The organization, which helps 70 million people in the United States who are challenged with learning and thinking differences, launched an app that enables parents to connect with other caregivers and experts who can give them more knowledge and assistance regarding neurodiversity.
Understood.org is a backbone and a "lifelong guide" to 1 out of 5 Americans who learn and think differently as they may have ADHD or dyslexia. It is their goal that these people can discover their potential, can take control of their lives, and can stay on positive paths.
The organization launched a free and "first-of-its-kind" community app called Wunder by Understood®. It is an app designed for parents raising kids with learning and thinking differences. A "safe place" to engage with experts, find resources to lessen the overwhelming feeling of being alone, and encourage them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of their kids confidently.
Community is vital
Parents of neurodivergent children find it hard to acquire resources and start conversations not only with their children but even with their families, teachers, and community. This is due to stigmas and misconceptions about their unique journey.
Without resources to learn better about their children's situation and an outlet to discuss challenges, difficulties, and other emotions, parents can feel alone, uncertain, and worried, resulting in their children not being provided with the support they need.
In April 2022, Understood.Org interviewed 1,500 parents of kids with and without learning and thinking differences. Their study revealed that 55 percent of parents with neurodivergent children are afraid to tell others about their children's differences due to associated biases. Thus, this led them to create Wunder.
Co-president and chief product officer at Understood.org, Jenny Wu, explained that aside from stigmas and the feeling of being left out, these kids and parents are also battling ever-changing school routines, overwhelming challenges on mental health, and anxieties caused by news headlines. Thus, a community where parents can find a safe place to ask questions, open up, and hear other parents' difficulties and victories is more critical now than ever.
"Wunder will bring this community together in a way that's never been possible before - to help families anticipate and navigate the barriers and opportunities that come with neurodivergence, and to help their children thrive," Wu expressed.
Key features of the Wunder app
The Wunder community has been getting bigger since the app's beta testing began. Thousands of parents and caregivers of different ages and ethnicities nationwide have been gathering through this safe space to discuss topics, including ADHD, their kids' challenges with reading, writing, math, and homework, and the ins and outs of special education.
Understood.Org wanted to give parents and caregivers the "most personalized and accessible experience possible," and ensure that the app's key features satisfy their goal.
1. Topic-based and local groups
Parents can join various active and local groups that ensure a "judgment-free space."
2. Access to experts
Parents can ask for advice from experts and specialists in learning and thinking differences, mental health, and other fields that are helpful for them to understand their kids.
3. Resource library
Parents can access a library with hundreds of resources, which include articles, activities, podcasts, conversation starters, and printable trackers.
