Simone Biles and why role models are hard to find

Simone Biles is the most decorated female gymnast in history. She’s also a Black woman and an advocate for people with ADHD. So why don’t more students of color know her story? 

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace explore what being a role model means and why some stories rise up more than others. They also talk about how shame and stigma prevent more people of color from talking about their challenges. Finally, the hosts share thoughts on how parents and schools can help kids with learning and thinking differences find role models to look up to. 

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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 

Related resources

• Read what Simone Biles tweeted about ADHD.
• Check out Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete.”
• Watch videos about athletes who learn and think differently, like Olympian Michelle Carter and NFL player Lawrence Guy.
• Get tips on finding mentors for kids with learning and thinking differences.

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