In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.Sometimes, parents and caregivers can feel overwhelmed or burned out. Caring for children can feel exhausting and add up without us even realizing it.What’s a parent to do?In this episode of In It, we talk with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond. Hammond is a psychologist, executive function coach, and motivational speaker. She specializes in helping people navigate burnout and exhaustion, as well as how to build resiliency.During our conversation, Nekeshia shows us ways to answer the following questions:How am I doing?What do I need?What steps can I take today to make some improvements in my life?She also talks about the importance of finding support you can lean on and understanding that you, as a parent or caregiver, don’t have to do everything. Timestamps(02:08) Taking a minute(04:47) Adult time-outs for managing parental burnout(06:28) Long-term strategies for your mental health and finding boundaries(11:11) Delegating tasks and accepting help(14:07) What to do when we lose it(17:10) Knowing when to walk away(20:25) Feeling isolatedRelated resourcesParenting guilt: Tips to get past itA personal conversation about being a mom (and woman) with ADHD“I’m not yelling—you’re yelling!” Tips for staying calm when kids act outBuilding self-compassion skills32 examples of workplace accommodationsFor a transcript of this episode and additional resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Understood 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 you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.This week on In It, a crossover episode! Co-host Rachel Bozek chats with Mallory Yee, PhD, who is a host of Shining With ADHD, a parenting podcast from The Childhood Collective. Mallory is also a licensed psychologist specializing in kids with ADHD. On this episode, the two talk about how they handle moments and situations when their personal and professional lives meet. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. Timestamps(04:30) Relating to our kids’ teachers(09:20) Being able to look back and laugh(12:54) Mallory on our personal vs. professional selves(14:29) Rachel on taking experts’ advice in real life(16:00) Thinking about our own advice and expectationsRelated resourcesShining With ADHD from The Childhood CollectiveHygiene battles: Tips from an ADHD expertSocial media and parenting: How much is too much? Understood 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 you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.The news is often scary, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming. And kids who learn and think differently may have an especially hard time with intense news cycles. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with returning guest Dr. Kristin Carothers. Kristin is a clinical psychologist based in Atlanta and New York City who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral interventions. She’s also an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry at Morehouse School of Medicine and an expert contributor for Understood. Kristin offers tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers navigate difficult news cycles with kids who learn and think differently.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesHow scary news can impact kids who learn and think differentlyWhat is perseveration?Racism and violence: How to help kids handle the newsADHD parenting tips from a Black clinical psychologistTimestamps(3:18) Understanding the effect the news is having on your child(6:45) Flexible thinking(9:50) Respecting different points of view(13:32) Perseveration(17:08) Managing the impulse to overshare(17:44) Understanding levels of disclosure  Understood 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 you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.You may have read or heard that kids with ADHD are at a higher risk for addiction. Is this true? If so, why? And what can we, as parents and caregivers, do about it?In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Roberto is a Massachusetts-based clinical psychologist. He has spent years evaluating people for learning and thinking differences including ADHD. And he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. He shares helpful information to help families understand the relationship between the risk of addiction and ADHD.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationSuicide and Crisis Hotline5 common concerns parents have about ADHD medications for kidsStudy finds that ADHD medication reduces risk of drug abuse for people with ADHDADHD medication misuse, sharing, and abuse: What you need to knowTimestamps  (02:01) Chemistry of ADHD(02:40) Helpful statistics about risk and ADHD(06:15) Self-medication studies(13:28) Risk of addiction(15:34) Talking to younger kids (21:22) The importance of communication(22:16) Assertiveness skills for kids  Understood 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

This week on In It, we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we love called Good Inside with Dr. Becky.The show’s host, Dr. Becky Kennedy, is a clinical psychologist and mom of three. Each week, she talks to parents, experts, and trusted friends and colleagues about strategies and tips for the stickiest parenting situations.We’re sharing an episode called The ‘more’ kids, featuring Dr. Becky in conversation with Debbie Reber, the founder of Tilt Parenting. The two define what it means to have a “more” kid. These are kids we might describe as “deeply feeling.”From resistance to tears and meltdowns, “more” kids have big reactions, and yes, usually more often. Listen to learn about strategies for navigating life with a “more” kid. Understood 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 you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.Gus Walz is the son of vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. You may have seen him cheering for his dad at the Democratic National Convention in August. At that time, many of us learned that he has a nonverbal learning disability or NVLD.In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a psychologist, and he’s the associate director of Expertise and Strategic Design here at Understood. He also hosts the Understood podcast Parenting Behavior. Listen as Andy explains what it means to have an NVLD. He also talks about the relationship between NVLDs and ADHD. To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesWhat are nonverbal learning disabilities?Classroom accommodations for nonverbal learning disabilitiesVideo: A young woman opens up about growing up with NVLDTimestamps  (02:16) Defining NVLD(03:44) More details about NVLDs(07:21) ADHD and NVLDs(08:30) Neurodivergence in the news  Understood 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 you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.You might have heard or seen the acronym STEM in education circles. It stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. And it can be very helpful for kids with learning and thinking differences.In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kara Ball. Kara is the author of 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills. She has been a science and special education teacher, and a STEM education specialist for Baltimore public schools. She was also a finalist for National Teacher of the Year in 2018. To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Timestamps(1:18) Defining STEM(3:16) Kara’s dyslexia and dyscalculia diagnoses(5:07) Why Kara became a special education teacher(8:23) Understanding where STEM and learning and thinking differences meet(20:31) Working on communication and collaborationRelated resources:What is dyslexia?What is dyscalculia?Video: Are boys better at math than girls?What if the teacher has learning differences, too?Kara’s book: 50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills Understood 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

Brushing their teeth. Taking a shower. Cleaning up after themselves. What’s going on when kids seem to ignore these must-do tasks? And what can parents and caregivers do to change that?In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Brendan Mahan. Brendan is an executive function coach and the host of the podcast ADHD Essentials. He offers tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers understand why some kids avoid working on their personal hygiene.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesWashing hands: How to get kids in the habit ADHD and messinessA day in the life of a child with slow processing speedBrendan’s podcast, ADHD EssentialsTimestamps(01:51) Cleanliness and self-care(06:43) Executive function, room cleaning, and more(18:07) Social concerns(21:07) Reward systems(23:07) Hygiene late bloomers Understood 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

Gearing up for a new school year can feel overwhelming. As the first day of school gets close, kids have so much to think about. And so do parents and caregivers. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kate Garcia. Kate is a high school teacher with lots of back-to-school experience and tips. For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It episode page at Understood.org.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesBedtime battles: Why won’t my child just go to sleep?The best way to ease the back-to-school transitionCheck out Understood’s back-to-school support guideDownload: Backpack checklistGoblinTools: Magic ToDoTimestamps(1:22) Getting back on a sleep schedule  (3:36) Picking out clothes(6:40) Getting organized(9:55) How to communicate with the school  (13:24) Helping kids have good food to fuel their day Understood 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

Join us for new episodes of In It, a podcast on raising kids who learn differently.  Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek continue to offer advice, camaraderie, stories of successes, and — let’s be real — failures.We’ll hear from experts, parents, and caregivers on a range of topics — from bribes vs. rewards to managing some of the unanticipated costs of raising neurodivergent kids. Understood 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

Bedtime can be a struggle for parents and caregivers of kids of all ages. Maybe your child needs an extra glass of water — three times before bed. Or maybe they want you to read that story “just one more time,” for hours. No matter what roadblocks you face at bedtime, you’re not alone.On this bonus episode of In It, we’re sharing an episode of another Understood podcast called Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Andy, a licensed psychologist and parent, explains the many ways bedtime can go for families.Listen as he talks about:Understanding what your child is telling you at bedtimeLearning about different ways to settle your child to prepare them for sleepRecent research findings that will probably make you feel better about your child’s sleep routineTo get a transcript of this show and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Or follow Parenting Behavior wherever you get podcasts. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.   Understood 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

Breaks from school can sometimes mean breaks from other kids. This can be hard for kids with learning and thinking differences. What are some ways to avoid “summer slide” when it comes to social skills and time with friends? And what are some ways to see kids in the summer, when the friends we usually see are not around?In this episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist and Understood expert. Listen for tips on helping your child maintain their social skills. And learn easy ways for your child to spend time with other kids.To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources4 skills for making friendsWhy some kids have trouble making friendsSummer guide for familiesNational Night Out Understood 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

You may have heard of “summer slide.” It refers to the learning loss that can happen during summer break from school.  On this bonus episode of In It, we’re sharing a conversation on how to handle the summer break from another Understood podcast, The Opportunity Gap.  Host Julian Saavedra talks with special education teacher Kate García about how following a summer routine can help kids stay on track. They also discuss ways to help kids learn without sacrificing fun. Plus why giving kids grace and time is so important.For a transcript, visit The Opportunity Gap's show page. Related resourcesSummer learning: How to help your child keep skills strongExtended school year services: What you need to knowMommy Poppins Understood 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

In this episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek suggest podcasts that are ideal for kids with learning and thinking differences. These shows are also great for any kid.  To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Their suggestions include podcasts that:Share fairy tales in fun — and funny — waysSolve kid-friendly mysteriesOffer answers to all kinds of questionsTalk about current eventsRelated resourcesGrimm, Grimmer, Grimmest: Hans My HedgehogOpal Watson: Private Eye: Who’s scared of hounds and can not be found?Brains On!: What is ADHD?KidNuz: Orca Hijinks, Surfer’s Surprise, Space Contest, Dog Days of Summer, Lunch Legacy and Bryce Harper Plays Wingman! Understood 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

Many people who learn and think differently are also on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This can be a lot for kids—and their families—to navigate.  In this episode of In It,  Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk to Kade Friedman. Kade is the Director of Education for PINE, the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education.   Kade identifies as non-binary and neurodivergent. They work with teachers to guide them in teaching neurodivergent, disabled, and gender-expansive students. They also work with families of neurodivergent and gender-questioning kids.    Listen to get all of the following:Tips for families of kids who are discovering their queer identitySuggestions for teachers to help them create an inclusive environmentImportant dos and don’ts to keep in mindTo find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources3 tips for talking to kids with ADHD who are discovering their queer identityWhy it’s important to support LGBTQIA+ kids with learning differencesPodcast: Being trans with ADHDPFLAG: Upcoming Neurodiversity & Gender Diversity Meetings Understood 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

Breaks from school are prime time for screen time. But how much screen time is too much? And what can we do about it? Is screen time ever a good thing? In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk to Dr. Devorah Heitner. Devorah is the author of two books: Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. She also speaks about screens at K-12 schools. Listen to learn tips for managing screen time, and why this can be harder with kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out some benefits of screen time too. To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resourcesHow to help kids with ADHD manage screen time Social media and parenting: How much is too much? Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World Understood 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

Many parents usually try to avoid sharing too much information about their kids on social media.  But many parents also want to share cute pictures, funny stories, or their kids’ accomplishments. And online communities can be great places to share stories or trade parenting tips.  It can be tricky to tell where to draw the line — how much is too much? This is especially true as kids get older and start using social media and the internet for themselves.   For this episode of In It,  hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk about their own experiences with using social media — or not using it — to talk about their kids, and to find support from other parents.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources:How I beat my social media habit (and how you can too)Neurodiversity awareness: Is social media helping or hurting?From The Atlantic:  “The First Social-Media Babies Are Growing Up — And They’re Horrified” Understood 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

When families are in a dispute about their child’s special education, it can be tricky to know how to handle things. There are big emotions involved, and the law around IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs, can be confusing.  But in some cases, it might help to work with a special education attorney.  In this episode of In It, Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome special education attorney Robert Tudisco. Rob was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. He is an expert in special education law and disability advocacy. Listen to learn why families may hire a special education attorney — and what steps to think about before engaging a lawyer.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources:6 options for resolving an IEP dispute5 options for resolving a 504 plan disputeCan the school give my child with an IEP “unofficial” suspensions? Understood 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

Do you ever wonder if having an IEP means your child will be labeled forever? Are you worried that an IEP will mean your child is separated from their peers? Well, those are actually both myths. And this week, we’re sharing a podcast episode that’s all about busting common myths relating to IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. The episode comes from the latest season of Understood Explains, which is all about IEPs. It’s hosted by Juliana Urtubey, a special education expert and former National Teacher of the Year. If you like what you hear, search for and follow Understood Explains wherever you get podcasts. Their new season is launching now. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Related resources10 special education myths you may hear5 myths about English language learners and special education Understood 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 you think your child is struggling at school, what’s the best way to make sure they’re getting the support they need? Who should you talk to first? Should you call a meeting, send an email, or do something else?In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Julian Saavedra. Julian is an assistant principal in Philadelphia and the host of another Understood podcast, The Opportunity Gap.Julian shares tips and strategies about what to do if your child needs more — or different — support in the classroom. He also provides a road map of where to start advocating for your child, plus how to work as a team with your child’s teachers and school.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Related resources8 steps to advocating for your child at schoolPodcast: How to get kids to talk about schoolHow to use accommodations and modifications in the classroom Understood 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