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...

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 of “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. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference so the...

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...

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 Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on...

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. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference so the millions of people with learning and thinking...

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,...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. Understood.org is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “The Opportunity Gap” and all...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. Understood.org is...

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. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and...

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...

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...

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...