Busting IEP myths with Understood Explains

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

#ADHD #Health and Well-Being #Mental Health #Dyslexia #Learningandattentionissues #Learningdisabilities #Sensoryprocessing #Parenting #Family #Fitness #Podcasting Education #Understood.org #Gretchen Vierstra #Rachel Bozek #Dysgraphia #Specialneeds #Special #Dyscalculia #Specialeducation

33:19

What’s the secret to lasting friendships? How does queer community show up through the ebbs and flows of life? And what’s the REAL story behind the “YMCA” song? In the first episode of Silver Linings, The Old Gays dive into an essential part of queer life: chosen family. They discuss the vital love, support, and sense of belonging that community provides, especially during life's toughest moments. They open up about what “queer” means to them, how chosen family has impacted their lives, and how to maintain close bonds over time–including their love for each other! “We’ve come a long way, baby.” Family isn’t just what you’re born with; it’s the people who show up, shape you, and stick around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 9:44

MP3•Episode home

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 resources

Understood.org 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

115 episodes

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Busting IEP myths with Understood Explains

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

47 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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 resources

115 episodes

All episodes

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD 32:50

7 days ago32:50

32:50

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Amy Lang. Amy is a sex educator who works with kids with learning and thinking differences. She is also the founder of birdsandbeesandkids.com . She helps the hosts tackle a tricky but essential topic: talking to kids with ADHD about sex. Here are just a few of the topics Amy talks about: Ways to talk about — and not talk about — body parts. Helping kids understand how to navigate these topics both inside and outside the home. Why these conversations are so important. Listen for tips on how you can make these talks comfortable and effective. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation that will help parents, caregivers, or anyone wondering how to support kids as they learn about sex. Related resources 8 ways to help teens with ADHD avoid dating trouble spots ADHD and sex Sex, intimacy, and ADHD Birds + Bees + Kids Timestamps (1:39) When your child starts the conversation (7:00) The importance of social cues (9:21) Kids being well-informed (11:28) What age to start talking about sex with your kid (14:00) Using the real names of body parts (17:04) Talking to kids at different ages (20:00) Potential challenges For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression? 30:37

21 days ago30:37

30:37

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. This week on In It , we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast. It’s called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson, and we’re big fans. When she first became a parent, Rae experienced a bout of severe postpartum depression. But at the time, there wasn’t much information about ADHD and women, let alone ADHD and postpartum mental health. Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression? This week on Hyperfocus, Rae finally gets some answers to questions she has had for years. Her guest is Dr. Catherine Birndorf, an expert on postpartum mood disorders and co-founder, CEO, and medical director of The Motherhood Center of New York . Related resources Catherine’s book: What No One Tells You 3 things I’m learning as a new mom with ADHD 72 hours in the life of a working mom with ADHD Parenting tips when you and your child have ADHD Timestamps (02:55) ADHD as a postpartum concern (09:47) PMADs: Not just the ‘baby blues’ (14:21) What can struggling parents do? (21:07) Medication and pregnancy To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Hyperfocus podcast page at Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your kid 27:58

5 weeks ago27:58

27:58

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd. Dr. Chris is a psychologist, and an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study Center. She is also the author of Be Unapologetically Impatient , which comes out this summer. Dr. Chris has four children, including a daughter who has ADHD and sensory challenges and a son with a rare, regressive disease. She has given a lot of thought to the idea of apologizing when you have nothing to be sorry for. What can we say instead of “I’m sorry”? And what do we do when others say they’re sorry to us, just because something in our lives is a challenge? Dr. Chris has helpful tips for many of these scenarios. Related resources What families wish you knew about learning disabilities Tips from an ADHD coach: Saying sorry too much Why I stopped saying “sorry” as a mom (and started saying “no”) What to write in an email to your child’s teacher Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro What is self-advocacy? Timestamps (1:43) The problem with the words “I’m sorry” (7:35) What is a deficit frame? (11:42) Alternatives to “I’m sorry” (19:54) More alternatives for apologizing (21:11) Teaching our kids to be unapologetic (23:42) Starting with “thank you” (24:46) The science of it all For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Clean up this mess! Or don’t? Advice from an expert 26:52

7 weeks ago26:52

26:52

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In this episode of In It , hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome author and therapist KC Davis. KC is a therapist who hosts the podcast Struggle Care . Her new book Who Deserves Your Love will be out in May 2025. She is also the best-selling author of How to Keep House While Drowning . KC talks about being a “messy” person and reasons why we could all benefit from caring a little less about messiness. She offers tips for getting your home to “work for you.” And she helps us understand reasons to care less about the mess. Related resources Messy room? How to help your child keep it neat Why kids with executive function challenges have trouble starting tasks Listen: ADHD and messiness (Jeannie’s story) My Home Is Messy, and I Don’t Feel Bad About It (KC in The New York Times) Timestamps (3:08) What makes us special can also be what makes us scattered (4:41) The tendency to be messy (5:52) Identifying solutions (7:32) Executive function and home management (10:18) The steps involved in a task (11:20) Helpful tips (14:28) Focusing on function (16:37) How you talk about mess For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro 27:29

9 weeks ago27:29

27:29

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome professional parent advocate Danielle Ward. Danielle started out advocating for her own kids, several years ago. Now, through her company Encompass Parent Solutions, she offers families of kids with learning and thinking differences non-legal help with advocacy, support, and education counsel. Danielle chats with Gretchen and Rachel about some of the most important dos and don’ts for parents who are advocating for their child at school. Danielle outlines the steps to take when your child is struggling and how to recognize when a parent advocate might be necessary. She also explains the difference between a parent advocate and a special education attorney. For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Related resources 8 steps to advocating for your child at school Where to find legal help The difference between special education advocates and attorneys What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)? Listen: An attorney’s advice on special education disputes Timestamps (00:59) What does a parent advocate do? (02:56) Description of Danielle’s first IEP meeting (04:57) Understanding the difference between parent advocates and lawyers (08:13) Whether or not kids should be in meetings at school (09:22) Steps to follow when you sense your child is struggling (10:33) What to do when your child has a diagnosis (15:24) Tips for writing an effective letter or email (19:02) Dos and don’ts for child advocacy (22:06) Guidelines for recording meetings Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Parenting’s a lot. Especially when you’re a lot 29:41

11 weeks ago29:41

29:41

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In this episode of In It , hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome parenting coach Mary Van Geffen. Mary offers online classes including a special one for moms of what she calls “spicy ones.” She also shares fun, funny, and relatable posts every day on Instagram. Mary talks with Gretchen and Rachel about parenting spicy kids and how to know if you, too, are spicy. What does it mean to be spicy? Are you spicy? And what should you do about it? Related resources Parenting tips when you and your child have ADHD Body doubling for ADHD: What it is and how it works 5 oddly specific ADHD strategies that help me work Listen: ADHD and: Parenting fails Listen: Double trouble: ADHD moms share what it’s like to parent kids with ADHD Mary Van Geffen: Parent Coach for the Spicy OnesTM Timestamps (1:10) Defining “spicy ones” (4:41) Parents’ worries about themselves as parent (7:36) What impacts children most (8:59) Dealing with sensory overload as a parent (16:51) Organization challenges for parents with ADHD (18:55) Body doubling For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Trouble with skill-building for ADHD? Here’s help 26:58

13 weeks ago26:58

26:58

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. For kids who struggle with ADHD, building skills like executive function and self-advocacy can be difficult. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and expertise here at Understood. He’s also the host of the podcast Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy discusses why skill-building is important for kids with ADHD. He also shares many ways families can help. Related resources Understanding impulsivity in kids The 3 areas of executive function ADHD medication shortages: 8 ways to cope Listen: Talking through social struggles Listen: The power of self-advocacy for kids at IEP and 504 meetings Timestamps (1:27) Reasons why some kids do not take meds (3:42) Areas where skill-building can help kids with ADHD (5:33) Skill-building for executive function (10:38) Skill-building for social situations (15:40) Skill-building for impulsivity (19:25) Understanding and working on self-advocacy (23:00) The connection between access to medication and skill-building For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Have a struggling reader? Try these tips 26:32

15 weeks ago26:32

26:32

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. What makes learning to read difficult? And how does having dyslexia make it even more challenging? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome literacy expert Louise Baigelman. A former teacher, Louise is the co-founder and CEO of the literacy organization Storyshares. She explains why reading can be so challenging for kids who struggle with dyslexia, and shares tips and strategies to help. Tune in to get Louise’s expert advice on how to help struggling readers. Related resources 9 terms to know if your child has trouble with reading The difference between dyslexia and dyscalculia 9 free public library resources for your child (and you) What is explicit instruction? Listen: Dyslexia is more than mixing up letters Timestamps (1:08) Why reading is such a challenge for kids with dyslexia (2:06) The meaning of explicit instruction (2:37) Common reading struggles for kids with dyslexia (4:18) Reasons learning to read gets harder as kids get older (5:19) Ways to engage struggling readers (8:14) How audiobooks can help (12:16) The science of reading (17:11) Activities to help support reading (22:53) Next steps and tips for parents of struggling readers For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It episode page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@podcast.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Feeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone 14:08

17 weeks ago14:08

14:08

Parenting can often feel socially isolating. On this episode of In It, we hear from a few parents who have felt socially isolated while raising kids with learning and thinking differences. They share some of the challenges they have run into and talk about some strategies they’ve found for building relationships with other adults. Related resources 8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHD Why some kids have trouble making friends 7 ways to prepare kids for visiting relatives and family friends Listen: ADHD and puberty: What to expect Listen: Guided meditation for stressed parents Listen: Homework battles: What really matters Timestamps (1:10) Parent friendships (1:59) When your parenting style is misunderstood or judged (5:48) Finding parents who can relate (7:34) Realizing the risks that come with sharing experiences with other parents (8:49) Being friends with parents of kids who are not friends with your own kid (10:31) When the parent is neurodiverse For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Signs of dyscalculia and other tips from a math expert 24:21

19 weeks ago24:21

24:21

What is dyscalculia? How can parents spot it? And is it anything like dyslexia? Find out about all of this and more from Brendan Hodnett. Brendan is a middle school special education and math teacher. He is also an adjunct professor at Hunter College in New York City, where he offers courses on inclusive ways to teach math. Tune in to learn more about early signs of dyscalculia, how it affects kids inside and outside the classroom, and tips that can help. Related resources 10 surprising ways dyscalculia impacts kids Signs of dyscalculia at different ages Dyscalculia and managing money Listen: Math anxiety, dyscalculia, and other reasons math can be hard for kids Listen: What if the teacher has learning differences too? Timestamps (1:04) How to pronounce dyscalculia (1:38) How dyscalculia relates to dyslexia (2:48) How it affects a child’s concept of time and sense of direction (4:34) Early signs (5:29) Exploring a diagnosis (10:24) How dyscalculia shows up outside of math class (13:48) Understanding money For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
What were they thinking? An expert on teenage brains explains 24:30

21 weeks ago24:30

24:30

From school to friends to home, being a teenager is tough. Also tough? Raising one! On this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Karen Wilson. Karen is a clinical neuropsychologist, director of West LA Neuropsychology, and host of the Diverse Thinking, Diverse Learning podcast. Tune in to get Karen’s expert advice about supporting your child through the teen years. Related resources How to help high schoolers gain self-control Developmental milestones for teenagers What to do when your teen or tween is lonely Listen: When kids and teens have tantrums: how to help Listen: Unpacking the teen mental health crisis: How we got here and what to do about it Timestamps (01:35) What’s going on in teens’ brains (06:10) When teens want more independence (16:56) Sexual and gender identities (21:48) The awesome side of teens For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Another lost sneaker? How to cover the unexpected costs of raising a kid 26:11

23 weeks ago26:11

26:11

Money. Budgeting. Savings. They’re all stressful. And when you factor in the added expenses that can come with raising a child with learning and thinking differences, it can feel like too much. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome personal finance expert Kim Palmer. Kim is a mom to three kids and she writes for NerdWallet . She’s also the author of three books about money: Smart Mom, Rich Mom; The Economy of You; and Generation Earn. Tune in to get Kim’s expert advice about budgeting when you have kids with learning and thinking differences. For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Related resources Long-term financial planning for a child with special needs Checklist: Saving for college Listen: Impulse buying, negative bank balances, and the ADHD tax Timestamps (1:38) Unanticipated expenses (5:54) Budgeting tools (10:53) Emergencies and the struggle to save (22:23) Letting kids in on the finances For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you 29:13

25 weeks ago29:13

29:13

We’ve all been there: Our child is refusing to do something that, to us, seems super reasonable. Do we offer them a reward to get them to cooperate? Where is the line between bribery and rewarding a child? Will we ruin them? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn back to the show. Dr. Andy is a licensed psychologist and Understood’s associate director of behavior change and expertise. He’s also the host of the podcast Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Tune in to get Andy’s expert advice about bribes and rewards. Related resources What are positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)? 7 ideas for using rewards and consequences The power of motivation for kids who learn and think differently How to give praise that builds kids’ self-esteem “I’m not yelling—you’re yelling!” Tips for staying calm when kids act out Timestamps (1:22) The difference between a bribe and a reward (5:08) Pairing verbal praise with reinforcement (8:31) How close to the behavior should the reward be (16:03) Money as a reward (21:08) Behavior charts and LTDs (25:14) Helping kids change behaviors For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page at Understood.org We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org . Understood.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Parental burnout? What to do before you lose it 25:05

27 weeks ago25:05

25:05

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 isolated Related resources Parenting guilt: Tips to get past it A personal conversation about being a mom (and woman) with ADHD “I’m not yelling—you’re yelling!” Tips for staying calm when kids act out Building self-compassion skills 32 examples of workplace accommodations For 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.org 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 It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

1
Do parenting podcast hosts always take their own advice? 19:19

29 weeks ago19:19