For some parents, building independence in kids with learning and thinking differences might feel overwhelming. But it’s an important part of kids’ growth. Because when kids learn to do things on their own, they begin to feel more confident.

Listen as Julian explains how learning and thinking differences can impact kids’ ability to build independence. Learn why teaching kids how to navigate the world with confidence is key. And get tips on how to teach independence 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].

Related resources

• 5 ways to help tweens and teens be independent learners
• Let Grow

Timestamps

(01:13) Why is independence important?

(06:18) What is a growth mindset?

(06:56) Why parents should praise kids’ efforts

(11:01) Ways to teach kids independence at home

(14:15) How Julian teaches his children independence

(16:39) Tips for parents 

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

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Going back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents. But for some kids, it can also be full of stress and uncertainty. Especially if the previous school year had its share of ups and downs. 

Maybe your child had a tough time in math class? Or maybe making friends was a challenge? Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains how parents can get kids ready for the new school year with confidence. Hear why it’s important for parents and kids to reflect on the previous year. And learn ways to help kids manage challenges in the classroom. 

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

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

Related resources

• Back-to-school making you and your child anxious? These strategies can help
• What to say when your child doesn’t want to go to school
• Julian’s book recommendation: The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

Timestamps

(00:47) Why is it important for parents and kids to talk about school?

(02:37) Questions to ask your child about school

(09:00) How to handle challenges in the classroom with confidence  

(12:16) “The Magical Yet”

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

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

Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills. And to keep old ones from getting rusty. But how so?

In this episode, Julian shares how to prevent the “summer slide.” And gives tips on how to create moments for learning.

Related resources

• Stopping “summer slide”
• Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive
• Summer learning programs for kids who learn and think differently

To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap podcast page at Understood.org.

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

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

Some parents think about behavior in a negative way, like a problem they don’t want to deal with. But the truth is, behavior is just a form of communication.

On this bonus episode of The Opportunity Gap, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Dr. Andy explains the truth behind kids’ actions. And gives tips for how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors. 

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].

• Listen: Understanding your child’s behavior as communication
• How to manage behavior problems in young kids
• The difference between discipline and punishment

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

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

Parents play a big role in continuing a child’s learning journey outside of the classroom. These opportunities for learning are often called teachable moments. And they can happen anywhere from the grocery store to even at the park.

Listen as Julian explains what teachable moments are. And how they help kids build important life skills. Then get tips on how to create these moments at home.

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].

Related resources

• Summer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong
• 7 ways to encourage your child to read over the summer

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

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

Early intervention refers to services that help kids from birth to age three with developmental delays. But what services are available after kids turn 3? The answer: preschool services. 

In this episode, we welcome Elisa Lundy. Elisa is a special education teacher who works in preschool classrooms in the New York City area. Listen as she:

• Explains the similarities between preschool services and early intervention
• Shares how preschool services can help a child’s social, emotional, and physical development
• And tells us how families can access these services in their school

Related resources

• What is early intervention?
• Support for kids who struggle in school
• How to get your child help in school without an evaluation

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to 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

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

When a child qualifies for an IEP, one of the first things schools give parents is a packet. In that packet is information that breaks down the legal rights parents and kids have during the special education process.  

The packet can be really long and filled with lots of terms that can be confusing. Still, it’s important for parents to understand these terms.  

Listen as host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms in this episode of Understood Explains. She also explains the legal rights that come with an IEP.  

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].  

• What are your rights in the IEP process?
• Download: Endrew R. advocacy toolkit
• How to consent to some parts of an IEP and not others
• Guidance letter from the U.S. Department of Education for schools to translate IEPs

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

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

The IEP process can leave English language learners and their families with lots of questions. But the more families know about the purpose of IEPs, the more involved they can be in getting their child the best support.

In this episode, we speak with Juliana Urtubey. Juliana is a special education teacher. She was named the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Listen as Juliana explains:

Challenges English language learners face during the IEP process

Why culturally-responsive IEPs are important

And ways parents can actively participate in supporting their child

Related resources

• Are IEPs different for English language learners?
• How to help if English language learners are struggling in school
• English language learners in special education: 4 things to know about partnering with families

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to 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

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

Teachers play a huge role in shaping the future of their students. And they often wear many hats in the classroom to provide the best learning experience for kids. Especially kids with learning and thinking differences. 

In this episode, we speak with Kareem Neal, MA. Kareem is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. And he’s been teaching for more than 25 years. Listen as Kareem gives a glimpse into the classroom and explains:

• The importance of partnership between teachers and parents
• The impact this relationship has on kids
• And what he wants parents to know about special education

Related resources

• 7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacher
• Why and how to partner with your child’s teacher
• Perspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the school

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.

We’d love to hear from you. Write to 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

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

Michelle Carter believes sports can be a big help for kids with learning differences. She's an athlete and a businessperson. And track and field was a game-changer for her ADHD and dyslexia.  

In this episode, listen as Michelle talks about the challenges she faced in the classroom and on the field. How she discovered her talents in track and field. And then learn how she's helping kids build confidence.  

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at [email protected].  

• How to get your child involved in sports 
• Video: Michelle Carter wins Olympic gold with dyslexia and ADHD
• Podcast: Understood Explains on evaluations for special education 
• Read: All about careers for kids who learn and think differently

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

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