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

• 8 key special education terms parents should know

  Special education has many terms that can be hard to understand. You may hear them often at school meetings or even see them in learning plans. And learning what they mean can help you best support your child.In this episode, host Julian Saavedra breaks down 8 key special education terms in simple, clear language. Learn what these terms mean and how they relate to the support kids receive at school.Related resourcesLearning disability and ADHD glossaryDisability inclusion glossaryOpportunity Gap podcast pageTimestamps(00:33) What is a learning disability?(01:37) What is ADHD?(02:59) What is special education?(04:54) What is an IEP?For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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

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• What you need to know about federal funding for special education

  The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning. Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing support.Related resourcesWhat does the Department of Education do for special education?The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?What to include in a state complaint for IEP dispute resolutionTimestamps(00:53) What the department does not do for special education(2:47) How the department oversees special education(06:23) How the department protects students’ rights For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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

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• What to do when kids are feeling depressed or anxious

  When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step. Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And get tips on how to support your child through tough times.Related resourcesTypical sadness or depression? How to tell the difference in your childSigns of depression at different agesADHD and depressionSigns of anxiety in young kidsNational Alliance on Mental IllnessTimestamps(01:02) The relationship between learning disabilities and feeling depressed(06:18) How to recognize signs of depression and anxiety in kids (15:15) Support for managing feelings of depression and anxiety For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org.We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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

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• When dyslexia is missed: The impact on students of color

  Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Dyslexia is a common learning and thinking difference that makes it difficult for kids to read and process words. And in communities of color, these challenges are often missed for many reasons. Lack of teacher training and limited access to early testing are just a few examples.In this episode, we talk to Shaquala Holmes, MEd.  Shaquala has spent her career helping students become better readers. Listen as she breaks down what can happen when dyslexia isn’t diagnosed early and why testing matters. Then find out how parents can support their children at home and in school.Related resourcesDyslexiaSigns of dyslexia at different agesTimestamps(00:55) How dyslexia affects students in the classroom(03:47) What can happen if dyslexia is left undiagnosed (07:38) Next steps after a dyslexia diagnosis(11:52) How parents can support their child with dyslexiaFor a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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

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• Navigating your child’s diagnosis: Self-care tips for parents

  When a child is diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference, their parents often focus all their energy on helping. Like advocating for their child, or figuring out what support is needed. With so much to juggle, it's easy for parents to lose sight of their own mental well-being.In this episode, Julian talks with Dr. Monica Johnson. Dr. Johnson, also known as “Dr. J,” is a psychologist and the host of Understood.org’s ADHD and podcast. Listen as Dr. J breaks down emotions parents may experience after receiving their child’s diagnosis. And get her advice on how to set boundaries and make time for self-care while still supporting your child.Related resourcesParental burnout? What to do before you lose itGuided meditation for stressed parentsCHADDLD OnLineTimestamps(01:20) Common emotions parents experience after their child’s diagnosis(03:52) How parents can balance self-care and supporting their child(04:10) What self-care can look like for parentsFor a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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

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