Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

After five seasons, “Opportunity Gap” is ending. In this final episode, host Julian talks with Understood’s Gretchen Vierstra. Together, they look back at the guests and lessons that shaped the show, from a conversation about the school-to-prison pipeline to tips for not rushing in to fix things for your child.But don’t worry. The show may be ending, but you can still find every episode and free resource at Understood.org.For more on this topicListen: What is the school-to-prison pipeline? Listen: What teachers want parents to knowListen: IEPs and English language learnersListen: Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix itFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected].  Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/podcast-donate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?  In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, a lecturer on early childhood and special education, shares what to consider. She talks about social-emotional development, academic readiness, behavior, and more. You’ll learn what questions to ask schools, what the research says, and how to make a decision that supports your child now and later. For more on this topic Listen: Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro Read: Retention: Why kids are held back For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/podcast-donate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the school year winds down, many kids start to burn out. They might lose motivation, feel big emotions, or struggle to follow their usual routines. In this episode, you’ll learn why behaviors like shutdowns and meltdowns are signals, not problems, and what to do about them. Plus, get tips to lower stress levels, reset after tough moments, and help your child finish the year strong. For more on this topic  Listen: What is a “good summer” for kids with learning disabilities? Listen: How to make summer learning fun Read: School burnout in kids who learn and think differently Read: 6 signs your child is burned out For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/podcast-donate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended school year services, built-in training for parents and teachers, and outside placements. Learn what to ask for, how to ask for it, and how decisions get made.  For more on this topic Watch: Does your child need an IEP? Read: What is an IEP? Listen: Advocating for your child at school For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/podcast-donate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Play isn’t just a break from learning. It can also be how learning happens. But many kids have less time for recess and unstructured play than ever before.  In this episode, we explore why play matters for focus, social skills, and emotional regulation. We also look at what’s getting in the way of play. Plus, we share practical ways families and schools can bring more play into kids’ daily lives. For more on this topic Listen: From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD Read: 19 brain breaks to help kids with focus For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/podcast-donate. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.