In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

What’s it like to be a contestant on a reality TV show when you’ve got ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia? Just ask Lizzie Acker from The Great British Baking Show. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about baking and “brain fuzz” with Lizzie, the Bake Off contestant from Liverpool, England. Lizzie celebrated her learning differences on the show with an “extraordinary” cake to represent her brain. Find out why she decided to talk about her differences — and the impact it’s having on others. Plus, hear Lizzie’s idea for a cookbook for neurodivergent kids. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resources Download: Decorate a cake to show how your brain worksUnderstanding developmental coordination disorder (DCD)Are dyspraxia and DCD the same thing?ADHD and creativity 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

How can we make learning joyful? How can we build schools that include and celebrate all kids, families, and communities? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra learn from Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Juliana, a bilingual special educator in Las Vegas, aims to make learning “joyful and just” for all students, including kids who learn differently. Listen to Juliana’s tips for how schools can create a sense of belonging for everyone. Hear what Juliana has learned from listening to her students and their families. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesUnderstood Teacher Fellow Juliana UrtubeyWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherFor ELL families: Why and how to partner with teachers6 strategies for partnering with families of English language learners 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

Lots of kids say “I don’t feel like going to school” at some point. But for some, it's more than that — they flat-out refuse to go. And you can’t make them. School refusal is real, and it’s trying to tell you something. But how do you figure out what that is? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with a family who’s been “in it” when it comes to school refusal. Listen to Erin and Meg share the story of their son’s school refusal. Find out what they did to get through it. Plus, learn common signs of school refusal. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesSchool refusal: What it means when kids won’t do schoolworkSchool refusal: How to help kids copeBack-to-school anxiety in kids: What to watch out for 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

Living in a pandemic is hard. With the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, it feels even harder — and not just for parents of kids who learn differently. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra invite you to join them in a collective scream about Omicron, school, and parenting. Listen as they ask themselves how to start off — and make it through — yet another year in a pandemic. While they don’t have answers, they hope you find comfort in knowing you’re not in this alone. Related resourcesTips to build kids’ empathyHow the stressful news affects how kids learn and thinkWhy we’re not calling it learning loss 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

What does it mean to thrive? And how can we help our kids become thrivers? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Dr. Michele Borba — a parenting expert and former special education teacher — about her book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Listen in to hear Michele’s definition of thriving, and the seven strengths that help kids thrive. You’ll learn practical, actionable ways to help kids develop those strengths at any age. Related resources8 ways to teach empathy to your childSelf-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulateHow to help your child build self-control6 ways to improve your child’s self-esteem with extracurricular activitiesAnd check out Michele’s book: Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine 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

Many kids and teens love to play video games. But families often worry about the effects of gaming. Are there benefits or risks to playing video games for kids who learn differently? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get answers from digital play expert and child psychologist Dr. Randy Kulman. Listen in to hear Randy’s tips on how families can help kids maximize learning from popular video games — and transfer that learning to the real world. Plus, hear Randy’s thoughts on EndeavorRX, a prescription video game for kids with ADHD. Related resources6 surprising benefits of video games for kids  How to choose video games and apps for your childLearning Works for Kids And check out Randy’s book: The Gaming Overload Workbook: A Teen's Guide to Balancing Screen Time, Video Games, and Real Life 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 holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. But they can also be the most stressful for families with kids who learn differently. So how can families do more than just make it through the holidays? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra bring holiday questions from the Understood community to Dr. Ellen Braaten, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Understood expert. Listen in to hear Ellen’s practical tips for dealing with holiday challenges — as well as advice for how to bring joy to the holidays. Plus, Amanda shares her family’s simple gift-giving strategy. Related resourcesHow to make the holidays more fun for your childWant Need Wear Read: The holiday gift strategy that works for my kidsDownload: Holiday behavior worksheet for your childHoliday tips when your child has food sensitivities 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

Being an anxious kid has its challenges. But what happens when that anxious kid grows up to be a parent? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra have a candid conversation with Morra Aarons-Mele, author and host of The Anxious Achiever podcast. Morra describes herself as an “extremely anxious introvert.” And she often wonders how that anxiety affects her parenting. Listen in to hear Morra describe her own strengths and challenges — as an anxious kid, as a neurodivergent adult, and as a mom.  Related resourcesAnxiety in people who learn and think differentlyThe difference between typical anxiety and an anxiety problemAnd check out Morra’s book: Hiding in the Bathroom: How to Get Out There When You’d Rather Stay Home         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

What’s an IEP? And why are there so many confusing acronyms in special education? In this episode, host Gretchen Vierstra gets answers to common questions about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) from co-host Amanda Morin and their colleague Andrew Lee, a special education legal expert. Andrew and Amanda explain the basics of IEPs — starting with “How do kids even get one?” They also break down the meanings of special education terms like PLOP and answer questions about IEPs from the Understood community. Related resourcesUnderstanding IEPsIEP and special education termsDownload: Anatomy of an IEPWhat is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)? 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

Most kids are finally back in physical classrooms this year. But after over a year of remote learning, many parents of kids who learn differently are asking, “Is my kid behind?” To help answer this question, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk to special education teacher Kareem Neal. Listen in to find out what he’s seeing in his classroom — and why he’s not worried about “learning loss.” We also hear from two other teachers about what they’re saying to concerned families. Related resourcesWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherConversation starters to use with your child’s teachersHow often should I contact my child’s teacher? 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