// research, policy & tools · by neurodivergent people, for neurodivergent adultsSerious research for mind[s] the systems weren't built for.
Neurodivergent Minds Inc. is a nationwide nonprofit. We produce scholarship that holds up in a courtroom, a clinic, or a congressional office, and we write it in language that respects your time.
/*tl;dr*A nonprofit, incorporated July 2026, run by a neurodivergent researcher.*Our research argues AI tools are legitimate disability accommodations under the ADA.*We wrote a model AI-oversight law and delivered it to four congressional offices.*We build free tools for ADHD adults at NerdyADHD.org.*Everything we publish is free to read.*/
// 01 researchThe tool is the bridge.
/*tl;dr*If you use AI to get through paperwork, meetings, and deadlines, you are not cheating. You are using an accommodation. Our research gives that claim academic weight.*/
FLAGSHIP · WORKING PAPERWhen the Tool Becomes the Bridge
Cognitive-Capital Mediation and AI as a cognitive accommodation
The CCM framework is a dual-pathway model in which AI functions as a cognitive prosthetic, converting a person's knowledge and relationships into actual participation in work, education, and daily life. It draws on Bourdieu's theory of capital, digital-accessibility scholarship, and a documented case study: the founder's own use of AI as executive-function scaffolding.
status: preparing for peer-reviewed submission · 2026Social capital, and who loses when it erodes
working papers · on requestStudies of trust and connection across institutions: how NerdyADHD.org builds trust inside the neurodivergent community, and how large technology companies and data centers affect the communities they enter.
AI as an ADA accommodation, not a luxury
active · NerdyADHD.orgDocumenting how neurodivergent people actually use these tools, why they need them, and why denying access to AI-assisted cognitive support can violate existing disability rights law.
Holding companies accountable
in developmentFormal research on confusing billing, subscription traps, misleading marketing, and low-quality diagnostic services, written so individuals, attorneys, and regulators can use it.
// 02 policyThe rules that should exist for AI. Written, then hand-delivered.
/*tl;dr*A new factory needs an environmental impact review. A new AI system affecting millions of people needs nothing. We wrote the review process, and a model law to require it.*/
The Civic AI Accountability Standard (CAAS) adapts the logic of environmental impact review to AI deployment. It is public domain: anyone can use, adapt, or cite it without restriction.
ACIRAlgorithmic Civic Impact ReviewPre-deployment. Seven areas of review, including effects on vulnerable populations.
CTIRCivic Technology Integrity ReviewPost-deployment. A tool for congressional staff, regulators, and attorneys to check whether a system does what was promised.
ACTCivic AI Accountability Act of 2026A model law. Free for any state or federal legislative office to introduce or adapt.
delivered_to:Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) · Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) · Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) · Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14)license:public domain
A ramp is an accommodation. A screen reader is an accommodation. An AI assistant that organizes your thoughts is one too.
// the argument underneath everything we do// 05 progressWhat has happened so far.
/*tl;dr*Incorporated in July. A live community site three weeks later. A working paper and a delivered policy packet by September. 501(c)(3) status is in progress.*/
- 2026-07-01ORGANIZATIONNeurodivergent Minds Inc. incorporated
- 2026-07-20COMMUNITYNerdyADHD.org launches as the flagship community hub
- 2026-08-01ORGANIZATIONFounding Board of Directors recruitment opens
- 2026-08-15RESEARCHCognitive-Capital Mediation working paper released
- 2026-09-01POLICYCAAS delivered to four congressional offices
All updates →// 06 get involvedHelp build it.
/*tl;dr*We need founding board members (2–4 hours a month, virtual is fine), volunteers, and partners. Online donations open soon.*/
Join the founding board
Expertise in disability rights law, behavioral health, nonprofit finance, community leadership, technology policy, or governance. Roughly 2–4 hours per month; virtual attendance available.
Send a statement of interest →Volunteer
Web, writing, design, social media, grant writing, legal research, outreach. Neurodivergent people especially encouraged; engagement is flexible and accommodating.
Tell us your skills →Partner
Research collaboration, co-publication, tool development, speaking engagements, referral networks.
Start a conversation →Stay informed
We send updates when something actually happens, not on a content calendar.
Built by a neurodivergent mind. Neurodivergent Minds Inc. was founded by a neurodivergent researcher and advocate who uses AI as documented cognitive scaffolding, bridging doctoral-level social science with the daily reality of ADHD. About the organization →