In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Latest Episodes:

Back-to-school action plan: Setting goals and getting organized Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

For many families, the new school year brings a real mixed bag of emotions. There’s the excitement of a fresh start combined with jitters about all of the unknowns. For families of kids who learn and think differently, there may be IEPs or 504 plans, and new teachers to connect with about all these things. It’s a lot to think about — and to navigate.

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with returning guest DeJunne’ Clark Jackson, an education consultant and parent advocate. She’s also a mom of two kids, one with an IEP. Tune in for back-to-school strategies that have worked well for DeJunne’ and her family. Find out how she sets goals with both of her kids, keeping in mind their strengths and challenges.

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

Download: Back-to-school update for families to give to teachers
Download: Goals calendar for kids who struggle with planning
My kids have different strengths and challenges. Here’s how I set goals with them.
Hear more from DeJunne’ in this episode about parent-teacher conferences from last season
Get back-to-school tips from executive function coach Brendan Mahan in this episode about building executive function skills

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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Coming soon: “In It” Season 5 Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Join us for Season 5 of In It, a podcast about the ins and outs — and ups and downs — of supporting kids who learn and think differently. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek will continue to bring stories, tips, and advice from families and experts. They’ll cover topics from ADHD and puberty to helpful tech for kids.

Season 5 starts Thursday, September 7. Subscribe now!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

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Busting myths about special education (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast) Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Bonus episode! Learn five common myths about special education that can keep kids of color from getting the support they deserve. In this episode from Understood’s The Opportunity Gap, host Julian Saavedra talks with Christina Gutierrez, a former educator and the mom of a child with an IEP. Find out which of the five myths “gets under her skin” the most — and which one crept into her own thinking when her son was struggling.

Get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes from The Opportunity Gap and more episodes from In It.

Related resources

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ADHD and eating disorders (from the ADHD Aha! podcast) Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Bonus episode! This time on In It, learn about ADHD and eating disorders in this episode from Understood’s ADHD Aha! podcast. Host Laura Key talks with Dr. Roberto Olivardia about why ADHD and binge-eating disorder (BED) often co-occur. Learn how ADHD symptoms like impulsivity play a role in disordered eating. Plus, find out about treatment options and what to do if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and needs support.

Get a transcript of this show and check out more ADHD Aha! episodes at u.org/ADHDaha.

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.

Related resources

Find support at The National Eating Disorders Association.

And learn more about:

ADHD and eating disorders

ADHD and depression

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Summer reads that embrace difference and disability Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek, Gretchen Vierstra, and a few of their Understood colleagues share summer reading recommendations. Learn about books that embrace differences for readers of all ages. Plus, get tips on how to make summer reading fun for kids.

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

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From deep breaths to packed binders: What we learned this season Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra share a few of their favorite moments from Season 4. From self-advocacy at IEP meetings to our kids’ social lives, we covered a lot of ground this season.

Tune in to hear which topics the hosts are still thinking about — including why there’s no shame in bringing a five-inch binder to your next parent-teacher conference.

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

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Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Summer break. Some families love it. Others dread it. No matter how you feel about summer, we’ve got hacks to help your family thrive.

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk all things summer with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andrew Kahn. Andy shares what can make summer easier than the school year for kids who learn and think differently — and what might make it harder.

Tune in for tips on screen time, sleep, summer camp, travel, and more. Plus, learn ways to give kids the structure that many of them need without it feeling like a burden.

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 to make a sensory travel kit for your child
10 tips to help kids avoid travel meltdowns and sensory overload
Listen to this episode of In It to hear more about summer camp

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Unpacking the teen mental health crisis: How we got here and what to do about it May 25, 2023

Show notes

We’ve been hearing a lot about a mental health crisis that’s affecting kids — especially teens — really hard. What’s behind this crisis? How is it playing out for kids with learning and thinking differences? And what can we do about it?

To help answer these questions, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra turn to Dr. Matthew Cruger. He’s the clinical director and a senior neuropsychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Learn how the crisis is showing up in his practice, especially with kids who learn and think differently. Hear Matt’s thoughts on when the crisis started — and why. Plus, get Matt’s advice on how families can help support their kids’ mental health.

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

Treatment for mental health issues
How to talk with your child about social and emotional issues
Listen to this episode of The Opportunity Gap for more tips on supporting kids’ mental health

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Adulting and executive function skills: How to help your child thrive after high school May 11, 2023

Show notes

Sending kids off to the adult world can feel both scary and exciting. How can families best support their kids who learn and think differently?

In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Karen Wilson, a clinical neuropsychologist who works with a lot of college students. She shares some of the common challenges kids face in the real world — many related to trouble with executive function. Get her expert advice on how families can help their kids manage the demands of adulting.

Then, the hosts hear from a parent who’s “in it” when it comes to helping kids become adults. Tune in to get tips from Danielle Janson, a mom of twins with ADHD who are in their first year of college.

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

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To medicate or not to medicate ADHD: One family’s story Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

ADHD medication. How do you decide if it’s right for your child? It’s a very personal decision that often takes time. Learning about the experiences of other families can help.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Amelia, a mom whose son started taking ADHD medication during high school. Amelia shares the journey that led to the decision to medicate, including the worries she had. Find out how her son feels about taking medication. And hear Amelia’s advice for families who are making this decision.

Plus, get answers to common questions about stimulant medication from Dr. Kamille Williams, a psychiatrist who has lots of experience talking with families about ADHD medicines.

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.