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

Schools around the country are facing a huge shortage of special education teachers and other staff. How is the teacher shortage impacting kids with disabilities or learning and thinking differences? What about kids who are marginalized?Co-host Marissa Wallace starts the episode with a story about how her husband, a Black man, was offered a special education teaching job even though he’s in the field of finance. This kicks off a discussion with co-host Julian Saavedra about why there’s a teacher shortage — and its impact. Julian and Marissa share their experiences as parents and teachers, and they react to news stories from around the country. They also share tips for families on what to do when schools say they can’t deliver services because of staff shortages.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resources10 smart responses when a school cuts or denies services7 tips to improve your relationship with your child’s teacherPodcast: Are IEPs different in wealthy schools? 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

Everyone agrees it’s critical to teach Black history to kids with learning differences and ADHD, as well as to students who get special education. But what’s the best way to teach it? How can families engage their kids in Black history — as well as in current events in the Black community? This episode features Kimberly Eckert, 2018 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, in a conversation about race, parenting, and Black history. Kimberly shares her personal experience growing up as a biracial Black woman in a bayou in the South, and how she talks about race with her daughter today. She describes “80/20 time,” a method to get kids engaged in learning. Co-hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace also share their picks for books and activities for kids — especially Black boys — to learn about Black history.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Resources for teaching Black history to kids“Young, Gifted, and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past and Present,” by Jamia Wilson (Julian’s pick)“I Am... (Positive Affirmations for Brown Boys),” by Aeysha Rodriguez (Marissa’s pick)“Teaching Your Child About Black History,” from PBS (Marissa’s pick)“Black American History,” a Crash Course on YouTube (Producer’s pick)Harriett's Bookshop (Julian’s pick)Uncle Bobbie's Bookshop (Julian’s pick) 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

What should families of color know about ADHD? The podcast welcomes Kristin Carothers, PhD, a Black clinical psychologist who specializes in working with families of kids who have ADHD and learning differences. “Dr. Kristin” shares why ADHD — and ADHD medication — hold such a heavy place in the hearts of Black families. The discussion focuses on the cultural conversation around ADHD. Dr. Kristin also gives practical tips to families on what they can do if they think a child might have ADHD. And she offers strategies for families who don’t have resources or health insurance to get professional help. Finally, she reflects on Black Lives Matter and her personal experience of being a Black doctor.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Websites and approaches discussed by Dr. Kristin in this episode:Child Mind InstituteAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryParent Child Interaction TherapyThe Incredible YearsAlan Kazdin Parenting ApproachRelated resourcesADHD fact sheetWhat I tell Black parents who worry about labels like ADHD for their childHow to get a free or low-cost evaluation for your child 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

Schools are reeling from the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. But what does it mean for special education, kids with learning and thinking differences, and marginalized communities? Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how they’re managing the new COVID wave as both parents and teachers. They get an update on how schools around the country are responding, with some going virtual, others staying in-person, and — in a few cases — even closing because of a lack of staff. Marissa shares about how her virtual charter school is approaching the Omicron wave and special education. And Julian shares a poignant story about a student who ran away from home and for whom in-person school is a safe place.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  Related resourcesListen to a podcast on parent fears in the COVID epidemic.Get eight tips to help your child learn at home.Check out 20 learning activities to keep kids busy at home. 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

Kids who have learning and thinking differences or other disabilities can also be gifted. This is known as being “twice exceptional,” or “2e.” But what does twice exceptional mean for Black and brown kids?In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace explore how kids who struggle with learning can also have incredible talents and skills. However, for marginalized kids, these abilities are often overlooked. Gifted testing may be biased against them. The hosts also react to startling statistics about how few kids of color are in gifted programs. Listen for thoughts and advice on how families can get schools to focus on their kids’ exceptional abilities, not just their challenges.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resourcesGifted children’s challenges with learning and thinking differences12 questions to ask your school about 2e studentsWhen gifted kids need accommodations, too (In It podcast episode)National Center for Education StatisticsPublic school gifted or 2e programs mentioned in this episode:Montgomery County Public Schools twice exceptional students and servicesChicago’s U-46 gifted and talented academy (in process of renaming)Aurora Public Schools definition of gifted and talentedArizona Public Media news article on Southwest Junior High 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

Advocating for your kids in an IEP meeting can be scary for any family. Now imagine that the family is undocumented and worried about immigration enforcement as they try to get help for their kids with learning and thinking differences.In this episode, hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace talk to Kareem Neal, a Black special education teacher in Arizona. Kareem shares his experiences with kids with IEPs from undocumented families. He explains how parents can find champions within the school system to help them advocate for their kids. Finally, he and Julian talk about what it means to be a Black educator.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resourcesLearn about the rights of undocumented families to special education.Check out eight steps to advocating for your child at school.Not sure why your child is struggling? Check out Take N.O.T.E. 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

Choosing a school is a huge decision for families with kids who learn and think differently. One concern is whether special education is better in high-income schools. Another is how IEPs serve kids in racially diverse or low-income schools.  Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace take on tough questions from Understood users about how IEPs differ between schools based on income. They discuss how race, diversity, and wealth play a role in the special education services that kids get. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resourcesLearn about school options like neighborhood and charter schools. Avoid 5 common mistakes that families make when choosing a school. 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

Simone Biles is the most decorated female gymnast in history. She’s also a Black woman and an advocate for people with ADHD. So why don’t more students of color know her story? Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace explore what being a role model means and why some stories rise up more than others. They also talk about how shame and stigma prevent more people of color from talking about their challenges. Finally, the hosts share thoughts on how parents and schools can help kids with learning and thinking differences find role models to look up to. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resourcesRead what Simone Biles tweeted about ADHD.Check out Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete.”Watch videos about athletes who learn and think differently, like Olympian Michelle Carter and NFL player Lawrence Guy.Get tips on finding mentors for kids with learning and thinking differences. 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

What prevents young people of color from recognizing their learning differences and ADHD? According to user researcher Yasmeen Adams, there’s a perception by some that ADHD is a “white boy problem.” Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace welcome Yasmeen to the show to discuss the results of interviews with dozens of young people of color with ADHD. The hosts ask pointed questions about how experiences differ between Black youth and other people of color. And Yasmeen shares why, as a Black person with ADHD, this research is personally meaningful. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. Related resourcesSee the trailer for “Vivo,” the Netflix film the hosts talk about in the episode.Watch a video with poet LeDerick Horne on being Black with a learning disability.Worried about labeling your child with ADHD? Read this teacher’s message to Black parents.Read why young Black writer Ryan Douglass couldn’t ask for help as a young child. 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

Listen to The Opportunity Gap, a new podcast for families about kids of color with learning and thinking differences, like dyslexia, ADHD, and more. Host Julian Saavedra is a Black parent and assistant principal in an urban public school, and host Marissa Wallace is a special education teacher with a multiracial child. Listen as Julian and Marissa explore issues of privilege, race, and identity — and talk about ways parents can advocate for their kids.Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about The Opportunity Gap and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. 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