In this discussion, Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD among kids of color, tackles the pervasive myths surrounding ADHD that are amplified on social media. She reveals how misinformation contributes to stigma and shame in marginalized communities. Dr. Carothers offers practical advice for parents on debunking these myths and emphasizes the importance of understanding ADHD as a legitimate condition. The conversation also highlights systemic challenges in education and the role of teachers in supporting affected students.

René Brooks was diagnosed with ADHD twice during her childhood. But stigma and shame kept her family from learning more and getting her the right support. So when she was diagnosed with ADHD for a third time at age 25, she decided to take control of her own journey. In this episode, René unpacks her experiences growing up with ADHD. Listen as she explains:  The impact of delayed interventionWhat she wishes the adults in her life did differentlyAnd why it’s important to build support systems for kids with ADHDVisit 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 resourcesRené Brooks’ podcast: Life With Lost KeysChildren and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderMasking ADHD symptoms to go above and beyond (René Brooks’ story) 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

It’s common for parents to wonder how the IEP process works and how to best advocate for their child’s needs. The truth is, the more parents know about IEPs and how they’re put into place, the more active a role they can take in the process.In this episode, Julian speaks with IEP expert Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd. Listen as Jamilah explains:  What the IEP process looks likeCommon challenges families of color often experience when advocating for their childAnd ways schools and families can build positive relationshipsVisit 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 resourcesWhat is an IEP?Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd, The IEP Coach LLCMaster the IEP Course by Jamilah F. Bashir, MEdHow to get an IEP 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

If your child is struggling at school or at home, you may be wondering whether or not it’s related to a learning difference. Talking with your child’s pediatrician can be a good first step to getting support. But how do you start the talk?  Listen as behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nerissa Bauer visits our friends at In It and gives tips for talking with your child’s pediatrician about learning differences like ADHD and more.Visit the In It 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 resources5 steps to work with your pediatrician when your child is strugglingHow to organize your child’s IEP binderLearning disabilities and ADHD: Resources for patient educationTake N.O.T.E.: Are you wondering why your child is struggling?Check out Dr. Nerissa’s website, Let’s Talk Kids Health   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

In celebration of Black History Month, Julian highlights four members of the Understood team:  Berman Fenelus, Senior Content ProducerLivingston Steele, Social Media ManagerMisha Williams, Grants and Relationships ManagerDeb Wilson, Chief People & Culture OfficerEach of them is making an impact in the lives of people with learning and thinking differences, from silencing shame and stigma to promoting inclusion. Learn the reasons why they choose to do this work.  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 resourcesBlack History Month: Celebrating Lois, Solange, and OctaviaWisdom for families from LeDerick Horne, poet with dyslexiaTo be Black in America with a learning disability 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

For kids with learning and thinking differences, preparing for life after high school is often met with many emotions and questions.  “What’s next for me?” “Will I have the same accommodations?” “Will I be successful in my studies?”  In this episode, Julian talks with Sudi Shayesteh. Sudi is the director of the Office of AccessABILITY at Hunter College. Learn about the challenges students face when transitioning out of high school. And get tips on how to team up with the school to better prepare students for this transition.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 resourcesAfter high school: Different ways to thrive 7 things to know about college disability services Life after high school: Tips to get your child ready 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

Some kids clam up about school, especially when facing challenges like bullying or tricky subjects. Discover how open-ended questions can encourage them to share their feelings. Learn the importance of vulnerability and sharing your own struggles to build trust. Explore effective strategies to engage your child in conversations, respecting their readiness to talk. With the right approach, you can transform school discussions into meaningful and supportive dialogues.

The school-to-prison pipeline has been hidden in the shadows of our educational systems for way too long. It’s a series of policies that have targeted kids of color, pulling them out of schools and into the legal system. And now, more than ever, it requires our fight to end.Listen as Malhar Shah, an education attorney at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund explains:  The school-to-prison pipelineHow it impacts school discipline and special education lawsAnd the role teachers and parents can play in dismantling itVisit 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 resourcesDisability Rights Education and Defense FundFind the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) in your state or territoryFind the Protection and Advocacy agency (P&A) in your state or territoryHelping Traumatized Children Learn 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

Dr. Andrew Kahn shares expert advice on handling tantrums and meltdowns in children who learn and think differently. He discusses the importance of practicing strategies ahead of time, teaching calming techniques, and connecting with upset individuals through effective communication. Learn about various calming techniques like meditation and deep breathing, along with insights from behavioral psychology on handling outbursts. The podcast emphasizes the significance of trying new parenting methods and being open to experimentation.

Learn how to navigate sharing your child's learning differences with family during the holidays, including tips on communication, setting boundaries, and using plain language to foster understanding and support.