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

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Imagine a classroom where every student feels represented. Where their backgrounds, learning styles, and individual strengths are valued. For many students of color with learning differences, that’s not always the case. But what if it could be? In this episode, we talk to author and education consultant Afrika Afeni Mills. Listen as she breaks down why it’s important for kids of color with learning disabilities to feel represented in the classroom. Learn the powerful ways inclusive teaching can reshape their journey. And get tips for how to apply this mindset at home.Related resourcesWhat is culturally responsive teaching?Families of color and communicating with teachersConfronting racial bias within special educationTimestamps(01:50) What does it mean to be culturally responsive?(03:48) Why is this approach important?(08:32) How can educators build a culturally responsive classroom?(14:56) How parents can create or support cultural responsiveness 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. 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 middle of the year can feel like a crossroads. Distractions are creeping in, and the energy kids started the school year with seems to fade like a distant memory.  But what if this moment isn't a sign to slow down but an opportunity to reset?In this episode, we talk to Kate Garcia, MEd. Listen as Kate explains how parents can turn the mid-year slump into a launchpad for success for their kids with learning and thinking differences. And get tips on how to help kids overcome distractions and refocus for the school year.Related resources7 ways to help your grade-schooler develop good study habitsIXLQuizletTimestamps(01:15) What is the “mid-year slump?”  (04:59) Ways study habits change during the “mid-year slump”  (09:12) How parents can help to improve study habits(14:12) Strategies for overcoming the “mid-year slump”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.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

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.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

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.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

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.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 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.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