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

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parents play a big role in continuing a child’s learning journey outside of the classroom. These opportunities for learning are often called teachable moments. And they can happen anywhere from the grocery store to even at the park.Listen as Julian explains what teachable moments are. And how they help kids build important life skills. Then get tips on how to create these moments at home.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 resourcesSummer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong7 ways to encourage your child to read over the summer  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.

Early intervention refers to services that help kids from birth to age three with developmental delays. But what services are available after kids turn 3? The answer: preschool services. In this episode, we welcome Elisa Lundy. Elisa is a special education teacher who works in preschool classrooms in the New York City area. Listen as she:Explains the similarities between preschool services and early interventionShares how preschool services can help a child’s social, emotional, and physical developmentAnd tells us how families can access these services in their schoolRelated resourcesWhat is early intervention?Support for kids who struggle in schoolHow to get your child help in school without an evaluationVisit 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. 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.

When a child qualifies for an IEP, one of the first things schools give parents is a packet. In that packet is information that breaks down the legal rights parents and kids have during the special education process.  The packet can be really long and filled with lots of terms that can be confusing. Still, it’s important for parents to understand these terms.  Listen as host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms in this episode of Understood Explains. She also explains the legal rights that come with an IEP.  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 resourcesWhat are your rights in the IEP process?Download: Endrew R. advocacy toolkitHow to consent to some parts of an IEP and not othersGuidance letter from the U.S. Department of Education for schools to translate IEPs  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.

The IEP process can leave English language learners and their families with lots of questions. But the more families know about the purpose of IEPs, the more involved they can be in getting their child the best support.In this episode, we speak with Juliana Urtubey. Juliana is a special education teacher. She was named the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Listen as Juliana explains:Challenges English language learners face during the IEP processWhy culturally-responsive IEPs are importantAnd ways parents can actively participate in supporting their childRelated resourcesAre IEPs different for English language learners?How to help if English language learners are struggling in schoolEnglish language learners in special education: 4 things to know about partnering with familiesVisit 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. 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.

Teachers play a huge role in shaping the future of their students. And they often wear many hats in the classroom to provide the best learning experience for kids. Especially kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode, we speak with Kareem Neal, MA. Kareem is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. And he’s been teaching for more than 25 years. Listen as Kareem gives a glimpse into the classroom and explains:The importance of partnership between teachers and parentsThe impact this relationship has on kidsAnd what he wants parents to know about special educationRelated resources7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacherWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherPerspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the schoolVisit 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.  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.

Michelle Carter believes sports can be a big help for kids with learning differences. She's an athlete and a businessperson. And track and field was a game-changer for her ADHD and dyslexia.  In this episode, listen as Michelle talks about the challenges she faced in the classroom and on the field. How she discovered her talents in track and field. And then learn how she's helping kids build confidence.  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 resourcesHow to get your child involved in sports Video: Michelle Carter wins Olympic gold with dyslexia and ADHDPodcast: Understood Explains on evaluations for special education Read: All about careers for kids who learn and think differently 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.

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.