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 prepare is to get yourself ready emotionally. On this episode of Understood Explains , guest host Claudia Ri...
Jun 13, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 , host Juliana Urtubey will share how these resources can help kids thrive at different ages. For mor...
Jun 06, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 of different starting points for what some schools call English language learners or multilingual lear...
May 30, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 you in a disagreement. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit t...
May 23, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 determination. Those terms might all sound confusing now. But in this episode of Understood Explains , host ...
May 16, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 will measure a child’s progress. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming...
May 09, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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 over the nuts and bolts of preparing to talk about your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Progra...
May 02, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 the legal rights that come with an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. For more resources, includ...
Apr 25, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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 Understood Explains , host Juliana Urtubey will share what these categories mean and why they relate to ...
Apr 18, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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 IEP, and more. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episo...
Apr 11, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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 the facts. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page...
Apr 04, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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 differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and which one might be right for your child. For more resources, ...
Mar 28, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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 this kind of support. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit ...
Mar 21, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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 different ages and for kids who are learning English as an additional language. Episodes drop weekly in...
Feb 08, 2024•2 min
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 each person wishes they’d known sooner about ADHD. For more resources, including a transcript formatted ...
Mar 29, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood . Timestamps: (00:00) I...
Mar 29, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 . Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:47) How can I prepare emotionally for ADHD diagnosis? (02:04) Why is ...
Mar 29, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 skimming, visit the episode page on Understood . Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:51) Can ADHD be tr...
Mar 29, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 work? (03:39) Does everyone with ADHD need medication? (04:21) How can medication help manage ADHD symp...
Mar 29, 2023•15 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 online ADHD diagnoses? (02:53) Is online ADHD diagnosis legit? (06:16) Does online ADHD testing cost a l...
Mar 29, 2023•12 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 (00:00) Introduction (00:51) What does an ADHD evaluation look like? (03:48) So, what are ADHD rating sc...
Mar 29, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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) Introduction (00:50) Can my primary care doctor diagnose ADHD? (03:19) Do I need a psychiatrist or psycholo...
Mar 29, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 Understood . Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:48) Should I get tested for ADHD? (03:44) Can I diagnose m...
Mar 29, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 on Understood. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learnin...
Mar 22, 2023•1 min
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 listeners. Email us at [email protected] . Related resources How to talk to your child about get...
Aug 02, 2022•10 min
“Mom, why are you making me do this?” Learn what to say to your child about getting evaluated. Hear perspectives from a psychologist (host Dr. Andy Kahn), an educator (Julian Saavedra), and a parenting expert (Amanda Morin). Get big-picture advice as well as specifics, like how to address your child’s worries about getting pulled out of class and other kids noticing. This episode also tackles one of the trickiest topics: how much of the evaluation report to share with your child. To find a trans...
Aug 02, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 10
How often do kids need to be reevaluated for special education? What are schools looking for when they reevaluate students? Learn the basics from host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Kate Garcia. And find out key details, like why this process is extra important for high-schoolers who are thinking about going to college. Worried that the school might cut your child’s services? Get advice from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to avoid passing those feelings on to your child. To fi...
Aug 02, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 9
What is a neuropsychologist? What can this specialist do that a school psychologist can’t? (The answer involves making diagnoses.) Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and fellow psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten explain why some families pay for private testing when school evaluations are free. Learn ways to help cover the cost, like asking the school to pay for an independent educational evaluation. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin about a tricky topic: what to say if your child is getting pri...
Aug 02, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Adverse impact. Eligibility determination. IEPs. 504 plans. What are these things? And what do they have to do with how school evaluation teams decide which kids need which supports? Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Lauren Jewett explain what happens after the evaluation report is done. And get tips from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to talk with your child about next steps. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Under...
Aug 02, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The first time you look at your child’s evaluation report, you might be overwhelmed. What do all of those numbers mean? And are some numbers more important than others? Host Dr. Andy Kahn unpacks this topic with Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten, who co-wrote Straight Talk About Psychological Testing for Kids . Get tips on how to make sense of the results. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to share the evaluation findings with your child. To find a transcript for this episo...
Aug 02, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 6
