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

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

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

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.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

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.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

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.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

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.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 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.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 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.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