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A kid with ADHD. A kid without. One mom’s story

21m · In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently · 18 Jan 05:00

Sibling dynamics are challenging for all families. But when one sibling has a learning and thinking difference and the other one doesn’t, things can be even tougher.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Becca. She’s a mom of two kids, one with ADHD and one without. Becca shares how she’s finding balance in parenting kids with different needs. And how her kids interact with one another.

This is part one of a two-part series. In the next episode, we’ll get tips on managing sibling dynamics from psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman.

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 [email protected].

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. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

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More episodes from In It: Supporting Kids Who Learn and Think Differently

Social media and parenting: How much is too much?

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 [email protected].

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.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.

Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

An attorney’s advice on special education disputes

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.

Related resources:

  • 6 options for resolving an IEP dispute
  • 5 options for resolving a 504 plan dispute
  • Can the school give my child with an IEP “unofficial” suspensions?

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 [email protected].

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.

Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

Busting IEP myths with Understood Explains

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 [email protected].

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. Learn more at Understood.org. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

Advocating for your special ed child

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 [email protected].

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. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

Olympian Michelle Carter talks ADHD and dyslexia

Michelle Carter is an athlete and businessperson. She was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a young child.

With her parents’ support, she discovered her talents in track and field, going on to compete in three Olympic Games: in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Michelle won gold in 2016. Now she runs You Throw Girl, a camp that helps girls build confidence.

Michelle believes that for kids who are struggling with a learning or thinking difference, sports can be a big help. “It gives them a moment to just get that energy out, let their brains be free while they’re making their bodies work,” she says.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Michelle about the challenges she faced in and out of school. They also learn about her experiences as a world-class athlete and entrepreneur.

Michelle shares tips for kids to build their confidence. She also offers advice to help parents and families of kids with learning and thinking differences.

Related resources:

  • How to get your child involved in sports
  • Video: Michelle Carter wins Olympic gold with dyslexia and ADHD
  • Podcast: Understood Explains on evaluations for special education
  • Read: All about careers for kids who learn and think differently

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 [email protected].

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. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved.

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