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

What do you do when your child says, “I think my teacher hates me”? In this episode, Julian breaks down what that really means. Learn how to spot signs of microaggressions in the classroom. Get simple ways to support your child and speak up when something feels wrong. And find out how to address microaggressions in a calm, clear way.For more on this topic: Families of color and communicating with teachersPerspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the schoolThe hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(00:40) What is a microaggression?(02:44) Julian’s personal experience(07:37) How to talk to your child about microaggressions  For a transcript and more resources, visit The Opportunity Gap on Understood.org. You can also 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever leave a parent-teacher conference feeling more confused than informed? Dr. Andy Kahn joins us to help you prepare and make the most of these important conversations.For many parents, these meetings can feel like a quick whirlwind, leaving unanswered questions. In this episode, you’ll discover:How to set clear, focused goals before your meetingStrategies for making the most of limited time with your child’s teacherHow Understood’s new resource, “Through My Eyes,” offers valuable insight into your child’s learning experienceExperience how it feels to learn differently. Step into real-life simulations of kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia with “Through My Eyes” by Understood.org. For more on this topicParent-teacher conferences: How to get ready for your next meetingWhat to do after a parent-teacher conferenceTimestamps(00:00) Intro(01:23) Goals parents should have for the parent-teacher conference(05:47) How to raise concerns with your child’s teacher(09:00) Ways parents can make the most of their conference(11:56) What is “Through My Eyes?”For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some kids work hard in math but still struggle to keep up. Even with extra practice, the numbers just don’t click. This might be a sign of dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to understand and use numbers.In this episode, we’re joined by math teacher Brendan Hodnett. Hear as Brendan explains what dyscalculia is and how it can affect a student’s confidence. Then find out what families can do  to help support their child.For more on this topicWhat is dyscalculia?Dyscalculia or math anxiety? Compare the signs in kidsTimestamps(0:00) Intro(01:12) What is dyscalculia? (06:39) Signs a child may have dyscalculia (11:46) Consequences of undiagnosed dyscalculia (17:15) What families can doFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Not all students get the same chance to succeed. Things like where they live, how much money their family has, or the language they speak at home can create unfair differences. These differences can create what is called an “opportunity gap.”In this episode, learn what the opportunity gap really means and how it affects students. Discover why this issue matters. And hear why closing the gap is about more than just test scores.For more on this topicWhat is the “opportunity gap”? A discussion about race, income, and disabilityADHD and race: What Black families need to knowTimestamps(00:00) Intro(00:55) What is an opportunity gap?(06:45) How opportunity gaps show up in schools(12:07) Why this show existsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and stress for parents and kids. From adjusting sleep schedules to managing new routines, there’s a lot to prepare.In this episode, Julian Saavedra answers common questions parents have about getting their kids ready for the school year. Get his tips for how to ease first-day nerves and create calm morning routines.For more on this topic:Back-to-school support guideBack-to-school: A 4-week plan for a great startBack-to-school checklist: Everything but the booksTimestamps:(01:56) How to create smoother mornings for your child(05:56) How to help your child manage first day of school anxiety(15:47) How to help your child master homework  For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Julian Saavedra joins The Mama’s Den podcast for an honest conversation about learning and thinking differences in kids of color. Listen as he shares how families can support their kids’ needs at home and in school. And get tips for how to work alongside your child’s teacher.The Mama’s Den is hosted by Codie Elaine Oliver, Melanie Fiona, Ashley Chea, and Felicia LaTour. Related resourcesWatch The Mama’s Den on YouTube8 steps to advocating for your child at schoolNeed help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a proTimestamps(14:23) Why talking about learning disabilities in diverse communities is important(19:06) How educators can best support struggling students(22:33) When should parents seek support for their child?We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ADHD is getting a lot of attention on social media. Some posts share helpful tips from experts. But many others share false information. In this episode, we look at how social media spreads harmful myths about ADHD. Listen as Dr. Kristin Carothers, a psychologist, talks about why these myths are dangerous and how they add to stigma and shame. Then get her advice on what parents can do to help set the record straight.Related resources:8 common myths about ADHDHow social media changed ADHD foreverThe Opportunity Gap show pageTimestamps:(04:17) Why we should be careful about spreading myths (18:56) Tips for debunking ADHD mythsWe love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Julian Saavedra breaks down what makes a good summer for kids with learning differences. Find out why rest is important for kids. And learn simple activities to help kids stay active and involved during the break.Related resources6 summer learning apps and games for tweens and teensSummer guide for familiesSummer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thriveFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Special education has many terms that can be hard to understand. You may hear them often at school meetings or even see them in learning plans. And learning what they mean can help you best support your child.In this episode, host Julian Saavedra breaks down 8 key special education terms in simple, clear language. Learn what these terms mean and how they relate to the support kids receive at school.Related resourcesLearning disability and ADHD glossaryDisability inclusion glossaryOpportunity Gap podcast pageTimestamps(00:33) What is a learning disability?(01:37) What is ADHD?(02:59) What is special education?(04:54) What is an IEP?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning. Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing support.Related resourcesWhat does the Department of Education do for special education?The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?What to include in a state complaint for IEP dispute resolutionTimestamps(00:53) What the department does not do for special education(2:47) How the department oversees special education(06:23) How the department protects students’ rights For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.