Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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