Understood Explains

If someone says something that makes special education sound bad or negative, chances are it’s just not true.  

There are a lot of myths about IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. And these incorrect or outdated ideas can keep some kids from getting school supports that can help them thrive. 

On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will bust common myths and explain the facts.  

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.

Timestamps:

(00:38) Myth #1: My child will be labeled forever

(02:10) Myth #2: My child will be in a separate classroom

(03:15) Myth #3: IEPs are only for kids with severe physical or intellectual disabilities

(04:17) Myth #4: Many kids with IEPs misbehave on purpose

(05:34) Myth #5: My child needs to wait to get evaluated for special education services

(07:13) Key takeaways

Related resources:

• 5 common misconceptions about IEPs
• 10 special education myths you may hear
• Busting myths about special education

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get. 

And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need. 

On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will break down the differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and which one might be right for your child. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.

Timestamps:

(00:53) What is a 504 plan?

(02:16) What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?

(08:15) Can my child have an IEP and a 504 plan at the same time?

(09:36) Should my child switch from an IEP to a 504 plan?

(10:45) What do multilingual learners need to know about IEPs and 504 plans?

(11:58) Key takeaways

Related resources:

• 10 smart responses for when the school cuts or denies services
• Understood Explains Season 1

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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 your child has been struggling in school, you might be wondering if they need special education. And once you start exploring special education, you’re going to run into the term IEP, which stands for individualized education program.

But what exactly is an IEP, anyway? 

On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will cover IEP basics and how to figure out if your child needs this kind of support. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.

Timestamps:

(00:57) What is the purpose of an IEP?

(03:27) What’s in an IEP

(05:42) Does my child need an IEP?

(07:42) Should I wait to get my child an IEP?

(10:05) What if my child is learning English?  

(11:36) Key takeaways  

Related resources:

• Understood Explains Season 1
• How to help if English language learners are struggling in school

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

Does your child need special education? How can you make the most of this school support? Listen to the trailer for Understood Explains IEPs, which covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs.  

Host Juliana Urtubey is a special education teacher and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. So you can learn from a pro in this 13-episode series, which includes IEP tips for kids of different ages and for kids who are learning English as an additional language.

Episodes drop weekly in English and Spanish, starting March 21.

Visit the episode page on Understood.

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

This bonus episode of Understood Explains shares personal stories about getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. For example, hear from a woman who waited years to see a specialist after her main doctor brushed off her concerns that she might have ADHD.  

You’ll also hear host Dr. Roberto Olivardia describe what led him to get diagnosed with ADHD at 35.  

Listen to these personal stories and what each person wishes they’d known sooner about ADHD. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:41) Michelle on feeling big emotions

(02:35) Kenny on struggling at work

(04:23) Ange on seeing the “ADHD iceberg”

(08:18) Jeannie on nearly failing out of college

(09:59) Advice they’d give their younger selves

(11:37) Roberto on getting diagnosed at 35

(14:12) Credits

Related resources:

• ADHD Aha!
• ADHD runs in the family (Michelle’s story)
• ADHD and creativity (Kenny’s story)
• ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)
• ADHD and messiness (Jeannie’s story)

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

Doubting your ADHD diagnosis? Do you still think you have ADHD even after your doctor said you don’t? Or maybe you got formally diagnosed but aren’t sure you really have ADHD?  

Concerns about ADHD misdiagnosis are common. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia gives tips on how to think about whether you got a thorough evaluation — and if it may be time to get a second opinion.  

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction

(01:04) What do I do if my doctor told me I don’t have ADHD?

(03:54) What if I don’t think my ADHD diagnosis is accurate?

(07:18) Anything else I need to know about getting properly diagnosed?

(07:57) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits 

Related resources:

• How ADHD is diagnosed in adults
• ADHD and perfectionism
• Stop Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

Relief. Anger. Grief. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia explains what to look for and how to process big feelings so you can keep moving forward. Get answers to common questions, like how imposter syndrome is connected to ADHD. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) How can I prepare emotionally for ADHD diagnosis?

(02:04) Why is ADHD diagnosis such a relief for some people?

(04:44) Why does ADHD diagnosis often lead to anger and grief?

(06:01) What’s imposter syndrome? And how is it connected to ADHD?

(07:52) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits 

Related resources:

• ADHD and perfectionism
• How I cope with imposter syndrome while having learning disabilities
• ADHD Aha!
• ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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 are many ways to treat ADHD without medication — or in addition to medication. Learn about a wide range of ADHD treatments, from therapy to free apps and tools. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia also talks about social and workplace supports. Listen as he answers common questions, like whether diet or supplements can help with ADHD. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:51) Can ADHD be treated without medication?

(01:54) What is cognitive behavior therapy?

(04:19) What are some common coping mechanisms for treating ADHD?

(05:53) How can social supports help with ADHD?

(07:53) How can assistive technology help with ADHD?

(08:43) Should I change my diet or take supplements to help with ADHD?

(09:41) What about workplace accommodations for ADHD? 

(10:31) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits 

Related resources:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: What is CBT?
• 8 common myths about ADHD
• 5 oddly specific ADHD strategies that help me work
• How to ask for a workplace accommodation
• The Scientific Method: Can 'color sound' help us get things done?

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

How does ADHD medication work? Is it addictive? If you think you might have ADHD or were recently diagnosed, find out what you need to know about ADHD medication, like how to tell if you’re taking too much or too little.  

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(00:51) How does ADHD medication work?  

(03:39) Does everyone with ADHD need medication?  

(04:21) How can medication help manage ADHD symptoms?  

(06:05) What are the limitations of ADHD medication?  

(06:50) Is ADHD medication addictive?  

(08:26) Will ADHD medication turn me into a zombie?  

(09:41) How can I tell if I’m not taking enough ADHD medication?  

(10:31) What do I need to know about possible side effects of ADHD medication?  

(12:25) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits  

Related resources:

• How ADHD medication works in the brain
• ADHD medication side effects
• Study finds that ADHD medication reduces risk of drug use for people with ADHD
• Is it really ADHD?

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.

The wait time may be shorter, but is online ADHD diagnosis accurate? And can it help you get ADHD treatment? In this episode of Understood Explains, learn the pros and cons of ADHD online diagnosis and get answers to common questions. 

For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. 

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(00:49) What are online ADHD diagnoses?  

(02:53) Is online ADHD diagnosis legit?  

(06:16) Does online ADHD testing cost a lot less than conventional testing?  

(07:18) Any other concerns about online ADHD diagnosis?  

(09:05) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits  

Related resources

• How to get a free or low-cost private evaluation
• Biden Proposal Would Ban Online Prescribing of Certain Drugs (Published 2023)
• Telling ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Apart

Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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.