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.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