Are you passionate about driving lasting impact in the field of learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia? Do you want to share your knowledge to create more inclusive environments and help break down the stigma surrounding neurodivergence? Do you have plans to speak at an upcoming conference? 

Understood.org’s Conference Speaker Award offers experts like you the financial support to bring your insights to a broader audience.

The Understood Conference Speaker Award provides recognition and a grant to conference presenters who align with our mission of shaping the world for difference. This award empowers speakers to share their knowledge, evidence-based practices, and research with individuals, families, educators, and other professionals across the U.S. 

It’s all in service of raising awareness of the challenges and strengths associated with learning and thinking differences.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for dedicated professionals with experience and leadership in neurodivergence. That includes educators, researchers, clinicians, physicians, and advocates. If your work focuses on evidence-based, scalable, and accessible approaches to helping people with learning and thinking differences thrive, we encourage you to apply. 

Eligible applicants include:

• Understood advocates and those with ties to our mission

• Conference presenters with topics that align with Understood’s mission and values

• Thought leaders and practitioners experienced in publications, research, organizational leadership, or direct impact within their communities

We prioritize presentations that are accessible, equitable, and focused on serving marginalized populations. While we also prioritize existing active members of the Understood Expert Network, applications are open to practitioners and researchers outside our immediate network. If your content reflects an inclusive approach and aims to raise awareness of the nuanced challenges that neurodivergent individuals experience, this award was created for you.

Please note that this award is contingent upon being accepted as a conference speaker. If your presentation has not yet been accepted, your application will not be considered for the grant.

Meet our past awardees

Our past awardees are dedicated champions of learning and thinking differences who are advancing inclusion and breaking down the stigma surrounding neurodivergence. Each awardee demonstrated a commitment to turning their knowledge into advocacy and their insights into action:

• Dr. Christina Cipriano presented a session titled “Promoting Inclusive Mindsets and Practices With SEL: Centering Students Who Learn and Think Differently in SEL Implementation” at the 2024 American Educational Research Association annual meeting (04/13/2024).

• Dr. Karen Wilson presented a session titled “Parenting Children With Learning Challenges: Strategies to Support Mental Health and Thrive Amidst Increasing Stressors” at the Black Education Expo (10/12/2024).

• Elizabeth Hamblet presented a session titled “Make Your Reports More Helpful for Your College-Bound Students” at the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD (11/14/2024).

• Tyra Bergstrom presented a session titled “Empowered to Address My Needs and Not Be Met With Shame” at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies conference (11/15/2024).

• Dr. Roberto Olivardia presented a session titled “We Got the Beat: The Impact of Music on ADHD” at the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD (11/16/2024).

Why apply?

• Financial support: Get up to $2,500 in funding for travel or presentation costs.

• Resources: Gain practical support tools and free expert-vetted resources to complement your presentation.

• Professional partnerships: Build valuable connections with Understood, opening doors to future collaborations that’ll drive meaningful change.

• Enhanced visibility: Amplify your voice by connecting with a broader audience through Understood’s social media channels using the program’s hashtag #BeUnderstood.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today!

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and we aim to review submissions within a month. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a wider audience, visit the Understood Conference Speaker Award page to apply. For any questions, please reach out to Chelsea Roldan, expert network senior manager, at croldan@understood.org.

Join us in empowering people to build confidence, find support, and overcome obstacles in navigating learning and thinking differences. Share your voice, inspire others, and drive change — apply for Understood’s Conference Speaker Award today!