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    Education for Kids

    Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

    Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids.

    On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more challenging — and what parents can do about it. Join host Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal and father of two, as he shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you advocate for your child.

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    Latest Episodes:
    Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know May 27, 2026
    Show notes

    If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?

    In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, a lecturer on early childhood and special education, shares what to consider. She talks about social-emotional development, academic readiness, behavior, and more. You’ll learn what questions to ask schools, what the research says, and how to make a decision that supports your child now and later.

    For more on this topic

    • Listen: Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro
    • Read: Retention: Why kids are held back

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    The reasons kids shut down before summer break May 13, 2026
    Show notes

    As the school year winds down, many kids start to burn out. They might lose motivation, feel big emotions, or struggle to follow their usual routines. In this episode, you’ll learn why behaviors like shutdowns and meltdowns are signals, not problems, and what to do about them. Plus, get tips to lower stress levels, reset after tough moments, and help your child finish the year strong.

    For more on this topic

    • Listen: What is a “good summer” for kids with learning disabilities?
    • Listen: How to make summer learning fun
    • Read: School burnout in kids who learn and think differently
    • Read: 6 signs your child is burned out

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    3 hidden IEP benefits every parent should know Apr 29, 2026
    Show notes

    Most families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended school year services, built-in training for parents and teachers, and outside placements. Learn what to ask for, how to ask for it, and how decisions get made.

    For more on this topic

    • Watch: Does your child need an IEP?
    • Read: What is an IEP?
    • Listen: Advocating for your child at school

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    The case for more play in school Apr 15, 2026
    Show notes

    Play isn’t just a break from learning. It can also be how learning happens. But many kids have less time for recess and unstructured play than ever before.

    In this episode, we explore why play matters for focus, social skills, and emotional regulation. We also look at what’s getting in the way of play. Plus, we share practical ways families and schools can bring more play into kids’ daily lives.

    For more on this topic

    • Listen: From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD
    • Read: 19 brain breaks to help kids with focus

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids Apr 01, 2026
    Show notes

    If your child has ADHD, you may wonder how eating affects their focus at school. The answer isn’t about perfect meals or strict rules.

    In this episode, host Julian Saavedra talks with registered dietitians Elizabeth Davenport and Anna Lutz about how to help kids fuel for school. They share what to do when kids aren’t hungry, why breakfast can be tricky, and how to handle lunches, snacks, and afterschool hunger.

    You’ll also hear how to help kids build healthy eating habits without turning food into a battle.

    For more on this topic

    • Read: Should kids with ADHD avoid eating sugar?
    • Listen: Picky eating: Why it happens and how to help

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    The school programs giving kids a real advantage Mar 18, 2026
    Show notes

    Schools don’t always get everything right. But many are doing amazing work every day!

    In this episode, we explore how educators are helping kids thrive and succeed in the classroom. Discover how technology, assistive tools, social-emotional learning, and career programs are supporting students. Parents can see what’s working and learn how to reinforce it at home. Celebrate the progress happening in schools and the programs helping students reach their full potential.

    For more on this topic

    • Read: What is social-emotional learning?
    • Read: What is assistive technology?

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix it Mar 04, 2026
    Show notes

    Kids can learn to carry the “boulders” of their feelings, build resilience, and make independent choices without parents taking over. As hard as it is to watch them struggle, sometimes the best support is simply listening and being present.

    In this episode, Dr. Nanika Coor shares practical ways to hold space for kids facing challenges at school, with friends, or in social situations.

    For more on this topic

    • Download: Is my child resilient?
    • Listen: Why let your child fail?
    • Read: My son failed a test. Here’s how I helped him.

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Do kids really need homework? Feb 18, 2026
    Show notes

    Homework can be a source of stress for kids and families, especially for those with learning and thinking differences. In this episode, assistant principal Julian Saavedra breaks down what homework is good for, when it can become overwhelming, and practical ways to support kids. From creating routines and communicating with teachers to leveraging IEPs and 504 plans, Julian shares strategies to make homework a positive, manageable part of learning and help kids build habits that stick.

    For more on this topic

    • Listen: Homework battles
    • Read: FAQ about homework for kids
    • Download: Homework contract for your child

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Introducing Everyone Gets a Juice Box Feb 11, 2026
    Show notes

    Discover a new show on the Understood Podcast Network: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, hosted by Jessica Shaw!

    This series explores the real challenges parents face raising neurodivergent kids — with honest conversations that balance frustration, humor, and small victories. In this episode, hear how one mom navigates unexpected struggles with her young daughter and the creative ways she finds solutions.

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

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


    Top 5 IEP meeting tips from a parent advocate Feb 04, 2026
    Show notes

    As a parent advocate and mom, Danielle Ward has been in countless IEP meetings. She’s a wealth of knowledge on how to make the most of your time with the special education team.

    From bringing supportive guests (including your child when appropriate) to decoding confusing assessments, Danielle and Julian share practical, clear steps to help you feel confident and prepared for your next IEP meeting.

    For more on this topic:

    • Explore: All about IEPs on Understood.org
    • Listen: Understood Explains IEPs
    • Read: IEP terms to know
    • Listen: The ABCs of IEPS

    For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

    As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

    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.


    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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