Understood Explains

IEP meetings can get very emotional. It can be hard to sit in a room full of teachers and talk about your child’s needs. Sometimes, these meetings can feel overwhelming, like everyone just wants to discuss what’s wrong with your child.   However, if your child has an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, you’ll need to attend an IEP meeting at least once a year. And one important way to prepar...

If you’re the parent of a young child, you may be wondering how special education can support kids during recess. If you have a teenager, you may be focused on getting ready for college or a career. And if your child is in middle school, I have one word for you: puberty.   Special education can provide services and supports from birth through high school. And on this episode of Understood Explains...

Many kids in the U.S. are learning English as an additional language. For some, it may be their second, third, or fourth language.   Their English skills can vary widely, too. Some kids may speak conversational English and need to learn academic words, like “add” and “subtract.” And others may be learning a lot of words in English and in their home language at the same time. So there can be a lot...

You and the school may not always agree on every detail in your child’s IEP. If you’re having trouble working things out, it’s good to know your options for resolving a dispute. On this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will go through your dispute resolution options and how to handle common disagreements. She’ll also share information on advocates and attorneys who can help yo...

Does your child have trouble following the teacher’s rules? Are you getting a lot of calls from the principal?     An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, can do a lot of things to help with behavioral challenges in school.    But as you explore getting an IEP and putting it into action, things can get confusing. Along the way, you might run into wonky terms like FBA, BIP, and manifestation d...

Setting IEP goals can feel tricky. They should be attainable, but not too hard or too easy — it’s a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. However, setting these goals is a big part of developing your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Program.   In this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey breaks down how IEP teams set annual goals, how parents can help, and how the IEP w...

So you have an IEP meeting coming up, or you’d like to prepare for future ones. This is an important time to ask questions and advocate for what you think is best for your child.   These meetings can be stressful and high-pressure for families. But knowing what to expect in the meeting and how to get ready can put you at ease.   On this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will go...

If your child qualifies for an IEP, it will come with many legal rights and protections. But with names like “FAPE” and “prior written notice,” things can get confusing quickly. Still, it’s really important for parents to understand these terms — and that's where this podcast comes in to help.  In this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms and explains th...

There are 13 disability categories listed in a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.  And to get an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, your child will need to fit into at least one disability category. These categories can have some hard-to-understand names, like “specific learning disabilities” or “other health impairments.”  But on this episode of Un...

Kids don’t just get an IEP all of a sudden. Schools have an evaluation process to decide if a child qualifies for special education services. This includes getting an IEP.   On this episode of Understood Explains , join host Juliana Urtubey as she discusses the evaluation process and requirements for getting an IEP. She’ll also share what to do if the school says your child doesn’t qualify for an...

If someone says something that makes special education sound bad or negative, chances are it’s just not true.   There are a lot of myths about IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. And these incorrect or outdated ideas can keep some kids from getting school supports that can help them thrive.  On this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will bust common myths and explain th...

The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get.  And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need.  On this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will break down the dif...

If your child has been struggling in school, you might be wondering if they need special education. And once you start exploring special education, you’re going to run into the term IEP, which stands for individualized education program. But what exactly is an IEP, anyway?  On this episode of Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will cover IEP basics and how to figure out if your child needs...

Does your child need special education? How can you make the most of this school support? Listen to the trailer for Understood Explains IEPs , which covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs.   Host Juliana Urtubey is a special education teacher and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. So you can learn from a pro in this 13-episode series, which includes IEP tips for kids of d...

This bonus episode of Understood Explains shares personal stories about getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. For example, hear from a woman who waited years to see a specialist after her main doctor brushed off her concerns that she might have ADHD.   You’ll also hear host Dr. Roberto Olivardia describe what led him to get diagnosed with ADHD at 35.   Listen to these personal stories and what...

Doubting your ADHD diagnosis? Do you still think you have ADHD even after your doctor said you don’t? Or maybe you got formally diagnosed but aren’t sure you really have ADHD?   Concerns about ADHD misdiagnosis are common. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia gives tips on how to think about whether you got a thorough evaluation — and if it may be time to get a second opinion.   For more resources, includin...

Relief. Anger. Grief. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia explains what to look for and how to process big feelings so you can keep moving forward. Get answers to common questions, like how imposter syndrome is connected to ADHD.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood .  Time...

There are many ways to treat ADHD without medication — or in addition to medication. Learn about a wide range of ADHD treatments, from therapy to free apps and tools. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia also talks about social and workplace supports. Listen as he answers common questions, like whether diet or supplements can help with ADHD.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy ski...

How does ADHD medication work? Is it addictive? If you think you might have ADHD or were recently diagnosed, find out what you need to know about ADHD medication, like how to tell if you’re taking too much or too little.   For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood .  Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (00:51) How does ADHD medication...

The wait time may be shorter, but is online ADHD diagnosis accurate? And can it help you get ADHD treatment? In this episode of Understood Explains , learn the pros and cons of ADHD online diagnosis and get answers to common questions.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood .  Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (00:49) What are on...

How do doctors test adults for ADHD? What kind of questions do they ask? How long does it take? Understood Explains host Dr. Roberto Olivardia breaks down the process so you’ll know what to look for in a thorough evaluation. Get an overview and answers to common questions.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood .  Timestamps  (...

What type of doctor should you see for ADHD diagnosis — primary care provider? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Is it worth waiting longer to see a specialist? How much does it cost? Get answers to common questions from Understood Explains host Dr. Roberto Olivardia.   For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood .  Timestamps  (00:00) Int...

Are you wondering if your ADHD symptoms are too mild to get tested? Or if there’s enough of a benefit to getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult? Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia shares his own diagnosis story as he answers common questions about whether to get formally tested for ADHD as an adult.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Underst...

Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of Understood Explains , which explores the ins and outs of adult ADHD diagnosis.  Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a psychologist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Join him as he answers the most common questions about ADHD diagnosis, including what to look for in a thorough evaluation and how to treat ADHD with or without medication.  Visit the episode page...

Parents, teachers, and psychologists all have something they wish they’d known sooner about the evaluation process. This bonus episode offers tips from parents who have been through the evaluation process at least once — and experts who have been through it hundreds of times.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood .  We love hearing from our...