Understood Explains

If someone says something that makes special education sound bad or negative, chances are it’s just not true.  There are a lot of myths about IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. And these incorrect or outdated ideas can keep some kids from getting school supports that can help them thrive. On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will bust common myths and explain the facts.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.Timestamps:(00:38) Myth #1: My child will be labeled forever(02:10) Myth #2: My child will be in a separate classroom(03:15) Myth #3: IEPs are only for kids with severe physical or intellectual disabilities(04:17) Myth #4: Many kids with IEPs misbehave on purpose(05:34) Myth #5: My child needs to wait to get evaluated for special education services(07:13) Key takeawaysRelated resources:5 common misconceptions about IEPs10 special education myths you may hearBusting myths about special education 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 terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get. And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need. On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will break down the differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and which one might be right for your child. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.Timestamps:(00:53) What is a 504 plan?(02:16) What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?(08:15) Can my child have an IEP and a 504 plan at the same time?(09:36) Should my child switch from an IEP to a 504 plan?(10:45) What do multilingual learners need to know about IEPs and 504 plans?(11:58) Key takeawaysRelated resources:10 smart responses for when the school cuts or denies servicesUnderstood Explains Season 1 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 has been struggling in school, you might be wondering if they need special education. And once you start exploring special education, you’re going to run into the term IEP, which stands for individualized education program.But what exactly is an IEP, anyway? On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will cover IEP basics and how to figure out if your child needs this kind of support. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.Timestamps:(00:57) What is the purpose of an IEP?(03:27) What’s in an IEP(05:42) Does my child need an IEP?(07:42) Should I wait to get my child an IEP?(10:05) What if my child is learning English?  (11:36) Key takeaways  Related resources:Understood Explains Season 1How to help if English language learners are struggling in 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

Learn about the importance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children's success, including their role in addressing behavior and academics, guidance on resolving school disagreements, and upcoming topics in the series.

Dr. Roberto Olivardia shares his ADHD diagnosis at 35, along with personal stories of others. Topics include emotional struggles, work challenges, misconceptions about ADHD, academic difficulties, and advice for younger selves.

Doubting your ADHD diagnosis? Do you still think you have ADHD even after your doctor said you don’t? Or maybe you got formally diagnosed but aren’t sure you really have ADHD?  Concerns about ADHD misdiagnosis are common. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia gives tips on how to think about whether you got a thorough evaluation — and if it may be time to get a second opinion.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(01:04) What do I do if my doctor told me I don’t have ADHD?(03:54) What if I don’t think my ADHD diagnosis is accurate?(07:18) Anything else I need to know about getting properly diagnosed?(07:57) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits Related resources:How ADHD is diagnosed in adultsADHD and perfectionismStop Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You Back 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

Relief. Anger. Grief. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia explains what to look for and how to process big feelings so you can keep moving forward. Get answers to common questions, like how imposter syndrome is connected to ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction(00:47) How can I prepare emotionally for ADHD diagnosis?(02:04) Why is ADHD diagnosis such a relief for some people?(04:44) Why does ADHD diagnosis often lead to anger and grief?(06:01) What’s imposter syndrome? And how is it connected to ADHD?(07:52) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits Related resources:ADHD and perfectionismHow I cope with imposter syndrome while having learning disabilitiesADHD Aha!ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s 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

Learn about treating ADHD without medication through cognitive behavioral therapy, coping mechanisms, social supports, and assistive technology. Explore the role of diet, supplements, and workplace accommodations in managing ADHD symptoms.

How does ADHD medication work? Is it addictive? If you think you might have ADHD or were recently diagnosed, find out what you need to know about ADHD medication, like how to tell if you’re taking too much or too little.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Timestamps(00:00) Introduction(00:51) How does ADHD medication work?  (03:39) Does everyone with ADHD need medication?  (04:21) How can medication help manage ADHD symptoms?  (06:05) What are the limitations of ADHD medication?  (06:50) Is ADHD medication addictive?  (08:26) Will ADHD medication turn me into a zombie?  (09:41) How can I tell if I’m not taking enough ADHD medication?  (10:31) What do I need to know about possible side effects of ADHD medication?  (12:25) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits  Related resources:How ADHD medication works in the brainADHD medication side effectsStudy finds that ADHD medication reduces risk of drug use for people with ADHDIs it really ADHD? 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

Exploring the pros and cons of online ADHD diagnosis, discussing the accuracy and cost compared to conventional testing. Highlighting concerns and emphasizing the importance of specialized evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.