For many parents and caregivers, raising a child with learning and thinking differences can be isolating. It’s hard when other people believe things about your family that just aren’t true — like that your child is “lazy” or “not smart,” or that you’re a bad parent. That makes it difficult to talk openly about neurodivergence and look for support. In fact, Understood.org’s Neurodiversity and Stigma Study found that more than 50 percent of parents with neurodivergent children are afraid to tell others about their child’s difference because of the associated biases. Add to that all kinds of information (and misinformation) on the internet, and figuring where to look for help and who to trust can feel overwhelming.

That’s why Understood.org created Wunder: a free, first-of-its-kind community app designed to help parents feel less alone, more supported, and more confident in navigating learning and thinking differences. Unlike other platforms or online resources, Wunder is a safe space for parents to gather tips and educational resources on learning and thinking differences, seek advice from experts, and share personal stories of triumph or frustration with other caregivers. Because that’s what being in an authentic community is all about. 

Whether parents are seeking immediate advice on how to talk to their child during a meltdown, or looking for resources on how to discuss their child’s learning and thinking difference during parent-teacher conferences, the Wunder app offers a personalized experience and gives caregivers the chance to: 

• Connect with other parents in topic-based or local groups: Join groups to connect with other parents and talk about ADHD, dyslexia, parenting, IEP and 504 plans, managing emotions, and more. Users can also join private groups based on their location or organizations they’re involved in, allowing them to have conversations and share resources related to their specific interests or needs. For example, caregivers in Chicago can join local groups based on their zip code to share information related to local school districts, referrals, and more.

• Access experts: Get advice from Understood.org experts who are specialists in fields related to neurodivergence, mental health, and more.

• Learn from a library of resources: Find a curated library of hundreds of resources, including articles, activities, podcasts, conversation starters, printable trackers, and more.

Angela Keck, one of Understood.org’s community managers, is inspired by the power of the Wunder community and its ability to help parents remain proactive in their child’s care.

“The best part of my job is witnessing a parent share what they’re struggling with, and having someone else who’s been in the same situation rally around them with advice,” said Keck. “Just knowing that someone else has walked a similar path to the one they’re on takes the feeling of loneliness and isolation away and boosts their confidence to keep moving forward.” To learn more about Wunder, visit https://www.understood.org/wunder/en, or download the app directly from the App Store. If your organization is interested in a private group or looking to partner around Wunder, email wunder@understood.org.