In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

What happens if your child gets diagnosed with ADHD, and you recognize some of the signs in yourself? Should you get tested? What are the benefits of getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra explore the not-so-uncommon scenario of parents realizing they might have ADHD, too. First, they talk with Jessica Covington, a mom of two who didn’t figure out she had ADHD until her son was diagnosed at age 7.  

Then, the hosts learn more about getting diagnosed as an adult. They talk to Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist and host of Season 2 of the Understood Explains podcast. Roberto shares why he thinks it’s important for parents (and even grandparents!) to get an evaluation for themselves if they suspect they have ADHD.  

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

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

• Is ADHD hereditary?
• How ADHD is diagnosed in adults
• Learn more about ADHD diagnosis in adults from Dr. Olivardia on Understood Explains Season 2
• Read Jessica’s story: Being a mom with ADHD is tough, but the journey is still sweet

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

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For many families with kids who learn and think differently, getting through high school can feel like a big challenge. But what about the challenges after high school? How can families prepare their high-schoolers for what comes next — whether that’s college, a trade school, a job, or a combination of things?  

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Jennifer Correnti, a high school counselor and 504 plan coordinator in New Jersey. Tune in for Jennifer’s advice on how to prepare kids for life after 12th grade. Learn what accommodations colleges and workplaces might be able to provide, and how to ask for them. Get tips on supporting kids during this transition time, including teaching them to self-advocate.   

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

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

• After high school: Different ways to thrive
• Are there IEPs and 504 plans in college?
• 7 things to know about college disability services
• FAQ: The Americans with Disabilities Act at work

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

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Many kids and teens — and even adults — go to TikTok for information on ADHD. They search for tips, advice, personal stories, and sometimes even a diagnosis. But is everything they find on TikTok legit? How can we help our kids navigate TikTok, especially when we may not even understand it ourselves? 

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra learn all about the world of ADHD TikTok with Dr. Sasha Hamdani. Dr. Sasha is a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD and anxiety. She also has ADHD, and she uses TikTok and other social media platforms to provide ADHD tips and debunk myths. Tune in to hear Dr. Sasha explain why many people with ADHD find TikTok helpful — and what to watch out for. 

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

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

• TikTok creators show the “real” ADHD
• Hear Dr. Sasha’s story on ADHD Aha! ADHD and emotions, from anxiety to boredom
• Dr. Sasha on TikTok
• Dr. Sasha’s book: Self-Care for People With ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You!

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

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Parenting is tough. And it can be even tougher when you’re raising kids with learning and thinking differences. When we make mistakes as parents, it’s important to know we’re not alone. And that we’re all learning as we go.  

In this episode of In It, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra share listener stories of parenting “fails” — plus their own stories. Tune in to hear about times when we lost our patience, regretted our words, or had a bad parenting moment in public. These stories may make you laugh, cringe, or even cry. But no matter what, we hope they’ll make you feel “in it” with other families.  

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

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

• When your kid is hard to like
• 8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHD
• How I got my child to listen (without yelling)

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

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Many parents struggle with how to discipline their kids. But for families of kids who have ADHD or learning differences, it can be even harder to know what to do. How do you discipline kids who have trouble with the skills they need to behave? What strategies work best for kids with ADHD?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra get discipline tips from a clinical psychologist, Dr. Kristin Carothers. Kristin explains why it can be hard for kids with ADHD to follow rules, and how positive discipline can help.  

Hear Kristin’s answers to questions like: What do we do when kids with ADHD forget their homework? How can you get on the same page as your child’s school when it comes to discipline? Plus, find out why having fun with your child is part of an effective discipline strategy.  

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

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

• 7 discipline tips when your child has ADHD
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• Understanding trouble following directions

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

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When you’re a couple raising a child, your relationship can fall to the bottom of the priority list. That can be especially true when your child learns or thinks differently. You might feel the pressures of time, money, and decision-making. And you may find yourselves arguing over small things like who bought the bread.  

So how can a couple nurture their relationship? To find out, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek turn to Sarah Greenberg for advice. Sarah is an Understood expert with years of experience as a marriage and family therapist.  

Hear Sarah talk about how couples can manage the stressors they face. Tune in to learn simple ways couples can connect (spoiler alert: vacations aren’t usually the answer). And find out why self-compassion is essential in a relationship. 

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

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

• Read how one couple got on the same page about their child’s diagnosis. 
• Listen to this In It episode to hear how one couple made it through their son’s school refusal. 
• And check out Sarah’s blog on Psychology Today.

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

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 Why is math so hard for so many kids? And what can we do about it?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra take a deep dive into math with special education and math teacher Brendan Hodnett. Tune in to learn about dyscalculia, a learning disability in math. Find out how other learning and thinking differences can impact math, too.  

Hear Brendan describe math anxiety, and what strategies can help. You’ll even learn an easy breathing strategy for calming math nerves. Plus, get tips for fun ways to practice math at home.  

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

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

• Understanding why kids struggle with math
• What is math anxiety?
• Signs of dyscalculia at different ages
• How games can help kids get better at math

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

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Homework. It’s a source of battles in many families. But does it have to be? How can we approach homework so that it doesn’t cause so much stress for our kids — and ourselves?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk all things homework with special education teacher Shira Moskovitz. Hear Shira bust common homework myths, like why the best time to do homework isn’t always right after school. And why it’s OK if your child’s homework station is a bit messy. Plus, get tips on how to give kids homework support while fostering their independence.  

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

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

• FAQs about homework for kids
• 6 steps for breaking down assignments

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

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Impulsivity can be a big challenge for kids with ADHD. But it’s also something that many kids struggle with. What drives impulsive behavior? And how can we help kids manage it?  

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek take a deep dive into impulsivity with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andy Kahn. Hear Andy explain what impulsivity is, its connection to ADHD, and why all kids can struggle with it.  

Get practical tips for how to help kids manage impulsive behavior. Learn the difference between impulsive and compulsive behaviors. Plus, find out how to help kids reduce risky behaviors that stem from impulsivity.  

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

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

• Understanding impulsivity in kids
• ADHD and managing money
• Risky behaviors in teens with ADHD: How to help
• Understood Explains podcast

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

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Self-advocacy is the ability to communicate your needs. It’s important for thriving in school, at work, and in life. But it’s not something that comes naturally for kids — and even most adults. So how do we help kids build their self-advocacy muscles?  

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk about self-advocacy with Melody Maitland, a director of student services and former special education teacher. Melody believes that kids deserve a seat at the table in IEP and 504 meetings and that we should prepare them with self-advocacy skills.  

Hear how she helps kids learn to speak up for themselves, starting with self-awareness. Get tips for building your child’s self-advocacy skills at home. And learn why adults are often the biggest obstacles to kids learning to self-advocate. 

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

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

• What is self-advocacy?
• Download: Self-awareness worksheets for kids
• Can I ask for self-advocacy IEP goals for my child? 

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.