Neurodiversity

Resources & Articles

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity was coined in the 1990s to fight discrimination and stigma around people developing differently, learning differences or describing the difference in the ways people’s brains work. People perceive and respond to the world with their own strengths in a wide variety of ways. We now embrace a world where these differences and challenges can be both embraced and properly supported.

Celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity
GENERAL INFORMATION

Local Associations and Organizations

FachKind Logo

Fachstelle Kinderbetreuung

Tailor-made family supports with parent education and support.

All Special Kids Logo

LOCAL - ASK

LOCAL - ASK Online Parent Support Series, Special Needs Groups and Camps, Social Skills Group

ADHD

Elpos Schweiz

The ADHD organization elpos Switzerland provides unbiased and personal support for all questions related to ADHD. It assists children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, as well as their caregivers, with well-founded information, competent advice, and topic-specific events.

Elpos Regionale Fachstelle Zentralschweiz

Elpos's regional specialist and advisory center in Central Switzerland offers free advice on all topics related to ADHD at all stages of life – from the initial assessment to questions about professional life or partnerships.

Swiss Society for ADHD

The Swiss ADHD Professional Society (SFG ADHS) supports people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity/Hypoactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their environment through its non-profit activities by promoting collaboration and dialogue among various professionals and organizations, and informs a broad public, based on scientifically founded knowledge from ongoing research and clinical practice, about all aspects of ADHD.

Autism

Autismus Deutsche Schweiz

As a non-profit organization (NPO), ads represents people with autism and their environment. Its tasks include information and public relations work, organizing a variety of events and projects to improve the situation of those affected and their environment.

Stiftung Kind und Autismus

The advice center for children and young people as well as adults on the autism spectrum, their parents and families, specialists and institutions. It offers advice, coaching, social training, support and support in individual or group settings, tailored further training and early support.

Intellectual Disability

Swiss Society for Health in Intellectual Disability (SSHDI)

SSHDI is an association of professionals dedicated to the healthcare of people with intellectual developmental disorders.

International Associations and Organizations

ADHD

ADHD Federation
(Headquarters in Zurich)

The World Federation of ADHD brings together a professional community and their regional ADHD associations. The organization aims to disseminate education about ADHD and advocate for patients and their families by enabling world experts to teach clinicians, researchers and other ADHD stakeholders on how to use scientific facts and clinical wisdom to create better outcomes for people with ADHD.

ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)

The ADHD Coaches Organization is the worldwide professional membership organization for ADHD coaches, and we are committed to serving as a resource for ADHD coaches, for our members, and for the public.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

ADDA is a worldwide inclusive community of supportive ADHD adults who make it possible to thrive with ADHD. ADDA was created by adults with ADHD for adults with ADHD and is run by adults with ADHD. ADDA provides a welcoming and safe environment, delivers reliable information, encourages innovative approaches, and models ADHD best practices.

TADD Talk program

A riff on TED Talks, TADD Talks are shorter – 9 minutes (half the length of a TED Talk – because, you know, ADHD!)

Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

CHADD empowers people affected by ADHD by:

  • providing evidence-based information;
  • supporting individuals, their families, and professionals who assist them throughout their journeys; and
  • advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal rights.
  • ADDItude Magazine

    ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content that millions of readers trust and share. Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness.

    Giftedness and Twice-Exceptional (2E)

    National Association for Gifted Children

    NAGC is the US's leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to ensure all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.

    Twice-Exceptional Newsletter

    2eNews.com and Variations2e magazine are focused on providing the latest news, research, and perspectives around how to best support the needs of twice-exceptional population of learners. We provide readers with high-level information and perspectives about twice-exceptional education, covering a broad range of topics that are essential for all educators, parents, and industry professionals.

    SENG

    SENG is a non-profit network of people who guide gifted, talented, and twice-exceptional individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

    Autism and Highly Sensitive People

    Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE)

    AANE helps Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent people build meaningful, connected lives. The organization provides individuals, families, and professionals with education, community, and support in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

    Highly Sensitive People

    Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) syndrome refers to a personality trait characterized by increased sensitivity to external stimuli and deeper cognitive processing of emotional, social, and physical information. People with this trait tend to be more aware of subtleties in their surroundings, have a higher emotional reactivity, and may become easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. This sensitivity is not a disorder but a normal variation in the human temperament, and it affects a significant portion of the population. HSPs often possess a rich inner life, are deeply empathetic, and may require more downtime to process their experiences. For information, help and guidance visit Elaine Aron's page, https://hsperson.com

    Learning Disability

    International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations

    The International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations (IFDDA) is an umbrella association of international non-profit dyslexia and dyscalculia organizations that focus their efforts on providing help for dyslexic and dyscalculic people with free information and teaching aids.

    National Center for Learning Disabilities

    The organization is working to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities

    Learning Disabilities Association of America

    Through personalized and evidence-based programs, the organization provides tools, resources, and community, so individuals with learning disabilities can thrive, families can be supported, and those who work with individuals with LD can be well-informed.

    International Dyslexia Association

    The International Dyslexia Association, Inc. (IDA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charity, organized and operated to provide advocacy, resources and services to teaching professionals, advocates and individuals and families impacted by dyslexia and other related learning differences.

    Parents Education Network (PEN)

    Since 1974, the Parent Education Network (PEN) has empowered parents to learn a common-sense approach to parenting. PEN is a not-for-profit, charitable community service organization, offering essential programs to support the most important role of all - parenting. PEN is committed to helping parents and caregivers develop the tools needed to meet the challenges of parenting through a program that emphasizes encouragement, empowerment and mutual respect.

    The Dyslexia Association

    Since 1971 The Dyslexia Association have been providing specialist assessments, screening, tuition and training for children and adults with dyslexia, and more recently we have been providing services and support for everyone who identifies as neurodivergent.They are a collective of specialised teachers, educators and assessors with years of experience between us. Our head office is in Nottingham and we work across all areas of the UK.

    American Dyslexia Association

    Teachers, parents and experts have been working with the Attention Function Symptom Method successfully worldwide for 20 years.

    British Dyslexia Association

    The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.

    the Science of Math

    The Science of Math is a movement focused on using objective evidence about how students learn math in order to make educational decisions and to inform policy and practice.

    Science of Reading

    This website was created to organize information shared on the Facebook group Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College.. This knowledgeable community shares resources and experiences on the Science of Reading and implementation in schools and at home.

    Learning Ally

    Audiobooks for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities

    Academic Intervention Tools Chart

    NCII is housed at the American Institutes for Research and works in conjunction with many of the nation's most distinguished data-based individualization (DBI) experts.
    This tools chart presents information about academic intervention programs.

    Dyscalculia.org

    Dyscalculia.org is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing understanding and treatment of specific learning disabilities in mathematics, AKA dyscalculia. Dyscalculia.org aims to provide free public information about math learning disability: history, terminology, science, research, treatment, causes of innumeracy; best practices for diagnosis, treatment, teaching and learning; relevant laws, rules and protections; school, self and organizational advocacy; and access and accommodations across the academic lifespan.

    Dyscalculia Association

    The Dyscalculia Association is promoting understanding of Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties generally. They offer a variety of training courses to assist teachers on assessing dyscalculia, reporting on a diagnosis on dyscalculia and much more.

    GROUPS and SOCIAL SUPPORT

    C2 ADHD Community Meeting

    This monthly virtual meeting gives english-speaking people with ADHD living across Switzerland a chance to talk to one another about work, relationships, and symptom management. This group provides an opportunity to build new connections and get support for what it is like to be neurodivergent and living in a neurotypical world.

    Social Skills Training Online with UCLA PEERS Clinic

    PEERS Virtual Boot Camp covering the following topics:

  • Friendship skills
  • Dating etiquette
  • Conversational skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Handling bullying

    Also the PEERS® Certified Training Seminar is designed specifically for mental health professionals and educators interested in learning and/or implementing the PEERS® intervention into their clinical practice.

  • All Special Kids Logo

    LOCAL - ASK

    LOCAL - ASK Online Parent Support Series, Special Needs Groups and Camps, Social Skills Group

    Differently Wired

    Join Tilt Parenting’s unique membership program and get personal support, practical tools, and genuine community to help your life as a parent feel so much better

    Autismus Deutsche Schweiz

    As a non-profit organization (NPO), ads represents people with autism and their environment. Its tasks include information and public relations work, organizing a variety of events and projects to improve the situation of those affected and their environment.

    Wunder by Understood App

    The first free community app for parents of kids with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia

    WORKFORCE AND EMPLOYMENT

    Disability:IN

    Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Their network of over 500 corporations expands opportunities for people with disabilities across enterprises. Their central office and 25 Affiliates serve as the collective voice to effect change for people with disabilities in business.

    Swiss Legislation

    Summary of Legislation, Accessibility Requirements, and Employer Legal Requirements

    Neurodiverse Workplace Interventions per Industry

    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for 40 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.

    AutiCon

    AutiCon collaborates with clients who want to create a neurodiverse working environment by offering integration and technology solutions that benefit from their autistic experience.

    Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently

    Many entrepreneurs say that learning and thinking differently helped them thrive in business. Learn more about some of these creative entrepreneurs.

    Example of Neurodiverse Case Management and Vocational Training

    The Zug Education Network helps prevent youth unemployment. As a competence center with a wide range of offerings, the BildungsNetz Zug accompanies young people and young adults (including those with a variety of difficulties) who need support from the path to vocational training to successful completion or a follow-up solution.

    RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    International Neurodiversity Alliance

    The International Neurodiversity Alliance provides an international platform for neurodivergents, thought leaders, employers and all other stakeholders to collaborate on maximizing and empowering the abilities and impact of those who are neurodivergent.

    Swiss Disability and Development Consortium (SDDC)

    SDDC (Swiss Disability And Development Consortium) is a Swiss based network advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Swiss international cooperation.

    Autism Forum

    Our Autism Forum offers a popular platform on the topic of autism. We enable networking and exchange for professionals, institutions, decision-makers, individuals active in the field of autism, as well as those interested. The program covers a wide and current range of topics from early childhood to adulthood. As speakers, we are able to welcome nationally and internationally recognized experts.

    Autismus.ch Trainings

    As a non-profit organization (NPO), ads represents people with autism and their environment. Its tasks include information and public relations work, organizing a variety of events and projects to improve the situation of those affected and their environment.

    Elpos Specialist Resources

    The ADHD organization elpos Switzerland not only supports and advises people with ADHD but also the entire environment. On this page, you will find helpful tips and materials for dealing with ADHD in the educational, professional, and medical context. Also, browse through our events.

    Developing Equanimity in Digital Education

    Teaching and learning in the digital education space require a responsible approach to data and technology. educa supports education policy and administration with their expertise and they create the foundations for the digital education space.

    ARTICLES AND OTHER RESOURCES

    Articles

    How to Talk to Your Child about Neurodiversity

    When kids learn and think differently, it’s important to talk openly about differences. Talking shows them there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It also shows them you’re there to listen, and that you care.Find out what you can say, and when to say it..

    Summary of Swiss Development of Inclusion Model

    The integration of children and adolescents with special educational needs (SEN) into mainstream school and the development of an inclusive education system is gaining importance in Switzerland.

    Swiss Info: Swiss Education System Special Needs Schools and Education

    Switzerland has an inclusive educational approach for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. There’s also help for gifted kids and for those who don’t speak a local language.

    POS (Severe ADHD Disability Registration with IV)

    If a child suffers from POS, they are legally entitled to IV insurance benefits. POS is a so-called "birth defect" (GgV 404). POS must have been diagnosed and treated before the child's 9th birthday.

    Podcasts

    Tilt Parenting — a podcast about learning disabilities, parenting differently wired children, and more

    With more than 300 episodes and 6 million downloads, the Tilt Parenting Podcast is a top podcast about learning disabilities, special education, ADHD, autism, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and more.

    Mindfulness Practices for ADHD

    MindfullyADD is a membership website featuring attention training tools specifically designed for people with ADHD.

    In It

    Listen to the joys and frustrations of supporting kids who learn and think differently. Hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk with parents, caregivers, teachers, and sometimes kids, offering support and advice for and from people who struggle with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences.

    ADHD reWired Podcast

    ADHD reWired is the show designed for those of us who have really good intentions, but slightly wandering attention.
    Hosted by Eric Tivers, a seasoned psychotherapist who transitioned into coaching, the podcast provides a unique blend of professional insights and personal experiences.

    Websites with useful information

    Through your child’s eyes

    What does it feel like to learn and think differently? Watch these videos to see the world through your child’s eyes. Kids of different ages talk about how it feels to learn and think differently — and what helps them thrive.

    Child Mind Institute

    The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive.

    What Works Clearinghouse for Evidence-based educational interventions

    Search the WWC and access our Resources Page to find the information you need to make evidence-based decisions in your classrooms and schools.
    Also check out the Recommendations for Assisting Struggling Readers

    InfoAboutKids.org

    Clearinghouse of behavioural science by Consortium for Science-Based Information on Children, Youth and Families

    National Center on Intensive Interventions

    NCII is housed at the American Institutes for Research and works in conjunction with many of the nation's most distinguished data-based individualization (DBI) experts.
    The mission of the NCII is to build knowledge and capacity of state and local leaders, faculty and professional development providers, educators, and other stakeholders to support implementation of intensive intervention for students with severe and persistent learning and/or social, emotional, or behavioral needs using data-based individualization (DBI)

    Effective Child Therapy

    Evidence-based Approaches Mental Health Information for Parents, Caregivers, and Families Based on the Best Available Science
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