involvement in Recovery Orientated Care & Planning with Dr. Lynda Gargan, Executive Director of the National Federation of Families, and Janis Tondora, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine.

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Recording

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National Federation of Families, Family Voice, Family Peer Support

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A nationwide advocacy organization with families as it's sole focus, we support a network of Family Run Organizations that serve families of children with mental health needs across the country. We advocate at the national level to improve supports and services and provide resources for individuals and organizations.

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The Movement for Children’s Mental Health

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The Kids Mental Health Foundation is a nonprofit providing free resources to empower grown-ups with the skills to help children’s mental health before a crisis.

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Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children’s Lives.

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The Child Mind Institute is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.