Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently

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 resources7 tips to help your child self-sootheIs the news stressing your kids out? Tips for getting through itStress and anxietyTimestamps(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 uncertaintyTo 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 opportunitygap@understood.org.  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

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 opportunitygap@understood.org.Related resourcesADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologistHow to get your child to talk about schoolTimestamps(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

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 resourcesThe hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1Confronting racial bias within special educationTimestamps(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 needsTo 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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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

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 resourcesFamilies of color and communicating with teachersConfronting 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 educationTo 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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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

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 resourcesWhat is culturally responsive teaching?Families of color and communicating with teachersConfronting racial bias within special educationTimestamps(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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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 middle of the year can feel like a crossroads. Distractions are creeping in, and the energy kids started the school year with seems to fade like a distant memory.  But what if this moment isn't a sign to slow down but an opportunity to reset?In this episode, we talk to Kate Garcia, MEd. Listen as Kate explains how parents can turn the mid-year slump into a launchpad for success for their kids with learning and thinking differences. And get tips on how to help kids overcome distractions and refocus for the school year.Related resources7 ways to help your grade-schooler develop good study habitsIXLQuizletTimestamps(01:15) What is the “mid-year slump?”  (04:59) Ways study habits change during the “mid-year slump”  (09:12) How parents can help to improve study habits(14:12) Strategies for overcoming the “mid-year slump”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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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

Navigating learning and thinking differences can be tough for both kids and their families. Neurodivergent children can feel misunderstood both at home and in the classroom. And their parents often struggle to know how best to help.In this episode of Opportunity Gap, parents and kids share their experiences with learning and thinking differences. Listen as they break down what they wish others understood. Then, hear from psychologist Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd about how both parents and kids can approach these challenges with patience and support.Related resources8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHD7 things I wish people knew about parenting kids with dyslexiaParenting the kids you have: One mom’s storyTimestamps(01:22) Megan’s story(03:35) Reese’s story(04:32) Nancy’s story(05:21) Clara’s story  (06:10) Dr. Christina weighs inTo 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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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

Does your child avoid reading, get easily frustrated, or stumble over familiar words? These may be signs they’re having trouble with reading. In this episode, we talk to literacy expert Shaquala Holmes, MEd. Shaquala has dedicated her career to helping students become better readers. Listen as she shares:Tips for what to look for when reading with your childWays to help kids grow their confidence, one word at a timeRelated resourcesHow to help kids with reading at homeUnderstanding why kids struggle with reading7 tips to help kids understand what they readTimestamps(01:20) Ways to assess a child’s reading level(08:55) How to spark an interest in reading(11:55) What families can do during reading time  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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like a constant balancing act — juggling patience, understanding, and supporting your child’s unique needs. It often leads to questions like, Am I doing enough? What can I do better?In this episode, we talk with Dr. Larry Jones, a retired pediatrician and father of sons with ADHD. Listen as Dr. Larry reflects on:Navigating his own ADHD diagnosisWhat he’s learned about raising kids with ADHDAnd what he might have done differently in hindsightRelated resourcesLarry A. Jones, MD, MBAParenting Tips When You and Your Child Have ADHDUnderstanding ADHD in your childTimestamps​​(01:42) Dr. Larry on raising kids with ADHD(05:25) Dr. Larry on receiving his own ADHD diagnosis(08:37) Navigating ADHD and its stigma(10:04) What Dr. Larry would do differently raising kids with ADHDTo 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 opportunitygap@understood.org. 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 holiday season can overwhelm kids with learning differences, but parents can help them thrive. Strategies include preparing for social interactions and creating calm spaces for moments of stress. Clear expectations provide a sense of security, ensuring kids know what to expect. Practical tips for teaching sharing and managing holiday challenges are shared, making the festive season more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, discover resources to help kids navigate their unique social landscapes.