At the I Am Able Foundation, our mission has always been fueled by the belief that storytelling is the most powerful tool we have to increase the visibility and acceptance of neurodiversity. Sometimes, those stories begin in the most modern of ways: a simple connection on social media.

Our partnership with Wes Woodson didn't start in a boardroom; it started online. When our Executive Director, Bari Levin, first connected with Wes through social media, there was an instant, mutual respect for each other’s work. Both were dedicated to the same goal: changing the narrative around mental health and neurodiversity to empower the next generation.

As an author, dynamic public speaker, and mental health advocate, Wes has dedicated his life to helping young people believe three essential words: "YOU ARE ENOUGH." His authentic vulnerability and impactful storytelling are exactly why our partnership is so crucial in advancing the I Am Able mission.

I was at the park recently and overheard a dad struggling to explain why another boy was wearing noise-canceling headphones. He whispered, "He just needs them, honey," and quickly changed the subject.

We’ve all been there. We want to be respectful, but we are often afraid of saying the wrong thing, so we end up saying nothing at all. But at the I Am Able Foundation, we’ve learned that NOTHING is exactly where stigma starts to grow. When we don't give kids the words to understand neurodiversity, they fill in the blanks themselves, often with labels like weird or difficult. The truth is that you don't need to be an expert on brain science to teach your child about empathy. It just requires a little bit of honesty and some really good analogies.

As of June 2025, proposed federal budget cuts are threatening critical mental health and special education services in schools. The consequences for our neurodiverse students are deeply concerning.

This is not just a policy shift. It is personal. As a lifelong special educator and now an advocate with the I Am Able Foundation, I am deeply alarmed by what these cuts will mean for the children, families, and educators.

Too many students are already struggling. More than 1 in 5 children lives with a learning or attention issue, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety. For them, school can feel overwhelming, confusing, or even isolating. Without access to mental health professionals and specialized support, these students are being asked to climb mountains without the tools to succeed.

These cuts will only make that climb steeper. And many students will stop trying.

At the I Am Able Foundation, we know that we all learn and live differently. Time can be one of our greatest challenges and, with the right tools, one of our strongest allies. Whether you're a student racing to finish homework, a parent juggling work and family responsibilities, or a professional navigating a busy day. Time management is not one-size-fits-all. And for our neurodiverse community, the typical strategies might not quite fit.

The good news? There are many ways to think about time. With the right support and strategies, you can create a system that works for you or your loved ones. Here are a few simple, powerful techniques that have helped the families, students, and adults we’ve worked with over the years.

Mighty Doodle, an innovative, AI-powered tutor designed to teach children aged 5-10 how to read, write, and spell. Mighty Doodle is a compassionately relentless tool that uses the science of reading to adapt to each child’s individual learning pace and style. What stood out to me was its focus on providing personalized, effective literacy support at an affordable cost—making it accessible to schools and families alike.

I’ll never forget the day I met Kenny Johnson. I was visiting a friend in Los Angeles, and was at The Grove, when I spotted him. Just a few days earlier, I had watched his emotional and powerful story on Understood.org, where he opened up about his struggles and triumphs with dyslexia. As a special education teacher, I was always searching for stories that can inspire my students—stories that let them know they aren’t alone in their challenges and that success is possible, no matter what hurdles they may face. Kenny’s story was exactly what I wanted to share with my students at the start of the school year.

The transition back to school can be challenging for any student, but for neurodiverse students, this period can present unique obstacles. Neurodiverse students, who may have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences, often require additional support to adapt to the structure and demands of the school environment. Here are some strategies to help neurodiverse students adjust to the school routine effectively.

In a world that thrives on diversity, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the multitude ways our minds can function. Neurodiversity, a term that encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, highlights the unique ways individuals perceive and interact with the world. However, despite the strengths and potential that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table, stigma remains a significant barrier. At the I Am Able Foundation, we believe in breaking down these barriers and fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.

In the journey of life, we all face challenges that shape who we are and how we navigate the world around us. For neurodivergent individuals—those whose neurological development differs from the norm—these challenges can manifest in unique ways, especially when it comes to tasks and responsibilities that others may find routine. Today, we explore the personal stories of neurodivergent individuals who courageously share their experiences of grappling with tasks and the impact it has had on their lives. Alongside each story, we offer strategies that have helped these individuals navigate their challenges.

Jewell Loyd is a name synonymous with excellence. A star shooting guard for the Seattle Storm, Loyd has dominated the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) court, racking up championships and accolades, and an Olympic Gold Medalist. But Jewell's journey extends far beyond the basketball court. She is a powerful advocate for dyslexia awareness and a role model for young people facing learning challenges.

The Jonathan Foundation address the needs of children with educational, emotional, and behavioral challenges through referral to professionals and organizations that provide advocacy, education, assessments and resources. To create a collaboration between families and school districts.

Dan Watt produced “Everybody Dance” the documentary. It will enlighten and shine a light on the importance of inclusion and accessibility, and how studying the arts leaves everyone with skills that help us in day to day life like discipline and focus.

Disability Self-Advocate/Special Education Consultant/ Public Speaker on Disability Services

Cory Singer - Singer/Songwriter/Autism Advocate

The I Am Able Foundation is a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of individuals with invisible differences through storytelling, empowerment groups, and the We All Learn Differently initiative. Our unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with invisible differences aligns perfectly with the essence of Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to celebrating the generosity that fuels positive change.

In today's diverse society, it is crucial to ensure that individuals with learning differences, whether children or adults, have the tools and support they need to improve their executive functioning skills. Executive functioning skills are essential for managing daily tasks, organizing thoughts, and achieving success in both personal and professional life. In this article, we will explore various strategies to help individuals with learning differences enhance their executive functioning skills.