Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. 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. J...
Apr 23, 2025•16 min•Ep. 72
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 offer support? Listen as host Julian Saavedra explains why it’s normal for kids to feel uncertain. L...
Apr 09, 2025•11 min•Ep. 71
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. In this episode, we talk to clinical psychologist Dr. Kristin Carothers. She discusses how building...
Mar 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 70
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 their child. In this episode, we continue our conversation about racism in special education. Listen as ...
Mar 12, 2025•25 min•Ep. 69
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 father of a son with ADHD and dyslexia. Listen as he opens up about navigating a school district that...
Feb 26, 2025•16 min•Ep. 68
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? In this episode, we talk to author and education consultant Afrika Afeni Mills. Listen as she breaks d...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 67
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 with learning and thinking differences. And get tips on how to help kids overcome distractions and r...
Jan 29, 2025•22 min•Ep. 66
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 understood. Then, hear from psychologist Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd about how both parents and kids...
Jan 15, 2025•24 min•Ep. 65
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 confidence, one word at a time Related resources How to help kids with reading at home Understanding why kids...
Jan 01, 2025•20 min•Ep. 64
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 learned about raising kids with ADHD And what he might have done differently in hindsight Related resou...
Dec 18, 2024•18 min•Ep. 63
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 kids begin to feel overwhelmed Reasons why setting clear expectations can help kids feel more secur...
Dec 04, 2024•11 min•Ep. 62
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 she shares: Her family’s journey of receiving multiple diagnoses The uplifting moments that have kep...
Nov 20, 2024•16 min•Ep. 61
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 youth sports. Learn ways to teach kids these essential values. And find out how instilling a strong sens...
Nov 06, 2024•18 min•Ep. 60
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 important points from these meetings to create an action plan to help their child succeed Ways for improvin...
Oct 23, 2024•18 min•Ep. 59
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 how to build these important connections. To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit th...
Oct 09, 2024•16 min•Ep. 58
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 importance of responsible fatherhood. To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the Opport...
Sep 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 57
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 providing adequate support. And why having a detailed record of a child’s struggles is key when meeting wi...
Sep 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 56
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 world with confidence is key. And get tips on how to teach independence at home. To get a transcript a...
Aug 28, 2024•20 min•Ep. 55
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 confidence. Hear why it’s important for parents and kids to reflect on the previous year. And learn ways t...
Aug 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 54
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 transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap podcast page at Under...
Jul 31, 2024•19 min•Ep. 53
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 respond to their kids’ challenging behaviors. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpf...
Jul 17, 2024•8 min•Ep. 52
Parents play a big role in continuing a child’s learning journey outside of the classroom. These opportunities for learning are often called teachable moments. And they can happen anywhere from the grocery store to even at the park. Listen as Julian explains what teachable moments are. And how they help kids build important life skills. Then get tips on how to create these moments at home. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources. We’d love to hear from you. Write t...
Jul 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 51
Early intervention refers to services that help kids from birth to age three with developmental delays. But what services are available after kids turn 3? The answer: preschool services. In this episode, we welcome Elisa Lundy. Elisa is a special education teacher who works in preschool classrooms in the New York City area. Listen as she: Explains the similarities between preschool services and early intervention Shares how preschool services can help a child’s social, emotional, and physical de...
Jun 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 50
When a child qualifies for an IEP, one of the first things schools give parents is a packet. In that packet is information that breaks down the legal rights parents and kids have during the special education process. The packet can be really long and filled with lots of terms that can be confusing. Still, it’s important for parents to understand these terms. Listen as host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms in this episode of Understood Explains . She also explains the legal rights that ...
Jun 05, 2024•14 min•Ep. 49
The IEP process can leave English language learners and their families with lots of questions. But the more families know about the purpose of IEPs, the more involved they can be in getting their child the best support. In this episode, we speak with Juliana Urtubey. Juliana is a special education teacher. She was named the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Listen as Juliana explains: Challenges English language learners face during the IEP process Why culturally-responsive IEPs are important A...
May 22, 2024•29 min•Ep. 48
Teachers play a huge role in shaping the future of their students. And they often wear many hats in the classroom to provide the best learning experience for kids. Especially kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode, we speak with Kareem Neal, MA. Kareem is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona. And he’s been teaching for more than 25 years. Listen as Kareem gives a glimpse into the classroom and explains: The importance of partnership between teachers and parents T...
May 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 47
Michelle Carter believes sports can be a big help for kids with learning differences. She's an athlete and a businessperson. And track and field was a game-changer for her ADHD and dyslexia. In this episode, listen as Michelle talks about the challenges she faced in the classroom and on the field. How she discovered her talents in track and field. And then learn how she's helping kids build confidence. Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources. We’d love to hear from...
Apr 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 46
ADHD has gotten a lot of attention on social media lately. From videos about personal experiences to experts sharing tips, some posts hold truth, but many are misleading. In this episode of The Opportunity Gap , we take a closer look at the influence social media has on toxic myths about ADHD. Listen as Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist, explains: The dangers of myths and misinformation How myths lead to increasing stigma and shame Ways parents can do their part in debunking these m...
Apr 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 45
René Brooks was diagnosed with ADHD twice during her childhood. But stigma and shame kept her family from learning more and getting her the right support. So when she was diagnosed with ADHD for a third time at age 25, she decided to take control of her own journey. In this episode, René unpacks her experiences growing up with ADHD. Listen as she explains: The impact of delayed intervention What she wishes the adults in her life did differently And why it’s important to build support systems for...
Mar 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 44
It’s common for parents to wonder how the IEP process works and how to best advocate for their child’s needs. The truth is, the more parents know about IEPs and how they’re put into place, the more active a role they can take in the process. In this episode, Julian speaks with IEP expert Jamilah F. Bashir, MEd. Listen as Jamilah explains: What the IEP process looks like Common challenges families of color often experience when advocating for their child And ways schools and families can build po...
Mar 13, 2024•27 min•Ep. 43
