From our team of researchers
Understood’s knowledge hub
Discover data-driven insights about learning differences and ADHD through research briefs, literature reviews, and user research studies conducted by the Understood team.
Research briefs
- About 7 million adult women have ADHD. But our health care system has too often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed them. A new study reveals how women are filling this support gap through podcasts.
- The LIONS team convened the Unstereotype Alliance, Understood, and the Shift 20 Initiative to share the latest research and guidance on authentically engaging people with disabilities in marketing and advertising.
- Women with ADHD use more coping strategies than women without ADHD, yet they still report worse mental health outcomes. New research reveals why, and what strategies actually work for women with ADHD.
- Neurodivergent consumers represent 31% of the U.S. population. Globally, they have $2 trillion in spending power. New data shows where they are and how to reach them.
- Understood combines cutting-edge research to provide insight into the needs of women with ADHD. Learn more about these needs and the additional barriers faced by BIPOC women and moms.
- Through interviews with parents at different stages, Understood uncovers the realities of IEPs, from the relief of getting one to the ongoing responsibility of making sure it works.
Quick insights
- A year after the executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, most parents are unaware of what has changed, and expectations about the impact on their children’s education remain high.
- Understood research reveals how women with ADHD engage with news — from emotional overwhelm and stress avoidance to a growing reliance on short-form platforms like TikTok.
- Understood.org’s evaluation of Through My Eyes demonstrates how storytelling can lead to understanding, empathy, and advocacy.
- Explore a few quick insights about how women with ADHD place a high value on podcasts compared to other forms of media as a source of health information and health literacy.
- Explore a few quick insights about how podcasts hosted by and for women with ADHD can shape health literacy, self-perception, and thriving.
- Understood research reveals parents’ mixed emotions and top concerns about the Department of Education’s potential closure — from funding fears to supports for kids with IEPs and 504 plans.
Join our research community
Learn how to take part in our studies or partner with us on our research. Email knowledge@understood.org so we can let you know about upcoming opportunities.
Quick polls
- For the third year, Understood surveyed U.S. adults to better understand neurodivergence in the workplace — exploring awareness, stigma, and accommodations. This year’s survey also looked at the growing role of AI at work.
- New research from Understood highlights the challenges that women with ADHD face in the winter, including navigating the holidays, New Year’s resolutions, and seasonal affective disorder.
- The annual survey by Understood highlights the challenges and opportunities that neurodivergent people face in the workplace related to awareness, stigma and support.
- President Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, leaving uncertainty about the impact on students with IEPs and 504 plans. Understood.org surveyed parents to gauge their reactions and concerns.
- New research from Understood finds that the holidays present unique challenges for neurodivergent adults — and the need for support during one of the most stressful times of the year.
- As children return to school, new research from Understood finds that nearly all parents with a child in school are stressed about back-to-school season.
Media inquiries
If you’re a member of the media and would like to interview an Understood researcher or a member of our leadership team, email media@understood.org with the details of your request. We’ll get back to you shortly.
Partner research
- GreatSchools, with support from Understood, conducted research to better understand how parents from low-income backgrounds with kids who learn and think differently navigate the school choice process.
- Learning Heroes, with support from Understood, conducted research on the experiences of educators, who often first identify learning differences in children, and created a “Learning and Thinking Differences Playbook.”
- Cultivando Mentes Brillantes is a culturally affirming, bilingual family engagement program co-designed by UnidosUS and Understood. This work is a significant milestone in bridging systemic gaps within Latino communities.
- Understood partnered with Pureprofile on research to understand neurodivergent Gen Zers in the workplace. See key insights about prevalence, preferences, and strengths in this population.
- In partnership with Understood, Kantar conducted a research deep dive into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. See new insights around the demographics, influence, and impact of neurodivergent Americans.
- Read a summary of the 2017 report by the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Learn about prevalence, school supports, and common challenges. The report also highlights ways to improve student outcomes.
Our knowledge team
Justine Bassman, MBA
Director, Insights and External Research, Understood
View bioleads Understood’s external research with nonprofit and for-profit partners, bringing commercial experience from a variety of brands. She has an MBA with a marketing focus.
Ann M. Bennett, PhD
Associate Director, Applied Research and Evaluation, Understood
View biois an experienced evaluator who leads Understood’s research and evaluation work, including determining the effectiveness of initiatives and their broader impact.
Sarah Greenberg, MA, MEd
Vice President, Expertise and Behavioral Health Innovation, Understood
View biois a licensed psychotherapist, leadership coach, and recognized leader in digital mental health and education technology.
Lauren Kim, MEd, MRes
Manager, Strategic Research, Understood
View bioconducts research to inform Understood’s business strategy. She leverages her background in developmental psychology and market research to drive insights.
Eleni Matheou, MBA
Associate Director, User Research, Understood
View bioleads user research for Understood. She helps Understood to center its work on the lived experiences and voices of people who learn and think differently.
Jennifer Spindler, MSEd, MPhil
Associate Director, Ecosystem, Understood
View bioleads the Ecosystem Research team, focusing on landscape and literature reviews that make Understood’s work relevant to the field.