Understood Explains

Latest Episodes:

What to expect during a special education evaluation Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

What happens during a school evaluation? And what role do families play? Host Dr. Andy Kahn and school psychologist Brittney Newcomer explain who’s on the school evaluation team, what they do, and how you can help shape the evaluation plan for your child. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also offers tips on how you can help your child get ready for the evaluation. (Hint: The answer does NOT involve any studying!)

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 podcast@understood.org.

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Getting your child the support they need at school shouldn’t feel like a fight. But for millions of families, it does. In Zero Reject, an investigative podcast from Understood.org, award-winning journalist Anya Kamenetz looks at how changing federal policies are reshaping special education — and what’s at stake for families trying to access the support their children are legally entitled to. Start listening now.

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 u.org/give

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How to request an evaluation for special education Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

School evaluations are free — and you can ask for one at any time and for any reason. But the details you include when you ask can make a big difference. Host Dr. Andy Kahn and education advocate Christina Gutierrez explain how to request an evaluation and how soon the school needs to respond. Parenting expert Amanda Morin also shares tips on what to say to your child about requesting an evaluation — and what not to say.

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 podcast@understood.org.

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 u.org/give

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

Your rights during the special education evaluation process Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

What rights do families have in a school evaluation? This episode highlights five key ways that special education law protects your rights during the evaluation process. Host Dr. Andy Kahn talks with lawyer Andrew M.I. Lee about what to do if you think the school isn’t following the rules. And parenting expert Amanda Morin gives tips on what to avoid saying to your child about any disputes with the 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 podcast@understood.org.

Related resources

Downloadable letter templates and talking points

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 u.org/give

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How to decide if your child needs a special education evaluation Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

How do schools decide if a child needs an evaluation? And what role do families play? Host Dr. Andy Kahn explains common reasons to evaluate now — or to wait. Educator Julian Saavedra addresses special education myths that can affect what families decide to do. And parenting expert Amanda Morin offers tips on how to talk to kids about next steps.

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 podcast@understood.org.

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 u.org/give

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

What is a special education evaluation? Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Is your child struggling in school? Are you wondering what supports might help? This episode explains the basics of how schools evaluate kids for special education. Host Andy Kahn is a psychologist. He talks with educator Julian Saavedra about looking for kids’ strengths as well as their weaknesses. Andy also trades tips with parenting expert Amanda Morin on what to say to your child along the way.

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 podcast@understood.org.

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 u.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 Understood Explains, Season 1: Evaluations for Special Education Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

Listen to the trailer for Season 1 of Understood Explains, which covers the ins and outs of the process school districts use to evaluate kids for special education. Host Dr. Andy Kahn is a psychologist who spent nearly 20 years evaluating kids for schools. He explains each step of the process and gives tips on how to talk with your child along the way.

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

Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about Understood Explains and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.

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 u.org/give

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