For some parents, building independence in kids with learning and thinking differences might feel overwhelming. But it’s an important part of kids’ growth. Because when kids learn to do things on their own, they begin to feel more confident.

Listen as Julian explains how learning and thinking differences can impact kids’ ability to build independence. Learn why teaching kids how to navigate the world with confidence is key. And get tips on how to teach independence at home.   

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Related resources

• 5 ways to help tweens and teens be independent learners
• Let Grow

Timestamps

(01:13) Why is independence important?

(06:18) What is a growth mindset?

(06:56) Why parents should praise kids’ efforts

(11:01) Ways to teach kids independence at home

(14:15) How Julian teaches his children independence

(16:39) Tips for parents 

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Going back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents. But for some kids, it can also be full of stress and uncertainty. Especially if the previous school year had its share of ups and downs. 

Maybe your child had a tough time in math class? Or maybe making friends was a challenge? Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains how parents can get kids ready for the new school year with confidence. Hear why it’s important for parents and kids to reflect on the previous year. And learn ways to help kids manage challenges in the classroom. 

We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.  

Related resources

• Back-to-school making you and your child anxious? These strategies can help
• What to say when your child doesn’t want to go to school
• Julian’s book recommendation: The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

Timestamps

(00:47) Why is it important for parents and kids to talk about school?

(02:37) Questions to ask your child about school

(09:00) How to handle challenges in the classroom with confidence  

(12:16) “The Magical Yet”

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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ADHD has gotten a lot of attention on social media lately. From videos about personal experiences to experts sharing tips, some posts hold truth, but many are misleading.    

In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, we take a closer look at the influence social media has on toxic myths about ADHD. Listen as Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist, explains:

• The dangers of myths and misinformation
• How myths lead to increasing stigma and shame
• Ways parents can do their part in debunking these myths

Related resources:

• 8 common myths about ADHD
• 10 special education myths you may hear

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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René Brooks was diagnosed with ADHD twice during her childhood. But stigma and shame kept her family from learning more and getting her the right support. So when she was diagnosed with ADHD for a third time at age 25, she decided to take control of her own journey. 

In this episode, René unpacks her experiences growing up with ADHD. Listen as she explains:  

• The impact of delayed intervention
• What she wishes the adults in her life did differently
• And why it’s important to build support systems for kids with ADHD

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• René Brooks’ podcast: Life With Lost Keys
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Masking ADHD symptoms to go above and beyond (René Brooks’ story)

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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It’s common for parents to wonder how the IEP process works and how to best advocate for their child’s needs. The truth is, the more parents know about IEPs and how they’re put into place, the more active a role they can take in the process.

In this episode, Julian speaks with IEP expert Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd. Listen as Jamilah explains:  

• What the IEP process looks like
• Common challenges families of color often experience when advocating for their child
• And ways schools and families can build positive relationships

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• What is an IEP?
• Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd, The IEP Coach LLC
• Master the IEP Course by Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd
• How to get an IEP

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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If your child is struggling at school or at home, you may be wondering whether or not it’s related to a learning difference. Talking with your child’s pediatrician can be a good first step to getting support. But how do you start the talk?  

Listen as behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nerissa Bauer visits our friends at In It and gives tips for talking with your child’s pediatrician about learning differences like ADHD and more.

Visit the In It episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• 5 steps to work with your pediatrician when your child is struggling
• How to organize your child’s IEP binder
• Learning disabilities and ADHD: Resources for patient education
• Take N.O.T.E.: Are you wondering why your child is struggling?
• Check out Dr. Nerissa’s website, Let’s Talk Kids Health 

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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In celebration of Black History Month, Julian highlights four members of the Understood team:  

• Berman Fenelus, Senior Content Producer
• Livingston Steele, Social Media Manager
• Misha Williams, Grants and Relationships Manager
• Deb Wilson, Chief People & Culture Officer

Each of them is making an impact in the lives of people with learning and thinking differences, from silencing shame and stigma to promoting inclusion. Learn the reasons why they choose to do this work.  

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Black History Month: Celebrating Lois, Solange, and Octavia
• Wisdom for families from LeDerick Horne, poet with dyslexia
• To be Black in America with a learning disability

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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For kids with learning and thinking differences, preparing for life after high school is often met with many emotions and questions.  “What’s next for me?” “Will I have the same accommodations?” “Will I be successful in my studies?”  

In this episode, Julian talks with Sudi Shayesteh. Sudi is the director of the Office of AccessABILITY at Hunter College. Learn about the challenges students face when transitioning out of high school. And get tips on how to team up with the school to better prepare students for this transition.

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• After high school: Different ways to thrive 
• 7 things to know about college disability services 
• Life after high school: Tips to get your child ready

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Some kids love talking about school. But some don’t— especially when something is upsetting them, like bullying or struggling with a specific subject. If your child is a bit quiet about how things are going in school, there are ways to encourage them to open up more.  

In this episode, learn some key things to keep in mind. Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains:  

• Ways to ask kids open-ended questions
• How to be vulnerable with kids
• And why knowing when to stop asking questions can make all the difference

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• How to get your child to talk about school
• Get tips on how to respond when your child is frustrated about school

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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The school-to-prison pipeline has been hidden in the shadows of our educational systems for way too long. It’s a series of policies that have targeted kids of color, pulling them out of schools and into the legal system. And now, more than ever, it requires our fight to end.

Listen as Malhar Shah, an education attorney at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund explains:  

• The school-to-prison pipeline
• How it impacts school discipline and special education laws
• And the role teachers and parents can play in dismantling it

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
• Find the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in your state or territory
• Find the Protection and Advocacy agency (P&A) in your state or territory
• Helping Traumatized Children Learn

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Tantrums and meltdowns are challenges all parents face. But for families of kids who learn and think differently, they can be even more of a struggle.

Listen as Dr. Andrew Kahn gives expert advice on how to deal with tantrums and meltdowns with our friends at the In It podcast. Learn how practicing strategies ahead of time can help you manage outbursts in the moment.  And find out what calming techniques can help.  

Visit the In It episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns
• 5 tips for taking a mutual time-out with your child
• Check out Understood’s guide to tantrums and meltdowns

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. But they can also be the most stressful for families with kids who learn differently. That’s because, for some, the holidays mean telling relatives about their child’s learning differences for the very first time.  

Sometimes, this talk goes smoothly — other times, there are a few bumps in the road. In this episode, listen as Julian explains:  

• Steps parents should take to prepare for the talk
• Why parents should avoid using technical terms when telling relatives
• And the importance of setting boundaries

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Related resources

• 8 tips for telling family members about your child’s challenges
• Download: Tips on how to tell family members
• In It: Holiday survival guide 

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills. And to keep old ones from getting rusty. But how so?

In this episode, Julian shares how to prevent the “summer slide.” And gives tips on how to create moments for learning.

Related resources

• Stopping “summer slide”
• Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive
• Summer learning programs for kids who learn and think differently

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap podcast page at Understood.org.

We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Wondering how to make the most of parent-teacher conferences? Planning ahead can help you walk into the next meeting with confidence.

In this episode from our friends at In It, get advice on how to prepare for parent-teacher conferences from DeJunne’ Clark Jackson. Hear how DeJunne’ prepares herself — and her kids — for parent-teacher conferences. Plus, get tips on how to help your child talk with you about school.

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

• 3 ways I engage my child in parent-teacher conferences
• 9 tips to make the most of your parent-teacher conference
• 7 questions to ask your child about how school is going

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Some teachers, despite their best efforts, bring their own biases into the classroom. And their beliefs impact how they interact with students and their families in a major way.  

Racial bias in education is a common experience — and it shouldn’t be. In this episode, we address a pressing issue with guest Afrika Afeni Mills, MEd. Listen as Afrika explains:

• How racial bias can influence relationships between parents and the school
• The importance of teachers and schools promoting equity in education
• Steps students and parents can take to address racial bias effectively

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Afrika’s TED-Ed Talk: 4 ways to have healthy conversations about race
• Understood’s article: How to make sure families of color are heard by the school
• Afrika’s book: Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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The signs of dyslexia are often overlooked. And there’s so much parents of kids of color can do to advocate for the right support for this learning difference. Our guest is Dyslexia Mom Boss host Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, EdD. Listen as Dr. Lauren explains:

• Her own personal experience with learning and thinking differences
• What parents need to know about Orton-Gillingham
• Ways parents and schools can work together to help kids of color thrive

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Dr. Lauren’s podcast, Dyslexia Mom Boss
• Dyslexia basics
• What is Orton–Gillingham?

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Bonus episode! Introducing Understood’s newest podcast: What Now? A Parent’s Guide. Tune in for a peek at Season 1, which is all about tantrums and meltdowns. We’re sharing Episode 6, “Identifying your child’s behavior triggers.”  Listen to host Dr. Andrew Kahn as he explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns.  

Get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes from What Now? A Parent’s Guide at u.org/podcasts.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Learning disabilities are real challenges that are not related to intelligence. They impact millions of kids and adults in the United States. And people who have them are not at all “lazy.”  

Learning disabilities are caused by differences in the brain. And they often are hereditary. These challenges can impact people at school, at work, and in everyday life. But the good news is there are strategies and supports that can help people with learning disabilities thrive.

In this episode, listen as Julian explains:

• What learning disabilities are and how they are diagnosed
• The differences between an IEP and a 504 plan
• Ways to tell if a child is struggling with a learning disability

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Understood Explains podcast episode: How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation
• What are learning disabilities?
• Learning about evaluations

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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We recorded this episode in Spanish, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Los padres suelen tener muchas preguntas referentes a la educación especial. En el proceso de entender y aprender de qué se trata, se topan con términos y una jerga con los que no están familiarizados. Ante esto, cualquiera se podría sentir abrumado. Pero las dificultades pueden ser aún mayores para muchas familias hispanas.

El acceso a la información es limitado o difícil de encontrar para algunas familias hispanas. También las barreras lingüísticas y las diferencias culturales juegan un papel muy importante. Estos factores pueden hacer que los padres se sientan inseguros sobre cuál es la mejor manera de ayudar a sus hijos.

En este episodio respondemos preguntas sobre la educación especial. Explicamos qué son las discapacidades del aprendizaje y cómo pueden afectar la vida diaria. Examinanos en detalle los apoyos que brindan las escuelas para ayudar a los niños a progresar en el aula. Escuche a la educadora Claudia Rinaldi (PhD) explicar:

• Las diferencias entre el IEP y el plan 504
• Cómo saber si un niño tiene una diferencia de aprendizaje o problemas para aprender un nuevo idioma
• Los derechos legales que tienen las familias al solicitar una evaluación

Visite la página del episodio para obtener la transcripción y enlaces a recursos útiles. 

Nos encantaría saber de usted. Escríbanos a opportunitygap@understood.org.

• Cómo solicitar una evaluación gratuita en la escuela
• Preguntas de las familias hispanas sobre la educación especial
• Nuestra comunidad en español en Facebook

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When it comes to special education, parents often have many questions. While learning the ins and outs, they come across terms and jargon that they’re not familiar with. This can leave any parent feeling overwhelmed. But for many Hispanic families, it can feel like an even bigger challenge.  

For some Hispanic families, access to this information is limited. Or even hard to find. For others, language barriers and cultural differences play a huge role. These factors can make parents feel unsure about how to best support their child’s needs.

In this episode, we answer questions about special education. We break down what learning disabilities are and how they can impact daily life. We take a closer look at supports schools provide to help kids make progress in the classroom. Listen as Dr. Claudia Rinaldi, an educator, explains:

• The difference between IEP and 504 plans
• Ways to figure out if a child has a learning difference or trouble learning a new language
• Legal rights families have when requesting an evaluation

We recorded this episode in Spanish, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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English language learners bring unique perspectives to the classroom. And their diverse backgrounds and experiences often impact how they learn. So, it’s important for teachers to take the time to learn about their strengths and challenges.  

Learning a new language is hard work. And multilingual students are often learning how to read, write, and do math in that new language all at the same time. In this episode, listen as Understood expert Dr. Claudia Rinaldi explains:

• How teachers can create inclusive learning environments
• Why ELL are both overrepresented and underrepresented in special education
• Ways schools can build stronger partnerships with ELL and their families

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Understood’s article 4 challenges of English language learners who learn and think differently 
• Understood’s article: Learning and thinking differences in the Hispanic community 
• In It episode: Joy and justice with Juliana Urtubey, National Teacher of the Year

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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When kids with learning and thinking differences have positive self-esteem, they feel more confident. They try their best. They value themselves. And they’re proud of the things they can do.

Kids with learning differences develop positive self-esteem by working hard toward a goal — and then seeing their hard work pay off. But failure builds confidence in kids too. In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, listen as Julian explains:

• How encouraging feedback builds positive self-esteem
• What kids can learn from experiencing failure
• Ways to praise kids and teach them to be proud of their efforts

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Understood’s article on the importance of positive self-esteem for kids
• Harvard Business Review’s article: The Power of Small Wins
• Teach Like a Champion’s article: Narrating Positive Behavior

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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How do you discipline kids who have trouble with the skills they need to behave? What strategies work best for kids with learning differences?  

Many parents struggle with how to discipline their kids. And for families of kids with ADHD or learning differences, it can be even harder to know what to do. Get discipline tips from clinical psychologist Dr. Kristin Carothers in this episode of In It, another podcast in the Understood Podcast Network, hosted by Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra.  

Listen as Dr. Carothers explains why it can be hard for kids with learning differences to follow rules. Hear answers to questions like: What do we do when kids with learning differences forget their homework? Learn how positive discipline can help.  

Visit the In It episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• 7 discipline tips when your child has ADHD
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• Understanding trouble following directions

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Many kids with learning challenges love summer vacation — and their parents do, too. It’s a nice long break from studying, homework, and the classroom. And it can leave kids feeling relaxed and better equipped to learn once fall arrives. But when kids press “pause” on learning altogether, they may lose some of what they’ve learned throughout the year and experience the “summer slide.” 

In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, we break down the summer slide. And we explore how parents and educators can prevent it from happening. Listen as special education teacher Kate García, MEd, explains:  

• Why parents should meet with their child’s teacher before summer break
• How following a summer routine can help kids stay on track
• Ways to help kids learn without sacrificing fun

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Summer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong
• Extended school year services: What you need to know
• Mommy Poppins

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Some parents think about behavior in a negative way, like a problem they don’t want to deal with. But the truth is, behavior is just a form of communication.

On this bonus episode of The Opportunity Gap, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Dr. Andy explains the truth behind kids’ actions. And gives tips for how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors. 

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

• Listen: Understanding your child’s behavior as communication
• How to manage behavior problems in young kids
• The difference between discipline and punishment

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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It’s becoming more common for kids and their parents to open up and share their struggles with mental health. But this openness isn’t always welcomed in communities of color. 

In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, we talk about the importance of mental health. We explore its stigma in communities of color and share tips for how to respond to life’s twists and turns. Listen as Tim Massaquoi, a licensed professional counselor and retired NFL player, explains:

• Why it’s OK for kids of color and their parents to ask for help
• How he uses sports to help kids think about their own mental health
• Ways positive self-talk can boost kids’ self-esteem

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Tim Massaquoi’s podcast, Mind Ya Mentals
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Therapy for Black Men

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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From the decisions they make to the words they say, parents play a huge role in supporting their child’s mental health. Kids may not always be looking to their parents to be perfect or pillars of strength. But they are looking for healthy ways to cope when life treats them unfairly. So, it’s essential for parents and caregivers to make mental wellness a priority.  

This episode of The Opportunity Gap explores the importance of good mental health for kids who learn and think differently and their parents. Listen as Kier Gaines, a licensed therapist and digital creator, explains: 

• The unique challenges of parenting and how it impacts kids’ mental health
• Social media’s influence on kids’ self-esteem and social interactions
• Ways parents can promote good mental health to their child

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• How does social media affect mental health? It’s complicated.
• UCLA Health MARC Guided Meditations
• Mental Health America: Self-help tools
• Kier Gaines’ Instagram and YouTube channels

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Societal trauma, like school shootings and racial injustice, have become all too commonplace in our kids’ lives. It’s tough for families to help any child process the feelings that come along with these traumatic events. And it can be extra challenging for families of kids of color with learning and thinking differences like ADHD.  

In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, we explore trauma: its causes, how to identify it, and how it impacts us. Listen as Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist, explains:

• How trauma shows up in kids’ behavior
• Supports for parents and educators of kids of color
• Tips for talking to your child

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• How to have hard but necessary conversations with your child
• Learn how scary news can impact kids who learn and think differently
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Bonus episode! Learn about special education evaluations from the hosts of two podcasts from the Understood Podcast Network. Julian Saavedra is an assistant principal and the host of The Opportunity Gap. Dr. Andrew Kahn is a psychologist and the host of Understood Explains. Together, they explain how and why schools evaluate kids for special education.  

The episode also includes tips from parenting expert Amanda Morin on what to say to your child about getting evaluated. 

Get a transcript for this show and check out more Understood Explains episodes.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

• What is an evaluation for special education?
• 6 benefits of having your child evaluated
• Different terms you may hear for evaluations
• Parent training centers: A free resource in your state

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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For Black History Month, we’re celebrating three pioneering Black women with disabilities: science-fiction author Octavia E. Butler, who had undiagnosed dyslexia; Grammy winner Solange Knowles, who has ADHD; and activist Lois Curtis, who won a landmark Supreme Court case about disability rights. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources. 

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

• The official site of Octavia E. Butler
• Octavia E. Butler as an author of disability literature
• Solange Knowles: Role model for African American performers with disabilities
• Lois Curtis, whose lawsuit secured disability rights, dies at 55

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meeting with the school to plan your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be intimidating. This is true for any parent or guardian. But you may feel an extra layer of unease if you’re the only Black or brown person in the room.  

Listen to this episode of The Opportunity Gap to get IEP meeting tips for parents of kids of color. Learn from Taína Coleman, a mom of two and an education specialist at the Child Mind Institute. See how she uses her experience in special education to explain:  

• Which documents you have the right to see before the meeting
• How to ask if the IEP’s annual goals are aiming high enough
• What to do if you don’t feel ready to sign the IEP

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.   

• How to tell if your child’s IEP goals are SMART (Explainer with lots of examples)
• IEP goal tracker (Printable worksheet)
• 10 tips for a better IEP meeting (Video)
• How to organize your child’s IEP binder (Includes video and printable checklist)

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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What is growth mindset? How can you shift your thinking from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it yet?” And why is mindset extra important for kids who learn and think differently?  

This episode explains key concepts through the life experiences of Savannah Treviño-Casias, a young adult who was diagnosed with dyscalculia in sixth grade. Find out how she went from believing she could never do math to powering her way through a college statistics course so she could become a psychologist.  

Learn about the intersection of growth mindset, learning disabilities, and kids of color. And get tips to help struggling students: 

• Understand the power of “yet”
• Set specific goals that they want to reach
• Visualize their mindsets by drawing and naming them

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to growth mindset worksheets and other helpful resources. 

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

• What is growth mindset?
• Growth mindset activities for kids
• Meet Savannah Treviño-Casias, college student with dyscalculia

• Developing a growth mindset with Carol Dweck
• Mindset, by Carol Dweck
• The Magical Yet, by Angela DiTerlizzi
• Teaching students of color: Looking race in the face
• SDSU professor challenges concept widely embraced by educators

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Is ADHD more likely to be overlooked in Black kids? Or is it overdiagnosed?  

In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Tumaini Coker shares insights on ADHD and race. Learn about Dr. Coker’s research into health equity and how clinics can help reduce the racial disparities in diagnosing and treating ADHD in children of color.  

You’ll also get practical tips for parents from an expert who has a personal connection to ADHD. Listen as Dr. Coker talks about stigma and other challenges her family faced when her twin boys showed signs of ADHD in grade school. 

Get a transcript for this episode and check out more Opportunity Gap episodes at u.org/opportunitygap.  

Comments? Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Diagnostic and Medication Treatment Disparities in African American Children with ADHD: A Literature Review
• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

• Common signs of ADHD at different ages
• What an in-depth ADHD evaluation should look like
• How can I find out if my child was misdiagnosed with ADHD?

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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It’s an all too familiar situation for many families of color. The phone rings. It’s the school calling to say your child has been “acting out” in class. Again.  

In this episode about bias in school discipline, host Julian Saavedra talks with Busola Saka, a parent and creator of Instagram’s @BlackBoyThrive, and Jolie Battista, a former special education teacher who’s an expert on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).  

Listen as they discuss key terms like implicit bias, significant disproportionality, and manifestation determination. Find out why these terms are extra important to know if you’re the parent of a child of color. And get actionable tips to help advocate for kids who have learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia.

Get a transcript for this episode and check out more Opportunity Gap episodes at u.org/opportunitygap. 

Comments? Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

• Why kids act out and how to help
• Why some kids play the “class clown”
• Understanding your child’s behavior as communication (podcast)
• What is PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports)?
• School discipline: What are the rights of kids with IEPs and 504 plans?

• Bias isn’t just a police problem — it’s a preschool problem (NPR)
• Why, really, are so many Black kids suspended? (Education Week)
• Pandemic-era civil rights data is essential to inform special education equity (K–12 Dive)
• Significant disproportionality in special education: Trends among Black students (National Center for Learning Disabilities)
• New guidance helps schools support students with disabilities and avoid discriminatory use of discipline (U.S. Department of Education)

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Debunked! Learn five common myths about special education that can keep kids from getting the support they deserve. Host Julian Saavedra and expert guest Christina Gutierrez explain common misconceptions and offer tips on how to help your child thrive. 

Christina is the mom of a child with an IEP. She is also a former special educator. Find out which of the five top myths “gets under her skin” the most and which one crept into her own thinking when her son was struggling. 

Get a transcript for this episode and check out more Opportunity Gap episodes at u.org/opportunitygap. 

Comments? Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

• Common myths about special education
• What to do when people don’t believe your child has a learning or thinking difference
• How to get past parenting guilt
• Wunder, the first community app for parents of kids with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Parents play a big role in continuing a child’s learning journey outside of the classroom. These opportunities for learning are often called teachable moments. And they can happen anywhere from the grocery store to even at the park.

Listen as Julian explains what teachable moments are. And how they help kids build important life skills. Then get tips on how to create these moments at home.

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Related resources

• Summer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong
• 7 ways to encourage your child to read over the summer

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of The Opportunity Gap, a podcast for parents of kids of color who learn and think differently. Season 2 digs deeper into ADHD and other learning differences and offers tips on how to advocate for your child. 

Host Julian Saavedra is a father of two. He’s also an assistant principal who has spent nearly 20 years working in public schools. 

Get a transcript for this episode and check out more Opportunity Gap episodes at u.org/opportunitygap.

Comments? Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about The Opportunity Gap and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.  

Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Melissa is a single mom from Philadelphia. She faced many challenges while raising her son Abdullah, who has ADHD and other learning differences. A second-generation Puerto Rican and a high school graduate, Melissa faced stigma, limited resources, and a knowledge barrier. But she dedicated herself to making sure her son could learn and self-advocate — all while juggling seven other kids.  

This week, Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace welcome Melissa, who they’ve been friends with ever since they taught her son. Listen in to hear how this mom beat the odds by being her son’s best advocate. Hear the advice she has for parents like herself. And find out what Abdullah is up to now.  

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. You can also download Wunder by Understood. This free app includes exercises that can help you track your child's behavior, look for patterns, and get personalized tips along the way.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

• 8 steps to advocating for your child at school
• How to find more support when you have kids who learn and think differently
• Perspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the school

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Has your child ever been called names because they struggle to read? Do you worry that your child’s learning differences are your fault? This episode features three audio stories from the Understood family about bullying, shame, and parenting guilt around learning differences and ADHD. 

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace react to each story, and offer their thoughts and advice for parents and caretakers. Listen in for practical strategies from our teacher hosts on how to respond. Find out what a “lunch bunch” is and how it can help kids gain friends and confidence, even in virtual settings. And feel less alone by hearing what you might share in common with others. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. You can also download Wunder by Understood. This free app includes exercises that can help you track your child's behavior, look for patterns, and get personalized tips along the way.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Related resources

• Video: Jade, an eighth grader, talks about how it feels to have reading challenges
• Manju Banerjee on how stigma impacts the Asian American community
• Video: Collin Diedrich on imposter syndrome and learning differences

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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LeDerick Horne is a Black man, poet, activist, and person with dyslexia. He’s spoken at the White House. And he wrote a definitive book on hidden disabilities. But his life could have all turned out differently. 

As a child, LeDerick couldn’t read. He was labeled “neurologically impaired” and was put in separate special education classes. And he struggled to find his place as a Black man in America with learning differences. He says one mistake could have led him to prison or worse, like many of his classmates. 

In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace talk with LeDerick about all the people who made a difference in his life. LeDerick shares his advice on how to help kids of color with learning differences thrive. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for a special reading by LeDerick of a poem that will inspire your family. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

• Video: The challenges of being an African American who learns and thinks differently
• Video: LeDerick Horne, poet and activist with learning disabilities
• To be Black in America with a learning disability

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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As in-person learning gets underway across the country, schools are seeing an increase in disengagement and even disrespect from some students. After two years of learning online and often alone, socializing and sitting still in the classroom can be challenging for kids. Add in learning and thinking differences like ADHD, and it’s a recipe for behavior issues. 

This week on The Opportunity Gap, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace challenge listeners to think of “misbehavior” as a form of communication. They share their experiences as educators and parents, and they offer their advice on how to help kids with their behavior. 

Julian and Marissa also talk about how culture can determine which behaviors are seen as “good” or “bad.” And they discuss why so many kids of color are misunderstood by white teachers. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• The difference between discipline and punishment
• How to help young kids with behavior challenges
• Understanding behavior as communication: A teacher’s guide

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Black parents and families of color know about “The Talk”: the conversation they must have with their kids about the dangers posed by racism and injustice in society. But how does this conversation change when learning differences and disability are part of the picture?  

This week, The Opportunity Gap tackles how to talk with your child about learning and thinking differences and why this is a critical conversation to have for kids of all ages. Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how to avoid shame around differences and disability, and what words you can use. Listen for tips and advice on how to prepare for the conversation. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• How to talk to your child about learning and thinking differences
• Video: LeDerick Horne on being Black and learning differently
• ADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologist

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Atira Roberson says she’s Black, female, and has a learning disability. And if you don’t see all three, you don’t see her. 

The Opportunity Gap welcomes Atira to the show for a special conversation about what it means to be a Black girl with learning differences in the United States. Atira shares her journey — from a student with an IEP, unaware of her differences, to a candidate for a master’s in public administration. She talks about the strong Black mother who advocated for her, and the church community that supported her along the way. And she shares her number one priority for educational change in this country: stopping the criminalization of Black girls with ADHD and learning disabilities. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• To be Black in America with a learning disability
• Video: An African American poet who learns differently
• Two Black women discuss the teen with ADHD put in juvie for not doing her homework

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Thousands of kids of color from marginalized communities are already behind when they start kindergarten. One cause: Families often don’t know about free help for babies and toddlers with developmental delays. 

In this episode, co-host Marissa Wallace opens up about her biracial son who had language delays as a toddler. Even though Marissa is a teacher, she didn’t know exactly what to do. Luckily, her doctor recommended free early intervention services. To make sure other families don’t miss out, Marissa and co-host Julian Saavedra raise awareness about early childhood intervention services. They also discuss the barriers to access that kids in low-income areas face. And they share tips for how families can seek out early intervention. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Reports mentioned in this episode

• Our Youngest Learners: Increasing Equity in Early Intervention, by The Education Trust
• Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind, by Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York

• What is early intervention?
• How to get an early intervention evaluation
• Federal government developmental milestones

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Schools around the country are facing a huge shortage of special education teachers and other staff. How is the teacher shortage impacting kids with disabilities or learning and thinking differences? What about kids who are marginalized?

Co-host Marissa Wallace starts the episode with a story about how her husband, a Black man, was offered a special education teaching job even though he’s in the field of finance. This kicks off a discussion with co-host Julian Saavedra about why there’s a teacher shortage — and its impact. Julian and Marissa share their experiences as parents and teachers, and they react to news stories from around the country. They also share tips for families on what to do when schools say they can’t deliver services because of staff shortages.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• 10 smart responses when a school cuts or denies services
• 7 tips to improve your relationship with your child’s teacher
• Podcast: Are IEPs different in wealthy schools?

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Everyone agrees it’s critical to teach Black history to kids with learning differences and ADHD, as well as to students who get special education. But what’s the best way to teach it? How can families engage their kids in Black history — as well as in current events in the Black community? 

This episode features Kimberly Eckert, 2018 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, in a conversation about race, parenting, and Black history. Kimberly shares her personal experience growing up as a biracial Black woman in a bayou in the South, and how she talks about race with her daughter today. She describes “80/20 time,” a method to get kids engaged in learning. Co-hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace also share their picks for books and activities for kids — especially Black boys — to learn about Black history.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Resources for teaching Black history to kids

• “Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past and Present,” by Jamia Wilson (Julian’s pick)
• “I Am... (Positive Affirmations for Brown Boys),” by Aeysha Rodriguez (Marissa’s pick)
• “Teaching Your Child About Black History,” from PBS (Marissa’s pick)
• “Black American History,” a Crash Course on YouTube (Producer’s pick)
• Harriett's Bookshop (Julian’s pick)
• Uncle Bobbie's Bookshop (Julian’s pick)

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Early intervention refers to services that help kids from birth to age three with developmental delays. But what services are available after kids turn 3? The answer: preschool services. 

In this episode, we welcome Elisa Lundy. Elisa is a special education teacher who works in preschool classrooms in the New York City area. Listen as she:

• Explains the similarities between preschool services and early intervention
• Shares how preschool services can help a child’s social, emotional, and physical development
• And tells us how families can access these services in their school

Related resources

• What is early intervention?
• Support for kids who struggle in school
• How to get your child help in school without an evaluation

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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What should families of color know about ADHD? The podcast welcomes Kristin Carothers, PhD, a Black clinical psychologist who specializes in working with families of kids who have ADHD and learning differences. 

“Dr. Kristin” shares why ADHD — and ADHD medication — hold such a heavy place in the hearts of Black families. The discussion focuses on the cultural conversation around ADHD. Dr. Kristin also gives practical tips to families on what they can do if they think a child might have ADHD. And she offers strategies for families who don’t have resources or health insurance to get professional help. Finally, she reflects on Black Lives Matter and her personal experience of being a Black doctor.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Websites and approaches discussed by Dr. Kristin in this episode:

• Child Mind Institute
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy
• The Incredible Years
• Alan Kazdin Parenting Approach

• ADHD fact sheet
• What I tell Black parents who worry about labels like ADHD for their child
• How to get a free or low-cost evaluation for your child

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Schools are reeling from the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. But what does it mean for special education, kids with learning and thinking differences, and marginalized communities? 

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how they’re managing the new COVID wave as both parents and teachers. They get an update on how schools around the country are responding, with some going virtual, others staying in-person, and — in a few cases — even closing because of a lack of staff. Marissa shares about how her virtual charter school is approaching the Omicron wave and special education. And Julian shares a poignant story about a student who ran away from home and for whom in-person school is a safe place.  

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

• Listen to a podcast on parent fears in the COVID epidemic.
• Get eight tips to help your child learn at home.
• Check out 20 learning activities to keep kids busy at home.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Kids who have learning and thinking differences or other disabilities can also be gifted. This is known as being “twice exceptional,” or “2e.” But what does twice exceptional mean for Black and brown kids?

In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace explore how kids who struggle with learning can also have incredible talents and skills. However, for marginalized kids, these abilities are often overlooked. Gifted testing may be biased against them. The hosts also react to startling statistics about how few kids of color are in gifted programs. Listen for thoughts and advice on how families can get schools to focus on their kids’ exceptional abilities, not just their challenges.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• Gifted children’s challenges with learning and thinking differences
• 12 questions to ask your school about 2e students
• When gifted kids need accommodations, too (In It podcast episode)
• National Center for Education Statistics

Public school gifted or 2e programs mentioned in this episode:

• Montgomery County Public Schools twice exceptional students and services
• Chicago’s U-46 gifted and talented academy (in process of renaming)
• Aurora Public Schools definition of gifted and talented
• Arizona Public Media news article on Southwest Junior High

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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Advocating for your kids in an IEP meeting can be scary for any family. Now imagine that the family is undocumented and worried about immigration enforcement as they try to get help for their kids with learning and thinking differences.

In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace talk to Kareem Neal, a Black special education teacher in Arizona. Kareem shares his experiences with kids with IEPs from undocumented families. He explains how parents can find champions within the school system to help them advocate for their kids. Finally, he and Julian talk about what it means to be a Black educator.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• Learn about the rights of undocumented families to special education.
• Check out eight steps to advocating for your child at school.
• Not sure why your child is struggling? Check out Take N.O.T.E.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.