Special education has many terms that can be hard to understand. You may hear them often at school meetings or even see them in learning plans. And learning what they mean can help you best support your child.

In this episode, host Julian Saavedra breaks down 8 key special education terms in simple, clear language. Learn what these terms mean and how they relate to the support kids receive at school.

Related resources

• Learning disability and ADHD glossary
• Disability inclusion glossary
• Opportunity Gap podcast page

Timestamps

(00:33) What is a learning disability?

(01:37) What is ADHD?

(02:59) What is special education?

(04:54) What is an IEP?

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. 

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning. 

Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing support.

Related resources

• What does the Department of Education do for special education?
• The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?
• What to include in a state complaint for IEP dispute resolution

Timestamps

(00:53) What the department does not do for special education

(2:47) How the department oversees special education

(06:23) How the department protects students’ rights 

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. 

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step. 

Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And get tips on how to support your child through tough times.

Related resources

• Typical sadness or depression? How to tell the difference in your child
• Signs of depression at different ages
• ADHD and depression
• Signs of anxiety in young kids
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Timestamps

(01:02) The relationship between learning disabilities and feeling depressed

(06:18) How to recognize signs of depression and anxiety in kids 

(15:15) Support for managing feelings of depression and anxiety 

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org.

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

Dyslexia is a common learning and thinking difference that makes it difficult for kids to read and process words. And in communities of color, these challenges are often missed for many reasons. Lack of teacher training and limited access to early testing are just a few examples.

In this episode, we talk to Shaquala Holmes, MEd.  Shaquala has spent her career helping students become better readers. Listen as she breaks down what can happen when dyslexia isn’t diagnosed early and why testing matters. Then find out how parents can support their children at home and in school.

Related resources

• Dyslexia
• Signs of dyslexia at different ages

Timestamps

(00:55) How dyslexia affects students in the classroom

(03:47) What can happen if dyslexia is left undiagnosed 

(07:38) Next steps after a dyslexia diagnosis

(11:52) How parents can support their child with dyslexia

For a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. 

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

When a child is diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference, their parents often focus all their energy on helping. Like advocating for their child, or figuring out what support is needed. With so much to juggle, it's easy for parents to lose sight of their own mental well-being.

In this episode, Julian talks with Dr. Monica Johnson. Dr. Johnson, also known as “Dr. J,” is a psychologist and the host of Understood.org’s ADHD and podcast. Listen as Dr. J breaks down emotions parents may experience after receiving their child’s diagnosis. And get her advice on how to set boundaries and make time for self-care while still supporting your child.

Related resources

• Parental burnout? What to do before you lose it
• Guided meditation for stressed parents
• CHADD
• LD OnLine

Timestamps

(01:20) Common emotions parents experience after their child’s diagnosis

(03:52) How parents can balance self-care and supporting their child

(04:10) What self-care can look like for parents

For a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. 

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

It’s normal for kids to feel uncertain sometimes as they grow and learn about the world. However, there’s a big difference between feeling nervous once in a while and dealing with constant uncertainty. So, how can parents notice these moments and offer support?

Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains why it’s normal for kids to feel uncertain. Learn how to spot signs of anxiety and uncertainty in your child. And get helpful tips for supporting your child through these feelings.   

Related resources

• 7 tips to help your child self-soothe
• Is the news stressing your kids out? Tips for getting through it
• Stress and anxiety

Timestamps

(01:25) Why kids may feel uncertain at times

(03:14) Signs of uncertainty and anxiety in kids

(04:07) Julian’s tips for helping kids manage uncertainty

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

A strong parent-child relationship is key to helping children with learning disabilities succeed. Building this bond takes time, patience, and being open with each other. And when done thoughtfully, it can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

In this episode, we talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Kristin Carothers. She discusses how building trust can improve a child’s behavior and emotional well-being. Tune in to get tips on building a strong bond with your child and learn how to create a supportive home environment to help them succeed.

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

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

Related resources

• ADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologist
• How to get your child to talk about school

Timestamps

(01:46) Why building strong parent-child bonds is important

(09:02) How to create open lines of communication with kids

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

For many families of color, navigating the world of special education can be overwhelming. Understanding students’ legal rights in the classroom adds another challenge, often leaving parents uncertain about how to secure the right support for their child.

In this episode, we continue our conversation about racism in special education. Listen as Malhar Shah, an education attorney, shares the legal rights parents have when getting help for their child. And get tips on how to effectively advocate for your child’s needs.

Related resources

• The hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1
• Confronting racial bias within special education

Timestamps

(01:39) Legal rights parents have to ensure their child is receiving support

(05:11) How to know when a school isn’t meeting legal requirements

(07:25) What parents should do to advocate for their child’s needs

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

Every parent wants the best for their child with learning and thinking differences. But for many families of color, the road to getting that support can feel like an uphill battle.

In this episode, we talk to Christopher Cola. Christopher is the father of a son with ADHD and dyslexia. Listen as he opens up about navigating a school district that didn’t always listen to his concerns. And find out why he wants to help other families avoid the struggles he endured.

Related resources

• Families of color and communicating with teachers
• Confronting racial bias within special education
   

Timestamps

(01:35) How Chris first noticed his child’s struggles
(06:24) Chris on the email that changed his life
(09:37) Chris on racism in special education

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

Imagine a classroom where every student feels represented. Where their backgrounds, learning styles, and individual strengths are valued. For many students of color with learning differences, that’s not always the case. But what if it could be? 

In this episode, we talk to author and education consultant Afrika Afeni Mills. Listen as she breaks down why it’s important for kids of color with learning disabilities to feel represented in the classroom. Learn the powerful ways inclusive teaching can reshape their journey. And get tips for how to apply this mindset at home.

Related resources

• What is culturally responsive teaching?
• Families of color and communicating with teachers
• Confronting racial bias within special education

Timestamps

(01:50) What does it mean to be culturally responsive?

(03:48) Why is this approach important?

(08:32) How can educators build a culturally responsive classroom?

(14:56) How parents can create or support cultural responsiveness at home 

To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.

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

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give