Awareness Month: Supporting kids who learn and think differently

When it comes to learning and thinking differences, there’s more awareness now than ever. But some people still doubt that these differences are real. As a result, lots of kids who learn and think differently go unnoticed. They don’t get the help they need.

That’s why it’s important to help people understand learning and thinking differences like dyslexia and ADHD. This Awareness Month, help us spread the word.

1. Hear real stories.

Sometimes kids who learn and think differently feel alone, like they’re the only ones who are struggling. They need a mentor who understands their experience — someone who inspires them.

That’s why we brought together people who are thriving in their fields and their young fans. The fans got to interview them about their shared learning and thinking differences. It led to some magical moments.

Watch as film director Steve McQueen meets two aspiring filmmakers:

See (and share) similar videos featuring:

• Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles
• NFL player Garett Bolles
• Astronaut Scott Kelly
• Actor Bex Taylor-Klaus
• CEO Ari Emanuel
• WWE wrestler Diamond Dallas Page

2. Understand the basics.

Awareness begins with knowing the basics. Whether you’re new to learning and thinking differences or want to inform others, you can get started with our fact sheets. Share these one-pagers on ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia.

Awareness comes from more than just the facts, though. It also comes from the insights of people who experience learning and thinking differences every day. Hear from moms and dads on what they wish they’d known sooner about raising kids who learn and think differently:

• 8 things to know about parenting a child with ADHD
• 7 things to know about parenting a child with dyslexia
• 8 things to know about parenting a child with dyscalculia

And see a day in the life of kids who learn and think differently: a child with ADHD, a child with dyslexia, and a child with dyscalculia.

You can also connect with other families in the Understood Community.

Understood thanks the American Academy of Pediatrics for helping to raise awareness about learning and thinking differences during Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and ADHD Awareness Month.