In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Latest Episodes:

Clapbacks and comebacks: Families react to “Does your kid really have ADHD?” and other judgments Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

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How do we react to the judgment of others when we’re raising kids who learn differently? And how do we handle our own judgment?

In this bonus episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra share favorite moments from families who are “in it.” Get advice on — and even comebacks for — questions like “Is ADHD even real?” Hear why one mom stopped sharing her son’s diagnosis with family and friends. Find out how one couple learned to shut out the noise of others to focus on what was right for their kids.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

Related resources

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

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Summer reading reimagined: How to help all kids enjoy reading Jun 09, 2022

Show notes

Summer is a great time for kids to fall in love with reading. How can we make summer reading fun for all kids — even those who don’t think of themselves as readers?
In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about summer reading with Jeremee DeMoir, a bookshop owner and former teacher. Hear how Jeremee helps kids find reading materials that are engaging and accessible. Learn new ways to think about reading, and why you should consider things like audiobooks and manga. Plus, get Jeremee’s go-to reading recommendations for kids of all ages.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

Jeremee’s bookstore: DeMoir Books & Things
Use bingo to motivate your child to read over the summer
Check out Bookshare’s audiobook resource

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Single parenting: Raising kids who learn differently on your own May 26, 2022

Show notes

What unique challenges do single parents face when raising kids with learning differences?
In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with a single parent who’s “in it.” Rachel is raising her 10-year-old daughter, who has ADHD and other learning challenges. Listen to Rachel talk about the journey she’s been on with her daughter. Hear how she’s trying to manage everything as a single parent. Plus, get Rachel's tips for how to use humor during challenging moments.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

What is working memory?
Our community weighs in: How your relationship with your child changed after the diagnosis
Plus, hear from another single parent: Raising an intense daughter with ADHD (Andrea’s story)

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Busting myths about learning differences and ADHD May 12, 2022

Show notes

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about learning differences. Is ADHD just about hyperactivity? Is dyslexia a vision problem? And do kids outgrow learning differences?

In this episode, host Gretchen Vierstra shares common myths about learning and thinking differences for co-host Amanda Morin to bust. Listen to Amanda debunk these myths with the facts. Learn why these myths persist and how you can help debunk them. Plus, hear the myths that Amanda, Gretchen, and their producer believed before they learned the facts.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

Related resources

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Why summer camp has lasting benefits for neurodivergent kids Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

Summer camp is a tradition for many kids. But does summer camp work for kids who learn differently? How do you find the right camp? Can the camp support your child’s needs? Will your child make friends?
In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get answers from the ultimate expert: a camp director. Audrey Monke has been running a summer camp for 37 years. She’s also the author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. Hear Audrey’s advice on summer camp — from how to choose one to what to tell camps about your child. Learn how camps help kids develop social skills, build relationships, and gain independence. Plus, Audrey shares her favorite summer camp tips to use at home.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

What is social emotional-learning?
Sleepaway camp checklist: How to get your child ready
And check out Audrey’s book: Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults

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ADHD and sleep problems Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

Many kids with ADHD have trouble with sleep. When kids can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, many families struggle with everybody getting a good night’s sleep.

In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with guests who are “in it” when it comes to sleep challenges. First, hear from Belinda, whose son has ADHD, autism, and trouble sleeping. Find out how she deals with sleep challenges, both as a parent and as someone who struggles with sleep herself. Then, get expert advice from a clinical psychologist, Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Learn more about the connection between ADHD and sleep. And get ideas for better sleep from his toolbox of strategies.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

Related resources

How ADHD affects sleep — and what you can do to help
Download: Bedtime checklists for kids
Follow Belinda on Instagram or Twitter to see more about her advocacy for neurodivergent people.

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How mentors empower kids who learn differently Mar 31, 2022

Show notes

What’s one way to empower kids who learn differently? Connect them with near-peer mentors who learn differently, too.
In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Marcus Soutra, president of Eye to Eye, a founding partner of Understood. Eye to Eye brings together middle school students who learn differently with high school and college students who also learn differently. Hear how mentoring can help kids gain self-awareness and build self-advocacy skills. Plus, hear from two college students, Meera Shamiyeh and Lydia Blazey, about what it’s like to be a mentor.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

Check out Eye to Eye’s website and learn about the Strike Out Stigma campaign.
What is self-advocacy?

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Can we talk? The changing mask rules and our kids Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

Many schools across the country are lifting their mask mandates. Whether families are excited or uncertain about the new rules, change is hard for everyone — not just for kids who learn differently.
In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk candidly about masks, kids, and schools. Hear how they’re talking with their families about the new mask rules. Listen as they ask themselves “How can we help our kids manage these changes?” Plus, hear a dad’s perspective from Dr. Andy Kahn, Understood’s newest in-house expert.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

9 ways to show empathy when your child is struggling
Trouble with flexible thinking: Why some kids only see things one way
Want to know how your child is feeling about masks? This feelings wheel can help.

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What is the “opportunity gap”? A discussion about race, income, and disability Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

Kids of color who learn differently face unique challenges. One of those challenges is something called the “opportunity gap.” What is this gap? Why does it exist? And what can we do about it?
In this episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Julian Saavedra, host of The Opportunity Gap, a new podcast in the Understood Podcast Network. Julian is a longtime educator who’s now an assistant principal in Philadelphia. Listen as Julian talks about issues of privilege, race, and disability — and the opportunity gaps he’s seen firsthand. Hear him explain why we need to focus on the causes of the gap to help kids reach their full potential.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

Listen: The Opportunity Gap podcast
Check out Julian’s article: Let’s improve how schools and families talk about race
Read a young adult's perspective: To be Black in America with a learning disability

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Celebrating neurodiversity with The Great British Baking Show’s Lizzie Acker Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

What’s it like to be a contestant on a reality TV show when you’ve got ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia? Just ask Lizzie Acker from The Great British Baking Show. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about baking and “brain fuzz” with Lizzie, the Bake Off contestant from Liverpool, England. Lizzie celebrated her learning differences on the show with an “extraordinary” cake to represent her brain. Find out why she decided to talk about her differences — and the impact it’s having on others. Plus, hear Lizzie’s idea for a cookbook for neurodivergent kids.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Related resources

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