Sportsmanship is not just about winning or losing. It’s also about character, respect, and treating others well. It’s an important skill to develop. But mastering it can be challenging for some kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode of “Opportunity Gap,” we dive into the heart of sportsmanship. Listen as our guest, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the importance of sportsmanship in youth sports. Learn ways to teach kids these essential values. And find out how instilling a...

Have you ever left a parent-teacher conference feeling both hopeful and unsure? Many parents of kids with learning and thinking differences have felt this way. Especially when the meeting brought to light their child’s trouble with reading or math. In this episode, Julian Saavedra talks with Kareem Neal, a special education teacher from Arizona. Listen as Kareem shares:  - How parents can use important points from these meetings to create an action plan to help their child succeed - Ways...

Creating a “village,” or a group of supportive people, can really boost kids’ confidence and help them thrive. This village doesn’t have to consist of only parents and family. But it can also include teachers, therapists, and doctors who care about your child. Listen as host Julian Saavedra highlights the kinds of people who can make a big difference in your child’s life. And get practical tips on how to build these important connections.

Ever thought about what it’s like to raise kids with ADHD while also having ADHD yourself? Dion Chavis, the host of the “Black People Parenting” podcast, understands this experience very well. In this episode, listen as Dion shares how he’s juggling parenting kids with ADHD and his own ADHD diagnosis. Find out when he started noticing the unique needs of his kids. And hear why he believes in the importance of responsible fatherhood.

What can parents do when the school falls short in providing the right support for their child’s learning differences? How can parents avoid burning bridges while still advocating for change for their child? In this episode of “Opportunity Gap,” host Julian Saavedra talks with Jamilah Bashir. Jamilah is an education consultant and IEP coach.  Listen as Jamilah explains why a school may not be providing adequate support. And why having a detailed record of a child’s struggles is key when...

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.   

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...

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.

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.

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.

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,...

When a child qualifies for an IEP, one of the first things schools give parents is a packet. In that packet is information that breaks down the legal rights parents and kids have during the special education process. The packet can be really long and filled with lots of terms that can be confusing. Still, it’s important for parents to understand these terms. Listen as host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms in this episode of “Understood Explains.” She also explains the legal...

The IEP process can leave English language learners and their families with lots of questions. But the more families know about the purpose of IEPs, the more involved they can be in getting their child the best support. In this episode, we speak with Juliana Urtubey. Juliana is a special education teacher. She was named the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Listen as Juliana explains: - Challenges English language learners face during the IEP process - Why culturally responsive IEPs are...

Teachers play a huge role in shaping the future of their students. And they often wear many hats in the classroom to provide the best learning experience for kids. Especially kids with learning and thinking differences.   In this episode, we speak with Kareem Neal, MA. Kareem is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. And he’s been teaching for more than 25 years. Listen as Kareem gives a glimpse into the classroom and explains: - The importance of partnership between teachers...

Michelle Carter believes sports can be a big help for kids with learning differences. She’s an athlete and a businessperson. And track and field was a game-changer for her ADHD and dyslexia. In this episode, listen as Michelle talks about the challenges she faced in the classroom and on the field. How she discovered her talents in track and field. And then learn how she's helping kids build confidence. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference so the...

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...

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...

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...

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. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for...