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

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.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

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.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

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.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

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.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

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.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

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.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 some parents, building independence in kids with learning and thinking differences might feel overwhelming. But it’s an important part of kids’ growth. Because when kids learn to do things on their own, they begin to feel more confident.Listen as Julian explains how learning and thinking differences can impact kids’ ability to build independence. Learn why teaching kids how to navigate the world with confidence is key. And get tips on how to teach independence 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.Related resources5 ways to help tweens and teens be independent learnersLet GrowTimestamps(01:13) Why is independence important?(06:18) What is a growth mindset?(06:56) Why parents should praise kids’ efforts(11:01) Ways to teach kids independence at home(14:15) How Julian teaches his children independence(16:39) Tips for parents  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

Going back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents. But for some kids, it can also be full of stress and uncertainty. Especially if the previous school year had its share of ups and downs. Maybe your child had a tough time in math class? Or maybe making friends was a challenge? Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains how parents can get kids ready for the new school year with confidence. Hear why it’s important for parents and kids to reflect on the previous year. And learn ways to help kids manage challenges in the classroom. We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap episode page at Understood.  Related resourcesBack-to-school making you and your child anxious? These strategies can helpWhat to say when your child doesn’t want to go to schoolJulian’s book recommendation: The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizziTimestamps(00:47) Why is it important for parents and kids to talk about school?(02:37) Questions to ask your child about school(09:00) How to handle challenges in the classroom with confidence  (12:16) “The Magical Yet” 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

Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills. And to keep old ones from getting rusty. But how so?In this episode, Julian shares how to prevent the “summer slide.” And gives tips on how to create moments for learning.Related resourcesStopping “summer slide”Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thriveSummer learning programs for kids who learn and think differentlyTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap podcast page at Understood.org.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

Some parents think about behavior in a negative way, like a problem they don’t want to deal with. But the truth is, behavior is just a form of communication.On this bonus episode of The Opportunity Gap, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Dr. Andy explains the truth behind kids’ actions. And gives tips for how parents can respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.Related resourcesListen: Understanding your child’s behavior as communicationHow to manage behavior problems in young kidsThe difference between discipline and punishment 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