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 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 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 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.

Parenting kids with multiple learning and thinking differences is often filled with many twists and turns. It’s a journey that requires a strong support system, resilience, and hope. And each day calls for patience and understanding from both parents and their children.In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Bywaters. Jennifer is the proud mom of a son with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Listen as she shares:Her family’s journey of receiving multiple diagnosesThe uplifting moments that have kept her family strongAnd what this experience has taught her about resilienceRelated resourcesParenting guilt: Tips to get past itGuided meditation for stressed parents7 things I wish people knew about parenting kids with dyslexiaTimestamps(2:20) How Jennifer noticed her child’s learning challenges(4:41) How receiving multiple diagnoses impacted Jennifer and her child(8:44) What Jennifer has found most helpful when advocating for her child’s needs(10:49) What Jennifer’s parenting journey has taught her about resilienceTo 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 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

Sportsmanship is not just about winning or losing. It’s also about character, respect, and treating others well. It’s an important skill to develop. But mastering it can be challenging for some kids with learning and thinking differences.In this episode of Opportunity Gap, we dive into the heart of sportsmanship. Listen as our guest, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the importance of sportsmanship in youth sports. Learn ways to teach kids these essential values. And find out how instilling a strong sense of sportsmanship can transform not just the game, but kids’ lives both on and off the field. Related resourcesHow to get your child involved in sports5 ways to work with your child’s coach5 fun sports for kids who struggle with motor skillsTimestamps(1:02) What is sportsmanship?(7:51) Challenges kids with learning and thinking differences face when practicing sportsmanship(12:20) Ways to teach kids sportsmanshipTo 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 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

Have you ever left a parent-teacher conference feeling both hopeful and unsure? Many parents of kids with learning and thinking differences have felt this way. Especially when the meeting brought to light their child’s trouble with reading or math.In this episode, Julian Saavedra talks with Kareem Neal, a special education teacher from Arizona. Listen as Kareem shares: How parents can use important points from these meetings to create an action plan to help their child succeedWays for improving communication with the teacherWhy it’s important to monitor a child’s progressTo 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 resourcesParent-teacher conferences: How to get ready for your next meetingParent-teacher conferences: Toolkit for families9 tips to make the most of your parent-teacher conferenceTimestamps(01:28) What parents can do to enhance their child’s learning (03:10) Steps to take after meeting with your child’s teacher(09:48) How parents and teachers can work together to create goals(12:50) Ways to keep track of your child’s progress Understood 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

Creating a “village,” or a group of supportive people, can really boost kids’ confidence and help them thrive. This village doesn’t have to consist of only parents and family. But it can also include teachers, therapists, and doctors who care about your child.Listen as host Julian Saavedra highlights the kinds of people who can make a big difference in your child’s life. And get practical tips on how to build these important connections.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 resources4 ways to help your child build a support networkHow to find more support when you have kids who learn and think differentlyTimestamps(01:46) What are the benefits of having a supportive village?(03:46) Should a child’s village only include family members?(07:35) People to consider when building your child’s village(10:05) Tips on how to build your child’s village Understood 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

Ever thought about what it’s like to raise kids with ADHD while also having ADHD yourself? Dion Chavis, the host of the Black People Parenting podcast, understands this experience very well.In this episode, listen as Dion shares how he’s juggling parenting kids with ADHD and his own ADHD diagnosis. Find out when he started noticing the unique needs of his kids. And hear why he believes in the importance of responsible fatherhood.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 resourcesDion ChavisBlack People Parenting podcastBlack People Parenting podcast episode, "Mastering Tantrums and Meltdowns: Strategies for Parents of Black Children."ADHD and race: What Black families need to knowADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologistTimestamps(03:32) Dion talks parenting a child with ADHD(05:26) Dion talks early signs of learning differences in his daughter(12:49) Dion reflects on his own ADHD diagnosis(22:21) Dion’s “Dads In The Class” initiative(28:26) Dion’s advice to other dads Understood 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 can parents do when the school falls short in providing the right support for their child’s learning differences? How can parents avoid burning bridges while still advocating for change for their child?In this episode of Opportunity Gap, host Julian Saavedra talks with Jamilah Bashir. Jamilah is an education consultant and IEP coach. Listen as Jamilah explains why a school may not be providing adequate support. And why having a detailed record of a child’s struggles is key when meeting with the school. 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 resourcesJamilah F. Bashir, MEd, The IEP Coach LLCMaster the IEP Course by Jamilah F. Bashir, MEdUnilateral placement: Moving from public to private schoolTimestamps(02:23) Ways to tell if the school is providing the right support(04:34) Ways to tell if your child needs more support(07:40) Reasons why a school may have trouble providing support(11:28) Why documenting your child’s struggles is important(15:46) How to communicate with the school effectively (18:14) What do you do when you’ve exhausted all efforts to get your child the right support?(28:30) What is unilateral placement? Understood 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