Just as biodiversity refers to the variety of life and neurodiversity celebrates the diversity of minds, chromodiversity highlights the natural diversity in our DNA. We coined this term to help depathologize the language of genetics, fostering a more positive, inclusive view of genetic differences.
Founded by Elliot Polak, the father of a child with an extra X chromosome, the My XXY | Chromodiversity™ Foundation was established in 2020 to transform how the world understands and supports genetic and developmental differences. Elliot leads the Chromodiversity team, drawing on both personal experience and science-based expertise to help families thrive through innovative platforms such as eXtraordinarY eXperiences for eXtraordinarY Kids, the Chromodiversity Compass™, and the 47 Challenge.
Approximately 1 in 20 children have a DNA variation, and 1 in 5 experience developmental differences. Yet many families struggle to access the resources they need to navigate complex healthcare and educational systems. This can lead to delayed interventions, which negatively impact long-term outcomes. Additionally, stigma, outdated information, and a lack of awareness among medical and educational professionals often prevent children from receiving the care and support they deserve.
At Chromodiversity, our mission is to bridge these gaps by offering science-based tools and lived-experience mentorship to empower families. Our goal is to ensure that children with differences receive the timely and informed support they need to thrive while advancing understanding of their unique developmental paths.