In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.

Gus Walz is the son of vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. You may have seen him cheering for his dad at the Democratic National Convention in August. At that time, many of us learned that he has a nonverbal learning disability or NVLD.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a psychologist, and he’s the associate director of Expertise and Strategic Design here at Understood. He also hosts the Understood podcast Parenting Behavior. Listen as Andy explains what it means to have an NVLD. He also talks about the relationship between NVLDs and ADHD. 

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.

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

Related resources

• What are nonverbal learning disabilities?
• Classroom accommodations for nonverbal learning disabilities
• Video: A young woman opens up about growing up with NVLD

Timestamps  

(02:16) Defining NVLD

(03:44) More details about NVLDs

(07:21) ADHD and NVLDs

(08:30) Neurodivergence in the news

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.

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.

You might have heard or seen the acronym STEM in education circles. It stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. And it can be very helpful for kids with learning and thinking differences.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kara Ball. Kara is the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills. She has been a science and special education teacher, and a STEM education specialist for Baltimore public schools. She was also a finalist for National Teacher of the Year in 2018. 

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.

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

Timestamps

(1:18) Defining STEM

(3:16) Kara’s dyslexia and dyscalculia diagnoses

(5:07) Why Kara became a special education teacher

(8:23) Understanding where STEM and learning and thinking differences meet

(20:31) Working on communication and collaboration

Related resources:

• What is dyslexia?
• What is dyscalculia?
• Video: Are boys better at math than girls?
• What if the teacher has learning differences, too?
• Kara’s book: 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills

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.

Brushing their teeth. Taking a shower. Cleaning up after themselves. What’s going on when kids seem to ignore these must-do tasks? And what can parents and caregivers do to change that?

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Brendan Mahan. Brendan is an executive function coach and the host of the podcast ADHD Essentials. 

He offers tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers understand why some kids avoid working on their personal hygiene.

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.

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

Related resources

• Washing hands: How to get kids in the habit 
• ADHD and messiness
• A day in the life of a child with slow processing speed
• Brendan’s podcast, ADHD Essentials

Timestamps

(01:51) Cleanliness and self-care

(06:43) Executive function, room cleaning, and more

(18:07) Social concerns

(21:07) Reward systems

(23:07) Hygiene late bloomers

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.

Gearing up for a new school year can feel overwhelming. As the first day of school gets close, kids have so much to think about. And so do parents and caregivers. 

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kate Garcia. Kate is a high school teacher with lots of back-to-school experience and tips. 

For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It episode page at Understood.org.

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

Related resources

• Bedtime battles: Why won’t my child just go to sleep?
• The best way to ease the back-to-school transition
• Check out Understood’s back-to-school support guide
• Download: Backpack checklist
• GoblinTools: Magic ToDo

Timestamps

(1:22) Getting back on a sleep schedule  

(3:36) Picking out clothes

(6:40) Getting organized

(9:55) How to communicate with the school  

(13:24) Helping kids have good food to fuel their day

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.

Join us for new episodes of In It, a podcast on raising kids who learn differently.  Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek continue to offer advice, camaraderie, stories of successes, and — let’s be real — failures.

We’ll hear from experts, parents, and caregivers on a range of topics — from bribes vs. rewards to managing some of the unanticipated costs of raising neurodivergent kids.

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.

Bedtime can be a struggle for parents and caregivers of kids of all ages. Maybe your child needs an extra glass of water — three times before bed. Or maybe they want you to read that story “just one more time,” for hours. No matter what roadblocks you face at bedtime, you’re not alone.

On this bonus episode of In It, we’re sharing an episode of another Understood podcast called Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Andy, a licensed psychologist and parent, explains the many ways bedtime can go for families.

Listen as he talks about:

• Understanding what your child is telling you at bedtime
• Learning about different ways to settle your child to prepare them for sleep
• Recent research findings that will probably make you feel better about your child’s sleep routine

To get a transcript of this show and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Or follow Parenting Behavior wherever you get podcasts. 

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.

Breaks from school can sometimes mean breaks from other kids. This can be hard for kids with learning and thinking differences. 

What are some ways to avoid “summer slide” when it comes to social skills and time with friends? And what are some ways to see kids in the summer, when the friends we usually see are not around?

In this episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist and Understood expert. 

Listen for tips on helping your child maintain their social skills. And learn easy ways for your child to spend time with other kids.

To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. 

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

Related resources

• 4 skills for making friends
• Why some kids have trouble making friends
• Summer guide for families
• National Night Out

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.

You may have heard of “summer slide.” It refers to the learning loss that can happen during summer break from school.  

On this bonus episode of In It, we’re sharing a conversation on how to handle the summer break from another Understood podcast, The Opportunity Gap.  

Host Julian Saavedra talks with special education teacher Kate García about how following a summer routine can help kids stay on track. They also discuss ways to help kids learn without sacrificing fun. Plus why giving kids grace and time is so important.

For a transcript, visit The Opportunity Gap's show page. 

Related resources

• Summer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong
• Extended school year services: What you need to know
• Mommy Poppins

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 episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek suggest podcasts that are ideal for kids with learning and thinking differences. These shows are also great for any kid.  

To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. 

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

Their suggestions include podcasts that:

• Share fairy tales in fun — and funny — ways
• Solve kid-friendly mysteries
• Offer answers to all kinds of questions
• Talk about current events

Related resources

• Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest: Hans My Hedgehog
• Opal Watson: Private Eye: Who’s scared of hounds and can not be found?
• Brains On!: What is ADHD?
• KidNuz: Orca Hijinks, Surfer’s Surprise, Space Contest, Dog Days of Summer, Lunch Legacy and Bryce Harper Plays Wingman!

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.

Many people who learn and think differently are also on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This can be a lot for kids—and their families—to navigate.  

In this episode of In It,  Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk to Kade Friedman. Kade is the Director of Education for PINE, the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education.   

Kade identifies as non-binary and neurodivergent. They work with teachers to guide them in teaching neurodivergent, disabled, and gender-expansive students. They also work with families of neurodivergent and gender-questioning kids.    

Listen to get all of the following:

• Tips for families of kids who are discovering their queer identity
• Suggestions for teachers to help them create an inclusive environment
• Important dos and don’ts to keep in mind

To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. 

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

Related resources

• 3 tips for talking to kids with ADHD who are discovering their queer identity
• Why it’s important to support LGBTQIA+ kids with learning differences
• Podcast: Being trans with ADHD
• PFLAG: Upcoming Neurodiversity & Gender Diversity Meetings

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.