Neurodiversity Education Research Center

What Neurodiversity Education Research Center does

NERC is an independent nonprofit research center founded in 2016 and headquartered at 515 E Grant St, #150, Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to improving access to quality education and workforce development for neurodivergent individuals. The organization operates as an integrated platform of programs rather than a single service, spanning Education Research, Research (including an NSF-funded Research Practice Partnership with Arizona State University), Mental Health, Workforce Development, Toolkits & Guides, and School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy. Its flagship is Science Prep Academy, a STEM-focused private 6th-12th grade microschool that serves as a validation site for NERC's research-based education model and has produced outcomes including NASA Neurodiversity Network internship placements and alumni enrollment at Grand Canyon University. Key research outputs include the Neurodiverse Educational Wearable Music Tech (NEWMT) and an Introduction to Computational Thinking Kit co-developed with ASU.

NERC's core technology and pedagogy centers on Telematic Embodied Learning (TEL) approaches enriched with computational media (video and sound), constructivist pedagogy, and neurodiverse teaching practices applied in computer science contexts. The organization serves multiple customer segments: neurodivergent K-12 students, children ages 5-12 with autism spectrum disorder (and their families) seeking ABA therapy, neurodivergent youth and adults pursuing workforce preparation, government agencies and universities seeking research and technical assistance, and foundations and businesses supporting neurodiversity initiatives. NERC's revenue model blends tax-deductible donations (including cryptocurrency via The Giving Block and peer-to-peer fundraising), foundation and federal grants (NSF, Arizona Community Foundation), insurance-billed ABA therapy services across multiple major carriers, and tuition associated with the Science Prep Academy microschool. The organization maintains a board with representation from Texas Tech University, University of Charleston, Teach For America, Cisco, Duke University, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and is led by CEO Dr. Robert Stenson.

NERC distributes services through direct delivery (Science Prep Academy, ABA Therapy program), digital self-serve channels (free online toolkits and guides covering ADHD, autism, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome), and community-led marketing across LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Constant Contact email. Key partnerships include Arizona State University (NSF CSforAll Research Practice Partnership, Award ID 2122924), Arizona Community Foundation (Neurodiversity STEM Transition to Work Program), East Valley Institute of Technology (vocational certifications), NASA Neurodiversity Network (internship pipeline), and Planetary Science Institute (mentorship). The organization does not disclose revenue, has not received disclosed venture capital, and has been recognized with a Charity Navigator transparency badge.

Name

Neurodiversity Education Research Center

Legal name

Neurodiversity Education Research Center

Website

https://neurodiversitycenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NERC is an independent nonprofit research center in Phoenix, Arizona that delivers education research, a STEM microschool (Science Prep Academy), neuro-affirming ABA therapy, workforce development, and mental health programs to neurodivergent K-12 students, young adults, and their families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Research and Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Charter College-Prep & Advanced Academics Schools (EDAJACAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

K–12 Core Curriculum Small-Group Tutoring Centers (Math/ELA/Science/Social Studies) (EDANAHAA)

Keywords

• Neurodiversity education
• Special education research
• Applied behavior analysis
• Workforce transition programs
• STEM microschool

Headquarters

HQ city

Arizona

HQ country

Mexico

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible gifts from individuals supporting neurodiversity education and workforce development programs. The organization accepts cryptocurrency donations via The Giving Block.
2. Grants: Funding from foundations such as Arizona Community Foundation and federal grants from National Science Foundation for specific programs like Neurodiversity STEM Transition to Work Program.
3. ABA Therapy Services: School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy services billed through insurance. Accepts multiple insurance providers including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Mercy Care, TRICARE, and others.
4. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Community members can join teams, create their own fundraising campaigns, or donate to support NERC programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NERC is an independent nonprofit research center that delivers education research, specialized K-12 instruction, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, and workforce development programs for neurodivergent individuals. Its flagship is Science Prep Academy, a STEM private microschool for grades 6-12, alongside a School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy program and applied research programs spanning mental health and workforce transition.

Product overview

NERC is an independent nonprofit research center (founded 2016) headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to improving access to quality education and workforce development for neurodivergent individuals. NERC operates as a platform of interconnected programs rather than a single product: its core programs span Education Research, Research (including the NSF-funded ASU RPP), Mental Health, Workforce Development, Toolkits & Guides, and School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy. Its flagship school is Science Prep Academy, a STEM private microschool that validates NERC's research-based education model. Key research outputs include the Neurodiverse Educational Wearable Music Tech (NEWMT) and Introduction to Computational Thinking Kit developed through the ASU partnership. NERC also maintains placement partnerships with businesses, foundations, and universities. The organization does not appear to offer a public API, product integrations with third-party software tools, or AI/ML capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Science Prep Academy NERC's flagship STEM private 6th-12th grade microschool that validates NERC's research-based education model, designed to support neurodivergent students transitioning into college and career through teaching and learning, vocational training, mental health, and adaptive recreation.
• School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy A NERC program for children ages 5-12 with autism spectrum disorder designed to increase school-readiness skills using Neuro-Affirming applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy with 1:1 therapist support, focusing on social, emotional, and executive functioning skills, led by licensed Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Billed through insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Mercy Care, and TRICARE.
• Education Research Program NERC's center for education research investigating teaching and learning strategies for neurodivergent students from preschool to post-doctorate levels, using primary data collection, assessments, interviews, surveys, and classroom observations to provide evidence-based information for government, private agencies, and organizations.
• Workforce Development Program A program advancing equitable employment opportunities for neurodivergent people through career exploration, preparation, and technical assistance that helps clients understand the impact of public and private policies and programs on education and workforce outcomes.
• Mental Health Program A program advancing mental health rights and effective support for neurodivergent individuals through research-based strategies addressing social interactions and settings, guided by value-based outcomes and focused on evidence-based practices for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Quantifiable outcome

• Science Prep Academy alumni successfully transitioning to higher education and employment
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• TouchPoint SolutionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2025Marketing partnership during Autism Acceptance Month 2025. TouchPoints offers 15% discount on purchases with 10% of sales donated to NERC to support research and educational initiatives. TouchPoints are patented wearable devices providing bilateral stimulation for emotional regulation.
• Arizona State University (ASU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021NERC and ASU partnered on a National Science Foundation-funded Research Practice Partnership (RPP) exploring computer science education at the intersection of disability and the arts. The three-year NSF Computer Science for All project utilized Telematic Embodied Learning approaches and neurodiverse pedagogies to build inclusive computational learning experiences.
• East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience Prep Academy has a partnership with EVIT offering students American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications, expanding vocational training opportunities.
• NASA Neurodiversity Network (N3)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience Prep Academy student Keagan Starks was selected for NASA's N3 Internship Program, pairing students with Subject Matter Experts from organizations like the Planetary Science Institute.
• Planetary Science InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Alexis Rodriguez, Senior Scientist at PSI in Tucson, AZ, served as Subject Matter Expert mentor for NASA's N3 internship program student.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): Nonprofit research organization funding applied autism research and disseminating findings to families and professionals, directly comparable to NERC's research-plus-dissemination mission focused on neurodivergent populations.
• AANE (Asperger/Autism Network): Nonprofit providing education, support, and community for neurodivergent individuals and families across the lifespan. Comparable to NERC's combined research, education, and community-engagement model in the neurodiversity space.
• Exceptional Minds: Nonprofit vocational program preparing autistic young adults for careers in animation, visual effects, and creative tech. Highly comparable to NERC's workforce development mission targeting autistic transition-age youth.
• The Autism Community in Action (TACA): National nonprofit supporting families affected by autism through education, resources, and community events. Comparable in its nonprofit education-and-family-support orientation, though more focused on medical/behavioral interventions than research.
• College Internship Program (CIP): Postsecondary transition program serving neurodiverse young adults with college, career, and independent-living support. Closely comparable to NERC's Science Prep Academy college/career transition mission and workforce development program.

Broad incumbents

• Autism Society of America: Largest national grassroots autism nonprofit providing education, advocacy, and resource dissemination. Comparable to NERC in serving families and educators of autistic individuals, but with substantially broader national reach and a more traditional advocacy focus.
• Autism Learning Partners: Multi-state ABA therapy provider serving children and young adults with autism. Comparable to NERC's School-Ready Neuro-Affirming ABA Therapy service, but operating at substantially greater clinical scale across multiple states.
• Autism Speaks: Largest autism-focused nonprofit in the U.S., funding research, advocacy, and family services. Operates at vastly greater scale than NERC and overlaps with NERC's research-funding and resource-dissemination activities, though with broader scope and a more traditional medical-model orientation.

Emerging players

• Different Brains: Nonprofit media and education platform producing content and resources for the neurodiversity community. Comparable to NERC's toolkits/guides mission and content-marketing approach, though focused on digital distribution rather than direct service.

Regional players

• Giant Steps: Private school and transition program serving neurodiverse students with educational, therapeutic, and vocational services. Comparable to Science Prep Academy in model, but operating in Canada and Illinois rather than Arizona.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nercenter
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1b7cZZ7ORXuUekrAxDL5MA/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/NEURODIVERSITYCTR
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nercenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/nercenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Neurodiversity Education Research Center