Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

We know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in.Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding, putting some services your child may be receiving at risk. In this episode, former OSEP chief of staff Meghan Whittaker joins host Julian and journalist Ray Jacobson from the Hyperfocus podcast to explain what this means for schools, IEPs, and families. Learn how funding, vouchers, and state control could impact your child — and what parents can do to protect their rights.For more on this topic:What the special education layoffs mean for your child’s IEP and school servicesWhat happens to my child’s IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state lawTimestamps:  (02:00) Federal layoffs at OSEP: What happened and why it matters(06:00) Understanding IDEA and federal oversight(11:00) Real-life impact on schools and students(18:00) Vouchers vs. public school funding: What families should know(26:00) States taking over: Risks and challenges(30:00) Equity concerns and how parents can advocateFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode 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.

Sometimes parent-teacher relationships don’t go as smoothly as we hope. And when conflicts happen, it can make school harder for both students and adults.In this episode, Julian shares practical advice for dealing with parent-teacher tension. Learn how to fix misunderstandings and rebuild trust to help create a more positive connection.For more on this topic:Families of color and communicating with teachers7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacherWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherRace and Ethnicity of Public School Teachers and Their StudentsTimestamps:  (00:00) Intro(00:55) Why parent-teacher dynamics are hard(03:44) How race influences these relationships(06:40) Julian’s tips for working with your child’s teacherFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode 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.

Is your child having trouble with reading? Could it be dyslexia? Expert Shira Moskowitz shares what parents need to know.Dyslexia is more than just letter mix-ups.It’s a learning difference that affects how kids read and understand words. In this episode, you’ll learn:How to spot early signs of dyslexia in kidsThe truth about letter reversalsAnd how technology can help support kidsFor more on this topic: When dyslexia is missed: The impact on students of colorWhat is dyslexia?Dyslexia: More than mixing up lettersTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:00) What is dyslexia?(02:05) The truth about letter reversals(03:30) How early can kids show signs of dyslexia?(05:40) How dyslexia affects kids beyond just reading(08:05) How parents can support kids with dyslexia (08:55) How technology can helpFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode 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.

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.