Understanding Neurodiversity

Update from ACT for Youth | April 2026

ACT for Youth Resources

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New Youth Engagement Series!

ACT for Youth is launching a new series of publications called Welcoming ALL Youth. Welcoming ALL Youth brings attention to lesser-known stereotypes so adults can recognize preconceived notions and prejudices, helping to see the person in front of them through a lens of empathy and inherent potential.

Welcoming ALL Youth: Neurodivergence

ACT for Youth

WEBINAR

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

10:30-11:30 AM ET

Free - Open - Registration Required

Join ACT for Youth as we deep dive into ADHD and its various subtypes. Our presenter, Dr. Caroline Gillenson, is a postdoctoral fellow in pediatric psychology and integrated care at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Whether you're a caregiver navigating daily life or a professional looking to better support children and youth, this session is for you! Attendees will learn about what signs to look for, how to seek a diagnosis, evidence based treatments, and best practices.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal, natural emotion that everyone experiences. But it's important to recognize if it begins to impact everyday life. In this ACT for Youth Webinar, Dr. Corinne Catarozoli, who specializes in pediatric mental health at Well Cornell Medicine, breaks down what's typical, what's problematic, how to treat and support anxiety, and more!

Health Condition Spotlight - Anxiety

Research and Resources

STEPS for Youth

A science-based understanding of adolescent development can lead to the creation of policies and programs that more effectively help young people thrive. STEPS for Youth, curated at the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, supports bringing developmental science into policy and program design.

STEPS Check In

What Kids Need Most from Adults

"Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her."

Learn the four skills that help adults develop productive relationships with children.

Cornell University, Evidence-Based Living blog.

Blog Post

State-level Data for Understanding Child Welfare in the United States

This comprehensive child welfare resource provides state and national data on child maltreatment, foster care, kinship caregiving, permanency, and older youth in care. The data are essential to help policymakers understand how many children and youth come in contact with the child welfare system, and why. Data Visualization, Child Welfare, Child Trends.

View State Data

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Professional Development

It Takes Each of Us: Cultivating Developmental Relationships

Search Institute

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

May 4-5, 2026

12:00 - 1:30 PM CT each day

Empowering adults to strengthen relationships with youth by learning to use the Developmental Relationships Framework. Participants will develop their own individual approach by reflecting on their mindsets, actions, and growth areas, while also planning next steps to build developmental relationships within their specific context to promote youth thriving. 

Workshop Information & Registration

Strenthening Executive Functioning Skills and Building Independence in Children

ADDitude Magazine

WEBINAR

April 14, 2026

1:00 PM ET

Executive functioning skills - the brain-based internal skills that drive focus, planning, self-regulation, working memory, and follow-through - develop differently and often slowly in children with ADHD. This webinar will focus on actionable methods and strategies to help youth move toward long-term independence. Sign up and receive the free webinar replay link as well!

This newsletter was developed with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Perinatal, Reproductive, and Sexual Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the ACT for Youth and do not necessarily represent the views of the New York State Department of Health.