Busting myths about special education (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast)

Ep. 1: Why We Cry In IEP Meetings: On this first episode of In It, hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into why emotions tend to run high IEP meetings. They talk with comedian Dena Blizzard about her (very) public reaction to a disappointing IEP meeting. They hear from other... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

20 min listen

ABCs of IEPs: What’s an IEP? And why are there so many confusing acronyms in special education? In this episode, host Gretchen Vierstra gets answers to common questions about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) from co-host Amanda Morin and their colleague Andrew Lee, a special education legal expert. Andrew and Amanda explain the basics of IEPs — starting with “How do kids even get one?” They also break down the meanings of special education terms like PLOP and answer questions about IEPs from the Understood community. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

27 min listen

Ep. 3: The Legit Fear Behind “Please Don’t Call On Me to Read”: It’s scary—in the moment and even recalling it years later. Reading out loud in front of a group when you have dyslexia can be legitimately awful. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into this fear with a mom whose son stumbled over... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

26 min listen

Ep. 2: How We Deal With “Is ADHD Real?”: It’s a dreaded (and hurtful) question that families get asked too often: “Is ADHD even real?” Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright hear from parents of kids with ADHD who’ve muddled through explaining their child’s attention,... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

19 min listen

Tantrum...or Meltdown: Tantrums and meltdowns can look very similar, especially when a child is in the middle of having one. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham break down the differences and hear directly from kids who share what meltdowns feel like to... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

21 min listen

ADHD in Black Children: “In It” With Dr. Tumaini Coker: What are the unique challenges Black families face when it comes to having kids with ADHD? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with Dr. Tumaini Coker, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

27 min listen

Let’s Hear From the Dads: What’s it like to be a dad who’s “In It”? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham take a moment to hear from and celebrate dads of kids who learn and think differently. Find out how some dads are treated differently than moms... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

17 min listen

Ep. 5: Dyscalculia, More Than “Bad at Math”: When does being “bad at math” mean something more? For Lily, a Missouri teen with dyscalculia, math struggles go a lot further than math class. On this episode, we go inside Lily’s world and experience the unexpected challenges that pop up... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

24 min listen

Sneak peek: ADHD Aha! by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

13 min listen

This Is How We Make It Through: In an article for the New York Times, Andrew Solomon wrote, “The fact that you wouldn’t have chosen something doesn’t mean you can’t find joyful meaning in it.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

22 min listen

ADHD in Girls: Overlooked?: ADHD is just as common in girls as it is in boys. So why are girls diagnosed less often? And why do signs of ADHD in girls tend to get overlooked? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from parents who initially missed signs of... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

18 min listen

Ep. 4: To Disclose…or Not?: Who do you tell? When? Telling people your child has ADHD, dyslexia or other learning issues is a big, complicated decision. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright talk with families whose experiences range from triumphant to... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

26 min listen

When Your Kid Is Hard to Like: Parents rarely admit it, but sometimes our kids are hard to like. As much as we love our children, they don’t always act in ways that match our expectations. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham talk about how having trouble... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

18 min listen

Ep. 6: When Gifted Kids Need Accommodations, Too: Twice-exceptional (or “2E”) kids have learning or attention issues AND are gifted. In this last episode of Season 1, Lexi and Amanda speak with guests Penny Williams, a parenting trainer and coach, and Debbie Reber, author and creator of TiLT... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

33 min listen

School refusal: When kids say no: Lots of kids say “I don’t feel like going to school” at some point. But for some, it's more than that — they flat-out refuse to go. And you can’t make them. School refusal is real, and it’s trying to tell you something. But how do you figure out what that is? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with a family who’s been “in it” when it comes to school refusal. Listen to Erin and Meg share the story of their son’s school refusal. Find out what they did to get through it. Plus, learn common signs of school refusal. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

26 min listen

What is the “opportunity gap”? A discussion about race, income, and disability: Kids of color who learn differently face unique challenges. One of those challenges is something called the “opportunity gap.” What is this gap? Why does it exist? And what can we do about it? In this episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Julian Saavedra, host of “The Opportunity Gap,” a new podcast in the Understood Podcast Network. Julian is a longtime educator who’s now an assistant principal in Philadelphia. Listen as Julian talks about issues of privilege, race, and disability — and the opportunity gaps he’s seen firsthand. Hear him explain why we need to focus on the causes of the gap to help kids reach their full potential. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. Al by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

25 min listen

The real-world benefits of gaming for kids: Many kids and teens love to play video games. But families often worry about the effects of gaming. Are there benefits or risks to playing video games for kids who learn differently? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get answers from digital play expert and child psychologist Dr. Randy Kulman. Listen in to hear Randy’s tips on how families can help kids maximize learning from popular video games — and transfer that learning to the real world. Plus, hear Randy’s thoughts on EndeavorRX, a prescription video game for kids with ADHD. 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 “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

25 min listen

Why Let Your Child Fail?: Is it ever OK to let your child fail? It can be difficult to see your child try something and fail. But sometimes FAIL stands for “First Attempt At Learning.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with a mom, Meg, about how... by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

17 min listen

Coming soon: “In It” Season 3 by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

2 min listen

What is neurodiversity?: "The term “neurodiversity” seems to be everywhere right now. But what exactly does it mean? Hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Emily Kircher-Morris to find out. Emily is a neurodivergent parent to twice-exceptional kids. And she’s the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. Listen in to hear Emily’s unique perspective on neurodiversity. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved." by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

21 min listen

Celebrating neurodiversity with The Great British Baking Show’s Lizzie Acker: What’s it like to be a contestant on a reality TV show when you’ve got ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia? Just ask Lizzie Acker from “The Great British Baking Show.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about baking and “brain fuzz” with Lizzie, the “Bake Off” contestant from Liverpool, England. Lizzie celebrated her learning differences on the show with an “extraordinary” cake to represent her brain. Find out why she decided to talk about her differences — and the impact it’s having on others. Plus, hear Lizzie’s idea for a cookbook for neurodivergent 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

34 min listen

Parenting while anxious: Being an anxious kid has its challenges. But what happens when that anxious kid grows up to be a parent? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra have a candid conversation with Morra Aarons-Mele, author and host of “The Anxious Achiever” podcast. Morra describes herself as an “extremely anxious introvert.” And she often wonders how that anxiety affects her parenting. Listen in to hear Morra describe her own strengths and challenges — as an anxious kid, as a neurodivergent adult, and as a mom. 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 “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

21 min listen

What if the teacher has learning differences, too? by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

20 min listen

Can we talk? Omicron, school, and our parenting fears: Living in a pandemic is hard. With the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, it feels even harder — and not just for parents of kids who learn differently. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra invite you to join them in a collective scream about Omicron, school, and parenting. Listen as they ask themselves how to start off — and make it through — yet another year in a pandemic. While they don’t have answers, they hope you find comfort in knowing you’re not in this alone. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

13 min listen

Clapbacks and comebacks: Families react to “Does your kid really have ADHD?” and other judgments: How do we react to the judgment of others when we’re raising kids who learn differently? And how do we handle our own judgment? In this bonus episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra share favorite moments from families who are “in it.” Get advice on — and even comebacks for — questions like “Is ADHD even real?” Hear why one mom stopped sharing her son’s diagnosis with family and friends. Find out how one couple learned to shut out the noise of others to focus on what was right 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 “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

14 min listen

Holiday survival guide: The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. But they can also be the most stressful for families with kids who learn differently. So how can families do more than just make it through the holidays? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra bring holiday questions from the Understood community to Dr. Ellen Braaten, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Understood expert. Listen in to hear Ellen’s practical tips for dealing with holiday challenges — as well as advice for how to bring joy to the holidays. Plus, Amanda shares her family’s simple gift-giving strategy. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

27 min listen

Can we talk? The changing mask rules and our kids: Many schools across the country are lifting their mask mandates. Whether families are excited or uncertain about the new rules, change is hard for everyone — not just for kids who learn differently. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk candidly about masks, kids, and schools. Hear how they’re talking with their families about the new mask rules. Listen as they ask themselves “How can we help our kids manage these changes?” Plus, hear a dad’s perspective from Dr. Andy Kahn, Understood’s newest in-house expert. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2022 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved." by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

16 min listen

Why we’re not calling it learning loss: "Most kids are finally back in physical classrooms this year. But after over a year of remote learning, many parents of kids who learn differently are asking, “Is my kid behind?” To help answer this question, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk to special education teacher Kareem Neal. Listen in to find out what he’s seeing in his classroom — and why he’s not worried about “learning loss.” We also hear from two other teachers about what they’re saying to concerned families. 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 “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved." by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

14 min listen

What does it mean to thrive?: What does it mean to thrive? And how can we help our kids become thrivers? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Dr. Michele Borba — a parenting expert and former special education teacher — about her book “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.” Listen in to hear Michele’s definition of thriving, and the seven strengths that help kids thrive. You’ll learn practical, actionable ways to help kids develop those strengths at any age. 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 In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

21 min listen

The power of self-advocacy for kids at IEP and 504 meetings: Self-advocacy is the ability to communicate your needs. It’s important for thriving in school, at work, and in life. But it’s not something that comes naturally for kids — and even most adults. So how do we help kids build their self-advocacy muscles? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk about self-advocacy with Melody Maitland, a director of student services and former special education teacher. Melody believes that kids deserve a seat at the table in IEP and 504 meetings and that we should prepare them with self-advocacy skills. Hear how she helps kids learn to speak up for themselves, starting with self-awareness. Get tips for building your child’s self-advocacy skills at home. And learn why adults are often the biggest obstacles to kids learning to self-advocate. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking diffe by In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

23 min listen

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Busting myths about special education (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast)

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