Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Special education has many terms that can be hard to understand. You may hear them often at school meetings or even see them in learning plans. And learning what they mean can help you best support your child. In this episode, host Julian Saavedra breaks down 8 key special education terms in simple, clear language. Learn what these terms mean and how they relate to the support kids receive at scho...

The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning.  Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing s...

When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step.  Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And ge...

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. Dyslexia is a common learning and thinking difference that makes it difficult for kids to read and process words. And in communities of color, these challenges are often missed for many reasons. Lack of teacher training and limited access to early...

When a child is diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference, their parents often focus all their energy on helping. Like advocating for their child, or figuring out what support is needed. With so much to juggle, it's easy for parents to lose sight of their own mental well-being. In this episode, Julian talks with Dr. Monica Johnson. Dr. Johnson, also known as “Dr. J,” is a psychologist and...

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. It’s normal for kids to feel uncertain sometimes as they grow and learn about the world. However, there’s a big difference between feeling nervous once in a while and dealing with constant uncertainty. So, how can parents notice these moments and...

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. A strong parent-child relationship is key to helping children with learning disabilities succeed. Building this bond takes time, patience, and being open with each other. And when done thoughtfully, it can make a huge difference in a child’s life....

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. For many families of color, navigating the world of special education can be overwhelming. Understanding students’ legal rights in the classroom adds another challenge, often leaving parents uncertain about how to secure the right support for thei...

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. Every parent wants the best for their child with learning and thinking differences. But for many families of color, the road to getting that support can feel like an uphill battle. In this episode, we talk to Christopher Cola. Christopher is the f...

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. Imagine a classroom where every student feels represented. Where their backgrounds, learning styles, and individual strengths are valued. For many students of color with learning differences, that’s not always the case. But what if it could be?  I...

The middle of the year can feel like a crossroads. Distractions are creeping in, and the energy kids started the school year with seems to fade like a distant memory.  But what if this moment isn't a sign to slow down but an opportunity to reset? In this episode, we talk to Kate Garcia, MEd. Listen as Kate explains how parents can turn the mid-year slump into a launchpad for success for their kids...

Navigating learning and thinking differences can be tough for both kids and their families. Neurodivergent children can feel misunderstood both at home and in the classroom. And their parents often struggle to know how best to help. In this episode of Opportunity Gap , parents and kids share their experiences with learning and thinking differences. Listen as they break down what they wish others u...

Does your child avoid reading, get easily frustrated, or stumble over familiar words? These may be signs they’re having trouble with reading.  In this episode, we talk to literacy expert Shaquala Holmes, MEd. Shaquala has dedicated her career to helping students become better readers. Listen as she shares: Tips for what to look for when reading with your child Ways to help kids grow their confiden...

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like a constant balancing act — juggling patience, understanding, and supporting your child’s unique needs. It often leads to questions like, Am I doing enough? What can I do better? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Larry Jones, a retired pediatrician and father of sons with ADHD. Listen as Dr. Larry reflects on: Navigating his own ADHD diagnosis What he’s lea...

The holiday season is filled with joy and spending time with loved ones. But the festivities with their big gatherings, bright lights, and loud noises can be a lot for kids with learning and thinking differences to handle. So, how can parents help kids prepare for the busy holiday season? Listen as Julian shares: Tips to help kids prepare for social interactions Ways to create calm spaces for when...

Parenting kids with multiple learning and thinking differences is often filled with many twists and turns. It’s a journey that requires a strong support system, resilience, and hope. And each day calls for patience and understanding from both parents and their children. In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Bywaters. Jennifer is the proud mom of a son with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Listen as...

Sportsmanship is not just about winning or losing. It’s also about character, respect, and treating others well. It’s an important skill to develop. But mastering it can be challenging for some kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode of Opportunity Gap , we dive into the heart of sportsmanship. Listen as our guest, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the importance of sportsmanship in yout...

Have you ever left a parent-teacher conference feeling both hopeful and unsure? Many parents of kids with learning and thinking differences have felt this way. Especially when the meeting brought to light their child’s trouble with reading or math. In this episode, Julian Saavedra talks with Kareem Neal, a special education teacher from Arizona. Listen as Kareem shares:  How parents can use import...

Creating a “village,” or a group of supportive people, can really boost kids’ confidence and help them thrive. This village doesn’t have to consist of only parents and family. But it can also include teachers, therapists, and doctors who care about your child. Listen as host Julian Saavedra highlights the kinds of people who can make a big difference in your child’s life. And get practical tips on...

Ever thought about what it’s like to raise kids with ADHD while also having ADHD yourself? Dion Chavis, the host of the Black People Parenting podcast, understands this experience very well. In this episode, listen as Dion shares how he’s juggling parenting kids with ADHD and his own ADHD diagnosis. Find out when he started noticing the unique needs of his kids. And hear why he believes in the imp...

What can parents do when the school falls short in providing the right support for their child’s learning differences? How can parents avoid burning bridges while still advocating for change for their child? In this episode of Opportunity Gap , host Julian Saavedra talks with Jamilah Bashir. Jamilah is an education consultant and IEP coach.  Listen as Jamilah explains why a school may not be provi...

For some parents, building independence in kids with learning and thinking differences might feel overwhelming. But it’s an important part of kids’ growth. Because when kids learn to do things on their own, they begin to feel more confident. Listen as Julian explains how learning and thinking differences can impact kids’ ability to build independence. Learn why teaching kids how to navigate the wo...

Going back to school can be an exciting time for kids and parents. But for some kids, it can also be full of stress and uncertainty. Especially if the previous school year had its share of ups and downs.  Maybe your child had a tough time in math class? Or maybe making friends was a challenge? Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains how parents can get kids ready for the new school year with confi...

Summer break can be a great time to learn new skills. And to keep old ones from getting rusty. But how so? In this episode, Julian shares how to prevent the “summer slide.” And gives tips on how to create moments for learning. Related resources Stopping “summer slide” Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive Summer learning programs for kids who learn and think differently To get a...

Some parents think about behavior in a negative way, like a problem they don’t want to deal with. But the truth is, behavior is just a form of communication. On this bonus episode of The Opportunity Gap, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. Listen as Dr. Andy explains the truth behind kids’ actions. And gives tips for how parents can resp...