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

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

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.

DeJunne’ Clark Jackson, an expert on parent-teacher conferences, discusses how to make the most of these meetings. She provides tips on preparing yourself and your kids, as well as advice on helping your child talk about school. The podcast also explores the importance of building relationships, reviewing IEP and 504 plans, involving your child in the process, and continuing the conversation after the conference.

Some teachers, despite their best efforts, bring their own biases into the classroom. And their beliefs impact how they interact with students and their families in a major way.  Racial bias in education is a common experience — and it shouldn’t be. In this episode, we address a pressing issue with guest Afrika Afeni Mills, MEd. Listen as Afrika explains:How racial bias can influence relationships between parents and the schoolThe importance of teachers and schools promoting equity in educationSteps students and parents can take to address racial bias effectivelyVisit 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 resourcesAfrika’s TED-Ed Talk: 4 ways to have healthy conversations about raceUnderstood’s article: How to make sure families of color are heard by the schoolAfrika’s book: Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students 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 signs of dyslexia are often overlooked. And there’s so much parents of kids of color can do to advocate for the right support for this learning difference. Our guest is Dyslexia Mom Boss host Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, EdD. Listen as Dr. Lauren explains:Her own personal experience with learning and thinking differencesWhat parents need to know about Orton-GillinghamWays parents and schools can work together to help kids of color thriveVisit 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 resourcesDr. Lauren’s podcast, Dyslexia Mom BossDyslexia basicsWhat is Orton–Gillingham? 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

Bonus episode! Introducing Understood’s newest podcast: What Now? A Parent’s Guide. Tune in for a peek at Season 1, which is all about tantrums and meltdowns. We’re sharing Episode 6, “Identifying your child’s behavior triggers.”  Listen to host Dr. Andrew Kahn as he explains how to find your child’s behavior triggers to prevent tantrums and meltdowns.  Get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes from What Now? A Parent’s Guide at u.org/podcasts.  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