How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation

Introducing Understood Explains, Season 1: Evaluations for Special Education: Listen to the trailer for Season 1 of “Understood Explains,” which covers the ins and outs of the process school districts use to evaluate kids for special education. Host Dr. Andy Kahn is a psychologist who spent nearly 20 years evaluating kids for schools. He explains each step of the process and gives tips on how to talk with your child along the way. by Understood Explains

1 min listen

S1E7 Evaluations for special education: What happens after the evaluation: Adverse impact. Eligibility determination. IEPs. 504 plans. What are these things? And what do they have to do with how school evaluation teams decide which kids need which supports? Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Lauren Jewett explain what happens after the evaluation report is done. And get tips from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to talk with your child about next steps. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

26 min listen

S1E1 Evaluations for special education: What is an evaluation?: Is your child struggling in school? Are you wondering what supports might help? This episode explains the basics of how schools evaluate kids for special education. Host Dr. Andy Kahn is a psychologist. He talks with educator Julian Saavedra about looking for kids’ strengths as well as their weaknesses. Andy also trades tips with parenting expert Amanda Morin on what to say to your child along the way. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

27 min listen

S1E2 Evaluations for special education: Deciding to get an evaluation: How do schools decide if a child needs an evaluation? And what role do families play? Host Dr. Andy Kahn explains common reasons to evaluate now — or to wait. Educator Julian Saavedra addresses special education myths that can affect what families decide to do. And parenting expert Amanda Morin offers tips on how to talk to kids about next steps. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

29 min listen

S1 Bonus! Evaluations for special education: What I wish I’d known sooner about evaluations: Parents, teachers, and psychologists all have something they wish they’d known sooner about the evaluation process. This bonus episode offers tips from parents who have been through the evaluation process at least once — and experts who have been through it hundreds of times. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

10 min listen

S1E9 Evaluations for special education: Getting reevaluated: How often do kids need to be reevaluated for special education? What are schools looking for when they reevaluate students? Learn the basics from host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Kate Garcia. And find out key details, like why this process is extra important for high-schoolers who are thinking about going to college. Worried that the school might cut your child’s services? Get advice from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to avoid passing those feelings on to your child. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

26 min listen

S1E6 Evaluations for special education: Understanding the results: The first time you look at your child’s evaluation report, you might be overwhelmed. What do all of those numbers mean? And are some numbers more important than others? Host Dr. Andy Kahn unpacks this topic with Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten, who co-wrote “Straight Talk About Psychological Testing for Kids.” Get tips on how to make sense of the results. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to share the evaluation findings with your child. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

26 min listen

S1E3 Evaluations for special education: Your evaluation rights: What rights do families have in a school evaluation? This episode highlights five key ways that special education law protects your rights during the evaluation process. Host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with lawyer Andrew M.I. Lee about what to do if you think the school isn’t following the rules. And parenting expert Amanda Morin gives tips on what to avoid saying to your child about any disputes with the school. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

26 min listen

S1E5 Evaluations for special education: What to expect during an evaluation: What happens during a school evaluation? And what role do families play? Host Dr. Andy Kahn and school psychologist Brittney Newcomer explain who’s on the school evaluation team, what they do, and how you can help shape the evaluation plan for your child. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also offers tips on how you can help your child get ready for the evaluation. (Hint: The answer does NOT involve any studying!) Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

27 min listen

S1E4 Evaluations for special education: How to request an evaluation: School evaluations are free — and you can ask for one at any time and for any reason. But the details you include when you ask can make a big difference. Host Dr. Andy Kahn and education advocate Christina Gutierrez explain how to request an evaluation and how soon the school needs to respond. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also shares tips on what to say to your child about requesting an evaluation — and what not to say. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

23 min listen

What if I don’t really have ADHD?: 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. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

10 min listen

What happens in an ADHD test for adults?: How do doctors test adults for ADHD? What kind of questions do they ask? How long does it take? “Understood Explains” host Dr. Roberto Olivardia breaks down the process so you’ll know what to look for in a thorough evaluation. Get an overview and answers to common questions. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

11 min listen

S1E8 Evaluations for special education: Private vs. school-based evaluations: What is a neuropsychologist? What can this specialist do that a school psychologist can’t? (The answer involves making diagnoses.) Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and fellow psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten explain why some families pay for private testing when school evaluations are free. Learn ways to help cover the cost, like asking the school to pay for an independent educational evaluation. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin about a tricky topic: what to say if your child is getting private testing after being evaluated by the school. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

28 min listen

S1E10 Evaluations for special education: How to talk to kids about getting evaluated: “Mom, why are you making me do this?” Learn what to say to your child about getting evaluated. Hear perspectives from a psychologist (host Dr. Andy Kahn), an educator (Julian Saavedra), and a parenting expert (Amanda Morin). Get big-picture advice as well as specifics, like how to address your child’s worries about getting pulled out of class and other kids noticing. This episode also tackles one of the trickiest topics: how much of the evaluation report to share with your child. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

22 min listen

How do I emotionally prepare for ADHD diagnosis?: 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. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

10 min listen

Who can diagnose ADHD in adults?: What type of doctor should you see for ADHD diagnosis — primary care provider? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Is it worth waiting longer to see a specialist? How much does it cost? Get answers to common questions from “Understood Explains” host Dr. Roberto Olivardia. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

11 min listen

Should I get tested for ADHD?: Are you wondering if your ADHD symptoms are too mild to get tested? Or if there’s enough of a benefit to getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult? Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia shares his own diagnosis story as he answers common questions about whether to get formally tested for ADHD as an adult. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

11 min listen

Coming soon: Understood Explains, Season 2: ADHD diagnosis in adults: Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of “Understood Explains,” which explores the ins and outs of adult ADHD diagnosis. The full season drops on March 29. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a psychologist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Join him as he answers the most common questions about ADHD diagnosis, including what to look for in a thorough evaluation and how to treat ADHD with or without medication. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

1 min listen

ADHD treatment without medication: What are my options?: There are many ways to treat ADHD without medication — or in addition to medication. Learn about a wide range of ADHD treatments, from therapy to free apps and tools. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia also talks about social and workplace supports. Listen as he answers common questions, like whether diet or supplements can help with ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

13 min listen

ADHD medication: What do I need to know?: 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. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

15 min listen

Is online ADHD diagnosis legit?: The wait time may be shorter, but is online ADHD diagnosis accurate? And can it help you get ADHD treatment? In this episode of “Understood Explains,” learn the pros and cons of ADHD online diagnosis and get answers to common questions. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

12 min listen

What I wish I’d known sooner about ADHD diagnosis: This bonus episode of “Understood Explains” shares personal stories about getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. For example, hear from a woman who waited years to see a specialist after her main doctor brushed off her concerns that she might have ADHD. You’ll also hear host Dr. Roberto Olivardia describe what led him to get diagnosed with ADHD at 35. Listen to these personal stories and what each person wishes they’d known sooner about ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. by Understood Explains

16 min listen

IEPs: Common IEP myths: 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 choose to misbehave [05:34] Myth #5: My child needs to wait to get evaluated for special education services [07:13] Key takeaways Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world by Understood Explains

9 min listen

Introducing: Understood Explains IEPs: Does your child need special education? How can you make the most of this school support? Listen to the trailer for “Understood Explains IEPs,” which covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs. Host Juliana Urtubey is a special education teacher and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. So you can learn from a pro in this 13-episode series, which includes IEP tips for kids of different ages and for kids who are learning English as an additional language. Episodes drop weekly in English and Spanish, starting March 21. Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to helping people who learn and think differently discover their potential and thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by Understood Explains

2 min listen

IEPs: How do kids qualify for IEPs?: Kids don’t just get an IEP all of a sudden. Schools have an evaluation process to decide if a child qualifies for special education services. This includes getting an IEP. On this episode of “Understood Explains,” join host Juliana Urtubey as she discusses the evaluation process and requirements for getting an IEP. She’ll also share what to do if the school says your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, and more. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org. Timestamps: [00:37] How do kids qualify for IEPs? [03:14] Does my child need a diagnosis to get an IEP? [04:45] How do I request an evaluation? [06:12] What if the school wants to wait to evaluate my child? [08:10] What if the school says my child doesn’t qualify for an IEP? [08:49] Key takeaways Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differ by Understood Explains

10 min listen

The difference between IEPs and 504 plans: 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. 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 takeaways Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Le by Understood Explains

14 min listen

IEPs: Setting IEP goals: Setting IEP goals can feel tricky. They should be attainable, but not too hard or too easy — it’s a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. However, setting these goals is a big part of developing your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Program. In this episode of “Understood Explains,” host Juliana Urtubey breaks down how IEP teams set annual goals, how parents can help, and how the IEP will measure a child’s progress. Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by Understood Explains

14 min listen

Does my child need an IEP?: 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. 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 Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated by Understood Explains

13 min listen

IEPs: The 13 disability categories: There are 13 disability categories listed in a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. And to get an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, your child will need to fit into at least one disability category. These categories can have some hard-to-understand names, like “specific learning disabilities” or “other health impairments.” But on this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will share what these categories mean and why they relate to IEPs. She’ll also share what to do if your child doesn’t qualify for any disability category, or if they qualify for more than one. Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by Understood Explains

13 min listen

IEPs: Special education terms and your legal rights: If your child qualifies for an IEP, it will come with many legal rights and protections. But with names like “FAPE” and “prior written notice,” things can get confusing quickly. Still, it’s really important for parents to understand these terms — and that's where this podcast comes in to help. In this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms and explains the legal rights that come with an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. Timestamps: [00:46] FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education [03:07] Least restrictive environment [07:32] Informed consent [08:23] Prior written notice and “stay put” rights [10:48] Other key rights [11:56] Key takeaways Understood.org is a nonprofit resource dedicated to shaping the world so the millions of people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “Understood Explains” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 20 by Understood Explains

14 min listen

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How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation

How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation

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