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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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 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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step. Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And get tips on how to support your child through tough times.Related resourcesTypical sadness or depression? How to tell the difference in your childSigns of depression at different agesADHD and depressionSigns of anxiety in young kidsNational Alliance on Mental IllnessTimestamps(01:02) The relationship between learning disabilities and feeling depressed(06:18) How to recognize signs of depression and anxiety in kids (15:15) Support for managing feelings of depression and anxiety 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. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Dyslexia is a common learning and thinking difference that makes it difficult for kids to read and process words. And in communities of color, these challenges are often missed for many reasons. Lack of teacher training and limited access to early testing are just a few examples.In this episode, we talk to Shaquala Holmes, MEd.  Shaquala has spent her career helping students become better readers. Listen as she breaks down what can happen when dyslexia isn’t diagnosed early and why testing matters. Then find out how parents can support their children at home and in school.Related resourcesDyslexiaSigns of dyslexia at different agesTimestamps(00:55) How dyslexia affects students in the classroom(03:47) What can happen if dyslexia is left undiagnosed (07:38) Next steps after a dyslexia diagnosis(11:52) How parents can support their child with dyslexiaFor a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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

When a child is diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference, their parents often focus all their energy on helping. Like advocating for their child, or figuring out what support is needed. With so much to juggle, it's easy for parents to lose sight of their own mental well-being.In this episode, Julian talks with Dr. Monica Johnson. Dr. Johnson, also known as “Dr. J,” is a psychologist and the host of Understood.org’s ADHD and podcast. Listen as Dr. J breaks down emotions parents may experience after receiving their child’s diagnosis. And get her advice on how to set boundaries and make time for self-care while still supporting your child.Related resourcesParental burnout? What to do before you lose itGuided meditation for stressed parentsCHADDLD OnLineTimestamps(01:20) Common emotions parents experience after their child’s diagnosis(03:52) How parents can balance self-care and supporting their child(04:10) What self-care can look like for parentsFor a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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