Does your child have trouble following the teacher’s rules? Are you getting a lot of calls from the principal?   An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, can do a lot of things to help with behavioral challenges in school.   But as you explore getting an IEP and putting it into action, things can get confusing. Along the way, you might run into wonky terms like FBA, BIP, and manifestation determination.  Those terms might all sound confusing now. But in this episode of...

Setting IEP goals can feel tricky. They should be attainable, but not too hard or too easy — it’s a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. However, setting these goals is a big part of developing your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Program. In this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey breaks down how IEP teams set annual goals, how parents can help, and how the IEP will measure a child’s progress. Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to...

So you have an IEP meeting coming up, or you’d like to prepare for future ones. This is an important time to ask questions and advocate for what you think is best for your child. These meetings can be stressful and high-pressure for families. But knowing what to expect in the meeting and how to get ready can put you at ease. On this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey will go over the nuts and bolts of preparing to talk about your child’s IEP, or Individualized...

If your child qualifies for an IEP, it will come with many legal rights and protections. But with names like “FAPE” and “prior written notice,” things can get confusing quickly. Still, it’s really important for parents to understand these terms — and that's where this podcast comes in to help.  In this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms and explains the legal rights that come with an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. ...

There are 13 disability categories listed in a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.   And to get an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, your child will need to fit into at least one disability category. These categories can have some hard-to-understand names, like “specific learning disabilities” or “other health impairments.”  But on this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will share what these categories mean and why...

Kids don’t just get an IEP all of a sudden. Schools have an evaluation process to decide if a child qualifies for special education services. This includes getting an IEP. On this episode of “Understood Explains,” join host Juliana Urtubey as she discusses the evaluation process and requirements for getting an IEP. She’ll also share what to do if the school says your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, and more. Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world so the...

If someone says something that makes special education sound bad or negative, chances are it’s just not true. There are a lot of myths about IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. And these incorrect or outdated ideas can keep some kids from getting school supports that can help them thrive. On this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey will bust common myths and explain the facts. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the...

The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get.  And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need.  On this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey will break down the differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and which one might be right for your child.  ...

If your child has been struggling in school, you might be wondering if they need special education. And once you start exploring special education, you’re going to run into the term IEP, which stands for individualized education program. But what exactly is an IEP, anyway?  On this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey will cover IEP basics and how to figure out if your child needs this kind of support.  Timestamps: [00:57] What is the purpose of an IEP? [03:27]...

Does your child need special education? How can you make the most of this school support? Listen to the trailer for “Understood Explains IEPs,” which covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs. Host Juliana Urtubey is a special education teacher and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. So you can learn from a pro in this 13-episode series, which includes IEP tips for kids of different ages and for kids who are learning English as an additional language. Episodes...

This bonus episode of “Understood Explains” shares personal stories about getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. For example, hear from a woman who waited years to see a specialist after her main doctor brushed off her concerns that she might have ADHD. You’ll also hear host Dr. Roberto Olivardia describe what led him to get diagnosed with ADHD at 35. Listen to these personal stories and what each person wishes they’d known sooner about ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript...

Doubting your ADHD diagnosis? Do you still think you have ADHD even after your doctor said you don’t? Or maybe you got formally diagnosed but aren’t sure you really have ADHD? Concerns about ADHD misdiagnosis are common. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia gives tips on how to think about whether you got a thorough evaluation — and if it may be time to get a second opinion. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood....

Relief. Anger. Grief. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia explains what to look for and how to process big feelings so you can keep moving forward. Get answers to common questions, like how imposter syndrome is connected to ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning...

There are many ways to treat ADHD without medication — or in addition to medication. Learn about a wide range of ADHD treatments, from therapy to free apps and tools. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia also talks about social and workplace supports. Listen as he answers common questions, like whether diet or supplements can help with ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping...

How does ADHD medication work? Is it addictive? If you think you might have ADHD or were recently diagnosed, find out what you need to know about ADHD medication, like how to tell if you’re taking too much or too little. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about...

The wait time may be shorter, but is online ADHD diagnosis accurate? And can it help you get ADHD treatment? In this episode of “Understood Explains,” learn the pros and cons of ADHD online diagnosis and get answers to common questions. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn...

How do doctors test adults for ADHD? What kind of questions do they ask? How long does it take? “Understood Explains” host Dr. Roberto Olivardia breaks down the process so you’ll know what to look for in a thorough evaluation. Get an overview and answers to common questions. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and...

What type of doctor should you see for ADHD diagnosis — primary care provider? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Is it worth waiting longer to see a specialist? How much does it cost? Get answers to common questions from “Understood Explains” host Dr. Roberto Olivardia. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking...

Are you wondering if your ADHD symptoms are too mild to get tested? Or if there’s enough of a benefit to getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult? Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia shares his own diagnosis story as he answers common questions about whether to get formally tested for ADHD as an adult. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people...

Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of “Understood Explains,” which explores the ins and outs of adult ADHD diagnosis. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a psychologist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Join him as he answers the most common questions about ADHD diagnosis, including what to look for in a thorough evaluation and how to treat ADHD with or without medication. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking...

Parents, teachers, and psychologists all have something they wish they’d known sooner about the evaluation process. This bonus episode offers tips from parents who have been through the evaluation process at least once — and experts who have been through it hundreds of times. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts....

“Mom, why are you making me do this?” Learn what to say to your child about getting evaluated. Hear perspectives from a psychologist (host Dr. Andy Kahn), an educator (Julian Saavedra), and a parenting expert (Amanda Morin). Get big-picture advice as well as specifics, like how to address your child’s worries about getting pulled out of class and other kids noticing. This episode also tackles one of the trickiest topics: how much of the evaluation report to share with your child....

How often do kids need to be reevaluated for special education? What are schools looking for when they reevaluate students? Learn the basics from host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Kate Garcia. And find out key details, like why this process is extra important for high-schoolers who are thinking about going to college. Worried that the school might cut your child’s services? Get advice from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to avoid passing those feelings on to your child....

What is a neuropsychologist? What can this specialist do that a school psychologist can’t? (The answer involves making diagnoses.) Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and fellow psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten explain why some families pay for private testing when school evaluations are free. Learn ways to help cover the cost, like asking the school to pay for an independent educational evaluation. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin about a tricky topic: what to say if your child is getting...