Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

• How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD

  Many kids with ADHD also deal with anxiety. Together, this can end up looking like defiance, avoidance, or just acting out at school. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind these behaviors. And we share practical ways that parents can support their kids — at home and at school — through clear communication, behavior plans, and strategies that actually work.For more on this topic: Listen: How can you help an anxious childRead: 6 things I wish I’d known about my son’s anxietyDownload: Anxiety tracker for kidsTimestamps:  (05:40) Why teachers misinterpret ADHD behavior as defiance(10:30) Behavior is communication: Decoding what kids are really saying(16:00) How behavior intervention plans (BIPs) support kids with ADHD(22:30) Motivating kids: Rewards, buy-in, and real-world successFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained

  We know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in.Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding, putting some services your child may be receiving at risk. In this episode, former OSEP chief of staff Meghan Whittaker joins host Julian and journalist Ray Jacobson from the Hyperfocus podcast to explain what this means for schools, IEPs, and families. Learn how funding, vouchers, and state control could impact your child — and what parents can do to protect their rights.For more on this topic:What the special education layoffs mean for your child’s IEP and school servicesWhat happens to my child’s IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state lawTimestamps:  (02:00) Federal layoffs at OSEP: What happened and why it matters(06:00) Understanding IDEA and federal oversight(11:00) Real-life impact on schools and students(18:00) Vouchers vs. public school funding: What families should know(26:00) States taking over: Risks and challenges(30:00) Equity concerns and how parents can advocateFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• What to do when parent-teacher relationships go wrong

  Sometimes parent-teacher relationships don’t go as smoothly as we hope. And when conflicts happen, it can make school harder for both students and adults.In this episode, Julian shares practical advice for dealing with parent-teacher tension. Learn how to fix misunderstandings and rebuild trust to help create a more positive connection.For more on this topic:Families of color and communicating with teachers7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacherWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherRace and Ethnicity of Public School Teachers and Their StudentsTimestamps:  (00:00) Intro(00:55) Why parent-teacher dynamics are hard(03:44) How race influences these relationships(06:40) Julian’s tips for working with your child’s teacherFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Trouble with reading? Is it dyslexia?

  Is your child having trouble with reading? Could it be dyslexia? Expert Shira Moskowitz shares what parents need to know.Dyslexia is more than just letter mix-ups.It’s a learning difference that affects how kids read and understand words. In this episode, you’ll learn:How to spot early signs of dyslexia in kidsThe truth about letter reversalsAnd how technology can help support kidsFor more on this topic: When dyslexia is missed: The impact on students of colorWhat is dyslexia?Dyslexia: More than mixing up lettersTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:00) What is dyslexia?(02:05) The truth about letter reversals(03:30) How early can kids show signs of dyslexia?(05:40) How dyslexia affects kids beyond just reading(08:05) How parents can support kids with dyslexia (08:55) How technology can helpFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• How to talk to your child about microaggressions in the classroom

  What do you do when your child says, “I think my teacher hates me”? In this episode, Julian breaks down what that really means. Learn how to spot signs of microaggressions in the classroom. Get simple ways to support your child and speak up when something feels wrong. And find out how to address microaggressions in a calm, clear way.For more on this topic: Families of color and communicating with teachersPerspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the schoolThe hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(00:40) What is a microaggression?(02:44) Julian’s personal experience(07:37) How to talk to your child about microaggressions  For a transcript and more resources, visit The Opportunity Gap on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected]. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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About Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education