Understood.org

About Understood.org

Understood.org was launched in 2014 through a collaboration between 15 non-profit organisations (including the National Centre for Learning Disabilities, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and others) with support from major funders. It was designed from the ground up as a digital-first, parent-focused resource for understanding learning and thinking differences in children.

Understood.org has become one of the most-visited online resources for parents and educators navigating learning disabilities, ADHD, and related conditions. Its content is notable for its clarity, evidence basis, and deliberate avoidance of stigmatising language.

What they do

Understood.org creates and publishes content — articles, videos, tools, and podcasts — covering every aspect of learning and thinking differences, from initial identification of concerns through IEPs, school advocacy, and the transition to adulthood.

Content philosophy: Understood uses plain language, avoids clinical jargon, and centres parent and child perspectives. Content is reviewed by specialists but written for non-specialists. The organisation has invested significantly in content accessibility — including screen reader compatibility, plain language, and diverse representation.

Podcasts: Understood.org produces multiple podcasts, including "In It" (for parents of children with learning and thinking differences) and "Understood Explains" (breaking down specific topics).

"For Employers" and adult content: Understood increasingly serves adults with learning and thinking differences navigating the workplace.

Key programs and resources

• Understood.org article library: Thousands of articles on dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, auditory processing, executive function, and more
• IEP and 504 Plan guide: Step-by-step guidance for parents
• Find a Professional tool: Locating specialists by type and geography
• Understood Explains podcast: Accessible breakdowns of common topics
• In It podcast: For parents of kids with learning differences

Who they serve

Primarily parents and guardians of children with learning and thinking differences, ages 3 through young adulthood. Also educators, and increasingly adults who identify as having learning differences.

Why it matters

Understood.org has democratised access to high-quality information about learning differences. Before Understood.org, parents often had to navigate fragmented, jargon-heavy, or stigmatising resources. Understood's plain-language, evidence-based content has meaningfully improved how parents and educators understand and respond to learning differences.