In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Discover a new show on the Understood Podcast Network: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, hosted by Jessica Shaw! 

This series explores the real challenges parents face raising neurodivergent kids — with honest conversations that balance frustration, humor, and small victories. 

In this episode, hear one mom open up about the intense feelings of anger and frustration that can come with parenting, and the strategies she’s discovered to manage mom rage while staying connected to her child. We get it, and we’ve been there!

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

In this final episode of In It, we talk with Jessica Shaw, who’s launching a new podcast called TBD — it’s about the beautiful roller coaster that is parenting neurodivergent kids. 

As a mom to two teenage daughters, Jessica reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier, what she’s learned along the way, and why finding a community of parents who truly get it can be life-changing. 

To our audience: We’ve loved every minute of making this show. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for being part of this beautiful community. 

We’re so grateful you’ve been in it with us.

For more on this topic: 

• Read: How to find your parent support network
• Read: Asking friends and family for help

Timestamps:

(06:30) Why a community of parents who get it is so important

(09:03) Managing your child’s care with a co-parent

(15:30) An actually helpful bit of parenting advice

(24:32) Gretchen and Rachel’s biggest takeaways from In It

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock!

Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles. 

She shares practical strategies for moving forward when the system says “no,” even when your child clearly needs support.

We also break down what legally qualifies a student for an IEP, when a 504 plan might be a helpful tool, and how to push through to get your child the support they need.

For more on this topic: 

• Listen: IEPs: The difference between IEPs and 504 plans
• Read: All about twice-exceptional students
• Book: Differently Wired Kids, by Debbie Reber (TILT Parenting)
• Resource: School Avoidance Alliance

Timestamps:

(05:00) What is 2E (twice exceptionality)?

(09:20) Who is legally eligible for an IEP?

(13:04) How 504 plans can support your child

(18:47) Understanding academic vs. educational impact

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

Mornings can be chaos, especially when neurodivergence is part of the mix — for your kids or for you. This week, we’re joined by Jon Zeitlin from HabitCoach, who’s been in the thick of it. Jon and his son both have ADHD, so they’ve had to build routines that work for brains like theirs. Spoiler: It starts the night before.

HabitCoach helps neurodivergent kids build lasting habits through personalized coaching. Check them out!

• 8 ways to make school morning routines easier
• For neurodivergent parents: Podcast “Tips from an ADHD Coach” on finding your morning momentum
• Download: Picture schedules for daily routines

(06:17) What’s on your morning to-do list?
(08:37) Why is the morning routine harder for kids with ADHD or executive function challenges?
(15:51) Strategies to make mornings easier

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.”

Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?

For more on this topic

• Opportunity Gap: Supporting confidence in kids
• How to rebuild self-esteem in the new school year
• What to say when kids are hard on themselves

Timestamps

(02:50) How parents can respond to negative self-talk

(06:08) What not to say to your child

(14:30) Modeling positive affirmations at home

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org. 

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

What happens when we stop talking about kids with learning differences — and start listening to them? Kids are the experts in their own experience. When we truly listen, we all learn.

Today we’re joined by 15-year-old Caris, a smart and determined teen with dyslexia, and her dad, Kevin. In this honest conversation, they talk about the everyday challenges and small wins of growing up with a learning difference. Caris shares what she wishes more people understood about dyslexia and how she’s found confidence in unexpected places. And she introduces “Through My Eyes,” a new digital experience from Understood.org that lets you step into her world.

Want to learn more about her story? Explore Through My Eyes at Understood.org and help others see your child the way you do.

For more on this topic

• Signs of dyslexia in high school
• Signs of dyslexia in grade school
• Podcast: What if I think my child might have dyslexia?

Timestamps

(01:50) Growing up with dyslexia

(06:19) Facing stigma around learning disabilities

(11:17) How “Through My Eyes” reframed their experience

(13:06) Telling friends about her diagnosis

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

There’s a lot of talk these days — on social media and in parenting circles — about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what actually applies to your child. Psychologist (and friend of the pod) Dr. Andy Kahn joins us today to clear up any confusion. He unpacks common questions and offers honest, stigma-free insights into how therapy for kids really works.

For more on this topic:

• 5 steps to take if you  think your child is depressed
• What is CBT?
• Questions to ask a therapist

Timestamps:

(04:42) How do you decide if therapy is necessary?

(11:30) How do you talk to your child about starting therapy?

(15:16) What if my child doesn’t want to go to therapy?

(18:20) Will I know what’s happening in the sessions?

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school is almost upon us! We’re bringing back a favorite episode to help kick off the school year. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek chat with DeJunne’ Clark Jackson — education consultant, parent advocate, and mom of two. She shares smart, doable strategies for setting goals and easing back-to-school stress. 

For more on this topic:

• Download: Back-to-school update for families to give to teachers
• Download: Goals calendar for kids who struggle with planning
• My kids have different strengths and challenges. Here’s how I set goals with them.
• Hear more from DeJunne’ in this episode about parent-teacher conferences
• Get back-to-school tips from executive function coach Brendan Mahan in this episode about building executive function skills 

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

Summer’s in full swing and routines are out the window, which can be both fun — and frustrating!

That’s why we’re replaying this episode with psychologist Dr. Andy Kahn, who shares practical, low-stress tips for surviving and thriving this summer. From managing screen time to making travel more manageable with kids who learn and think differently, this episode is full of smart, doable advice to help your family stay grounded while still having fun.

For more on this topic:

• How to make a sensory travel kit for your child
• 10 tips to help kids avoid travel meltdowns and sensory overload
• Listen to this episode of In It to hear more about summer camp

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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

We’re taking a quick summer break for the holiday weekend here at Team In It. Instead of a new episode this week, we’re sharing a great episode from our sister show, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. In this episode, Dr. Andy teams up with pediatrician Dr. Liz Harstad to discuss whether melatonin is safe for kids.  

Check out Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn and related resources from this episode on the show’s page.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at u.org/give

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