Resources
Do not use this website if you are in crisis. If you, your child, or someone you know is in crisis, call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or reach out to the following national services. You are never alone.
Resources:
Call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis line.
Text 741741 to reach a Crisis Text Line
Important info on neurodiversity
Estimates suggest that 15–20% of the world’s population is neurodiverse. This includes up to 10% of people who are diagnosed with dyslexia, 6% with dyspraxia, 5% with ADHD, and 1–2% with autism.
Neurodiversity is a concept that emphasizes the natural variation in human neurocognitive functioning and recognizes that different neurological conditions or brain differences are a normal and valuable part of human diversity. It advocates for accepting and respecting the wide range of neurological variations in individuals, rather than pathologizing or stigmatizing those with atypical neurocognitive profiles.
he term “neurodiversity” was originally coined in the context of autism advocacy to emphasize that autism is not a disorder to be cured but a unique neurological difference that contributes to the richness of human experiences. Over time, the concept of neurodiversity has expanded to include various neurological conditions and differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more.
Neurodiversity encompasses various neurological conditions, including but not limited to those listed below, which includes a description and key resource.
Condition characterized by challenges with social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Resource: Autism Society – https://www.autism-society.org/
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often impacting academic, occupational, and social functioning. Resource: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) – https://chadd.org/
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects mathematical abilities and number sense. Resource: Dyscalculia.org – https://www.dyscalculia.org/
Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability affecting handwriting and fine motor skills involved in writing. Resource: International Dyslexia Association (IDA) – https://dyslexiaida.org/
Dyslexia is a learning disability affecting reading, writing, and spelling skills. Resource: International Dyslexia Association (IDA) – https://dyslexiaida.org/
Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that impairs motor coordination and planning. Resource: Dyspraxia Foundation USA – https://dyspraxiafoundationusa.org/
Intellectual disabilities are a range of conditions characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Resource: The Arc – https://thearc.org/
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Resource: International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – https://iocdf.org/
PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals may experience flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Resource: National Center for PTSD – https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
SPD is a condition in which individuals struggle to process sensory information effectively, leading to sensory sensitivities or aversions. Resource: STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder – https://www.spdstar.org/
TS is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Resource: Tourette Association of America – https://tourette.org/
Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second pathway. For example, seeing colors when hearing music. Resource: American Synesthesia Association – http://www.synesthesia.info/
SNaP screens for Autism, ADHD, and Synesthesia.
Why we use the term condition and not disorder.
There is a longstanding debate about the terminology used to describe different neurodiverse conditions, namely autism. We use the term condition, rather than disorder, to describe autism and other neurodiverse conditions. This is because condition emphasizes difference while disorder implies that processes in cognition or biology are malfunctioning. We do however, recognize that there are features of autism, like difficulty in communication, which are considered a disability.
When describing mental health conditions, we use the term disorder, which is commonly used in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Important info on mental health
Mental health disorders, also known as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders, are a group of conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall mental well-being. These disorders can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in daily life, affecting relationships, work or school performance, and overall quality of life. Each disorder is typically grouped with other conditions. These groups include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders. Below are list of the disorders that SNaP screens for.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe calorie restriction leading to significant weight loss. Resource: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder marked by alternating episodes of depression and mania (elevated mood, increased energy, impulsive behavior). Resource: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) – https://www.dbsalliance.org/
BPD is a personality disorder characterized by unstable relationships, intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and an unstable self-image. Resource: National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (NEA-BPD) – https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. Resource: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) – https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
GAD is a chronic condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, often without a specific cause or trigger. Resource: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – https://adaa.org/
MDD is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Resource: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – https://www.nami.org/
NPD is a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Resource: The National Domestic Violence Hotline – https://www.thehotline.org/
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. Resource: International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – https://iocdf.org/
Panic disorder involves recurring and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden intense episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms. Resource: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – https://adaa.org/
PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Individuals may experience flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. National Center for PTSD – Website: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
SAD is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Resource: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – https://adaa.org/
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations and a persistent worry about being judged or humiliated by others. Resource: Social Anxiety Association – https://socialphobia.org/
Resources by country
If you are experiencing crisis currently, please seek immediate guidance. These resources are available for emergency help:
United States
911
+1 (800) 799-7233
+1 (800) 622-225
Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line
+1 (800) 622-2255
+1 (800) 366-8288
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
+1 (800) 422-4453
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
+1 (800) 273-8255
+1 (800) 784-2433
American Association of Poison Control Centers
+1 (800) 222-1222
National Crisis Line, Anorexia and Bulimia
+1 (800) 233-4357
+1 (888) 843-4564
+1 (866) 488-7386
+1 (800) 221-7044
+1 (877) 565-8860
Canada
911
+1 (888) 353-2273
+1 (877) 330-6366