By
Alycia O'Dell

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Impacting about 15-20% of the global population, neurodivergence is a variation in human brain function that affects how individuals think, learn, and interact with the world. And, while some people are born with conditions that contribute to neurodivergence, like autism spectrum disorder, others develop neurodivergence connected with acquired conditions like Alzheimer’s. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that support neurodivergent people?

The best charities that support neurodivergent people are The Arc and the Child Mind Institute. Organizations such as the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and Disability:IN encourage individuals to embrace their neurodivergence and maximize autonomy.

Whether you want to raise awareness about neurodivergence, advocate for support for neurodivergent people, or assist families impacted by neurodivergent conditions, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that support neurodivergent people are, how they work, and what your best way would be to contribute.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Support Neurodivergent People Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, transparency ratings, and achievements.

They operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some support neurodivergent people internationally.

Many of these charities focus on raising awareness of the struggles faced by some neurodivergent people, while others focus on celebrating neurodiversity. Some focus on providing direct support to neurodivergent individuals navigating employment, education, and relationships, while others focus on advocacy and policy change.

Some cater to specific neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Tourette syndrome, and Down syndrome. Others take a more holistic approach, focusing on the entire spectrum of conditions that contribute to neurodiversity.

Yet, they all share the same goal of supporting neurodivergent people.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Support Neurodivergent People in 2025

Below are our favorite charities that support neurodivergent people (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article, we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

The Arc: Respect, Dignity, and Inclusion

The Arc holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

We fight every day so no person with a disability gets left behind.”

The Arc

The Arc contributes to the dignity and pride of people with disabilities by protecting their human rights and ensuring they have the opportunity to live self-determined lives. For example, they advocate for policies that foster equality, like funding to improve special education programs and create handicap-accessible polling locations. As another example, they protect individuals navigating the criminal justice system by promoting safety, fairness, and justice for neurodivergent individuals, whether they are victims, witnesses, suspects, or defendants. And, they help companies become more inclusive through their Arc@Work consulting services.

Since their founding, The Arc has promoted disability pride by advocating for policies to enhance inclusion.For example, they were the first organization to fund research on intellectual and developmental disabilities and were instrumental in enacting social support programs for people with disabilities, like Medicaid and Medicare. As another example, in 2022, they supported the extension of the Money Follows The Person program to expand home and community-based services, which has helped over 100,000 people transition to less restrictive living environments.

You can donate to The Arc via their website. You can also support the organization by creating a fundraiser or participating in advocacy efforts.

Child Mind Institute: Neurodivergence in the Developing Brain

The Child Mind Institute holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Reaching struggling kids wherever they are.”

Child Mind Institute

The Child Mind Institute supports neurodivergent children through three key initiatives: care, education, and science. The Care initiative provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a diverse range of mental health and learning concerns. Under their Education initiative, projects like the Family Resource Center and School and Community Programs offer resources to families and communities to support neurodivergent children. Additionally, their Science initiative drives research into the causes of mental health and learning challenges in developing brains, guiding the adaptation of treatments based on scientific findings.

Since their founding, the Child Mind Institute has treated more than 15,300 patients, including neurodivergent children, across 45 countries, over 75% of whom received services for free or at a reduced cost. For example, their Healthy Brain Network has included more than 6,880 children and the data has been cited in more than 1,289 research articles. Furthermore, each month, up to 2 million parents and caregivers rely on childmind.org for credible information regarding their child’s mental health.

You can donate to the Child Mind Institute via their website. You can also register to participate in an event or support the charity by becoming a sponsor.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Lifting the Voice of the Autistic Community

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Nothing about us, without us!”

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network celebrates the autonomy of autistic individuals and the broader neurodivergent community through advocacy, education, and community. For example, their Policy Center contains advocacy resources, including Action Alerts for organizing urgent public responses, Policy Advocacy Toolkits, and reports and briefs, that explore significant social issues in-depth. As another example, their Autism Campus Inclusion Leadership Academy is a 2-week program that empowers autistic students to make their college campuses better for people with disabilities. Furthermore, they provide materials that promote autism and disability acceptance and pride, including their Welcome to the Autistic Community website.

Since their founding, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network has been at the forefront of the fight for respect, equality, and inclusion for autistic individuals and the broader disability community. For example, they first gained public notoriety in 2007 after their successful letter-writing protest against an ad campaign that compared an autism diagnosis to kidnapping. And, they continue to be a force in the development of policies that impact their community. For example, in 2023 alone, they supported the #StopTheShock campaign to end shock therapy, fought to redirect autism research funding, and made strides to end sub-minimum wages for disabled workers.

You can donate to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network via their website. You can also support the organization by volunteering or following their social media.

Disability:IN: Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Disability:IN holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We empower businesses to achieve disability inclusion and equality.”

Disability:IN

Disability:IN supports neurodivergent people by working to ensure they have the opportunity to pursue careers without fear of discrimination, bias, or inaccessibility. For example, their Early Career Talent Accelerator program provides customized and relevant professional development for people with disabilities across their career journeys. As another example, they empower disabled business owners through their Supplier Diversity program, which certifies disability-owned companies and links them to organizations looking to diversify their supply chains. Moreover, their Neurodiversity@Work Employer Roundtable gives business leaders the chance to explore neurodiversity-focused hiring initiatives.

Since their founding, Disability:IN has helped hundreds of businesses around the world remain committed to creating inclusive workplaces. To date, their community includes 524 Corporate Partners and they provide inclusion consulting to 140 companies across 66 countries. Furthermore, they have certified 675 Disability-Owned Business Enterprises to diversify the supply chain.

Disability:IN does not accept individual donations, but you can support the organization’s mission by connecting with your local affiliate, participating in an event, or joining a committee.

United Brain Association: A Legacy of Hope

The United Brain Association holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“No mind left behind.”

United Brain Association

The United Brain Association combats the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals by funding innovative research programs, providing educational resources, and fostering community support. For example, they empower neurodivergent people and their loved ones by providing Brain Resources on over 600 neurological and psychological issues and disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and depression through their website and social media platforms. Furthermore, they unite those living with neurological issues by encouraging them to share their Brain Stories, creating a sense of community and hope. They also raise money to fund innovative research into improving prevention, early detection, and treatment at top institutions across the US.

Since their founding, the United Brain Association has become a vital support resource for thousands of neurodivergent people and their families. For example, their community has grown to more than 7,500 people and they have published over 20 Brain Stories. Additionally, they have funded research at major institutions across the US, including research on Parkinson’s disease at Johns Hopkins Medical, Tourette syndrome at the University of Arizona, and PTSD at Yale School of Medicine.

You can donate to the United Brain Association via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by participating in their annual Toy Drive or purchasing branded merchandise.

Tourette Association of America: Awareness. Research. Support.

The Tourette Association of America holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We want to provide help and hope to those affected by Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, and associated conditions through awareness, research, and support.”

Tourette Association of America

The Tourette Association of America provides a wide range of support services to people impacted by Tourette Syndrome and associated neurodivergence. For example, they offer a national network of chapters and support groups that provide direct support to individuals and families. They also provide educational resources to increase awareness and understanding of Tourette Syndrome among educators, healthcare professionals, and the general public. Additionally, the organization funds research to advance scientific understanding and improve treatments for Tourette Syndrome. Furthermore, their advocacy efforts aim to influence public policy and ensure that the needs of the Tourette Syndrome and broader neurodivergent community are addressed.

Since their founding, the Tourette Association of America has awarded over $22 million to over 450 projects in 16 countries to increase awareness and understanding of neurodivergence disorders. They have also educated over 450,000 professionals, parents, and individuals on how to support those affected by Tourette syndrome. In addition, they have trained over 1,000 youth ambassadors to educate their peers, adults, and government officials on neurodivergent conditions.

You can donate directly to the Tourette Association of America through their website. You can also support them by attending a Team Tourette event to raise funds for the charity. In addition, you can volunteer or join their Young Professionals group.

National Down Syndrome Society: Driving Inclusion and Equity

The National Down Syndrome Society holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“[Ensuring] all individuals with Down syndrome are assured their human rights and valued by a more inclusive society.”

National Down Syndrome Society

The National Down Syndrome Society empowers people with Down syndrome by supporting their autonomy, promoting inclusion, and educating the public about the realities of living with the neurodivergent condition. They achieve this through Resources and Support, Advocacy and Policy, and Community Engagement. For example, their Employment Program and Education Program help individuals with Down syndrome achieve self-actualization by providing them with the support they need to succeed on their chosen path. Furthermore, they advocate for policies that benefit people with Down syndrome throughout their lifespan, including healthcare, education, employment, and economic self-sufficiency.

Since their founding, the National Down Syndrome Society has become the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down Syndrome. Their advocacy efforts have resulted in major legislative advances for the disabled community, including the 1999 Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, which laid the foundation for competitive employment for people with disabilities. As another example, the organization’s foremost legislative priority, the ABLE Act, was passed in 2014, protecting people with Down syndrome from losing benefits like Medicaid and supplemental security income. And, they advised Mattel on the creation of the first Barbie doll with Down syndrome in 2023. 

You can donate to the National Down Syndrome Society via their website. You can also support the organization by participating in the Buddy Walk Program, purchasing items from their Shop NDSS partners, or becoming a Down Syndrome Ambassador.

Alzheimer’s Association: Fighting Alzheimer’s-Induced Nerodivergence

The Alzheimer’s Association holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association supports people with acquired neurodivergence due to Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. For example, they are committed to advancing vital research toward improving treatment outcomes, enhancing prevention, and ultimately finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive resources on the disease, including tips for prevention and early detection, types of treatments available, and approaching memory care in others. And, they offer localized support services across America, including face-to-face support, community education programs, and a free 24/7 support helpline.

Since their founding, the Alzheimer’s Association has become the leading voluntary health organization in the care, support, and research for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and related neurodivergence. For example, by 2023, the organization had more than $405 million invested in 1,100 active projects in 56 countries across 6 continents. Moreover, in 2023, they provided care and support more than 6.5 million times via their website, care consultations, and support groups, and also answered over 200,000 calls and online chats to their 24/7 helpline.

You can donate to the Alzheimer’s Association via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by volunteering, attending an event, or joining their advocacy efforts.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: Funding Innovation in Neuroscience

The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Funding cutting-edge research to find cures for mental illness.”

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation supports those impacted by neurodivergence and mental illness, including children, teens, and young adults, by funding innovative research in neuroscience. They award grants to researchers that have undergone intensive review by their Scientific Council, an advisory board made up of world-renowned scientists representing every major discipline in brain and behavior research. In addition to research on typically adult-onset mental illnesses, like bipolar disorder and addiction, their research also includes mental illnesses that are commonly present in neurodivergent youth, like ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and childhood anxiety.

Since their founding, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded more than $450 million to fund more than 6,500 grants to over 5,400 scientists around the world. Their funding has directly contributed to some of the biggest breakthroughs in neurological and behavioral health, including the first fast-acting antidepressants, non-invasive brain stimulation, and computer-guided early diagnosis of mental illness.

You can donate to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation via their website. You can also get involved by sponsoring an event or creating your own fundraiser.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that support neurodivergent people. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to supporting neurodivergent people – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

• National Cancer Institute: Neurodiversity
• The Arc: Home
• Charity Navigator: The Arc
• GuideStar: The Arc
• The Arc: Education Policy and Advocacy
• The Arc: Civil Rights
• The Arc: Criminal Justice
• The Arc: Employment
• The Arc: Our History
• The Arc: 2022 Annual Report
• The Arc: Donate
• The Arc: Fundraise
• The Arc: Action Center
• The Child Mind Institute: About Us
• Charity Navigator: Child Mind Institute
• GuideStar: Child Mind Institute
• The Child Mind Institute: Care
• The Child Mind Institute: Education
• The Child Mind Institute: Resources
• The Child Mind Institute: School and Community
• The Child Mind Institute: The Center for the Developing Brain
• The Child Mind Institute: Healthy Brain Network
• The Child Mind Institute: Autism Center
• The Child Mind Institute: Our Impact
• The Child Mind Institute: 2021 Annual Report
• The Child Mind Institute: Donate
• The Child Mind Institute: Sponsorship
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Home
• Charity Navigator: Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• GuideStar: Autistic Self Advocacy Network
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Policy
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• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Toolkits
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Reports and Briefs
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Autism Campus Inclusion
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Welcome to Autism
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Who We Are
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: 2023 Annual Report
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Donate
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Volunteer
• Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Follow Us
• Disability:IN: Home
• US Department of Labor: Disability:IN
• Charity Navigator: Disability:IN
• Disability:IN: Early Career Talent Accelerator
• Disability:IN: Supplier Diversity
• Disability:IN: Neurodiversity at Work Roundtable
• Disability:IN: 2023 Impact Report
• Disability:IN: Affiliates
• Disability:IN: Events
• Disability:IN: Committees
• United Brain Association: Home
• Charity Navigator: United Brain Association
• GuideStar: United Brain Association
• United Brain Association: Brain Resources
• United Brain Association: Accomplishments
• United Brain Association: Brain Stories
• United Brain Association: About
• United Brain Association: Donate
• United Brain Association: Toy Drive
• United Brain Association: Shop
• Tourette Association of America: Home Page
• Charity Navigator: Tourette Association of America
• GuideStar: Tourette Association of America
• Tourette Association of America: Resources & Support
• Tourette Association of America: Research & Medical
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• Tourette Association of America: Donate
• Tourette Association of America: Team Tourette
• Tourette Association of America: Volunteer
• Tourette Association of America: Young Professionals Group
• National Down Syndrome Society: Home
• Charity Navigator: National Down Syndrome Society
• GuideStar: National Down Syndrome Society
• National Down Syndrome Society: Mission
• National Down Syndrome Society: Employment Program
• National Down Syndrome Society: Education Program
• National Down Syndrome Society: History
• National Down Syndrome Society: Buddy Walk Program
• National Down Syndrome Society: Shop NDSS
• National Down Syndrome Society: Advocate
• Alzheimer’s Association: Home
• Alzheimer’s Association: Our Impact
• Charity Navigator: Alzheimer’s Association
• GuideStar: Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s Association: Research
• Alzheimer’s Association: 10 Health Habits for Your Brain
• Alzheimer’s Association: 10 Signs of Dementia
• Alzheimer’s Association: Treatment
• Alzheimer’s Association: 10 Steps to Address Memory Care
• Alzheimer’s Association: Support
• Alzheimer’s Association: 2023 Annual Report
• Alzheimer’s Association: Donate
• Alzheimer’s Association: Volunteer
• Alzheimer’s Association: Events
• Alzheimer’s Association: Advocate
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Home
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: About Us
• Charity Navigator: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
• GuideStar: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Scientific Council
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Bipolar Disorder
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Addiction
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: ADHD
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Autism
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Anxiety
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Donate
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Team Up
• Brain and Behavior Research Foundation: Sponsorship