In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

How can we make learning joyful? How can we build schools that include and celebrate all kids, families, and communities? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra learn from Juliana Urtubey, the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Juliana, a bilingual special educator in Las Vegas, aims to make learning “joyful and just” for all students, including kids who learn differently. Listen to Juliana’s tips for how schools can create a sense of belonging for everyone. Hear what Juliana has learned from listening to her students and their families. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesUnderstood Teacher Fellow Juliana UrtubeyWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherFor ELL families: Why and how to partner with teachers6 strategies for partnering with families of English language learners Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lots of kids say “I don’t feel like going to school” at some point. But for some, it's more than that — they flat-out refuse to go. And you can’t make them. School refusal is real, and it’s trying to tell you something. But how do you figure out what that is? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with a family who’s been “in it” when it comes to school refusal. Listen to Erin and Meg share the story of their son’s school refusal. Find out what they did to get through it. Plus, learn common signs of school refusal. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesSchool refusal: What it means when kids won’t do schoolworkSchool refusal: How to help kids copeBack-to-school anxiety in kids: What to watch out for Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Living in a pandemic is hard. With the latest surge in COVID-19 cases, it feels even harder — and not just for parents of kids who learn differently. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra invite you to join them in a collective scream about Omicron, school, and parenting. Listen as they ask themselves how to start off — and make it through — yet another year in a pandemic. While they don’t have answers, they hope you find comfort in knowing you’re not in this alone. Related resourcesTips to build kids’ empathyHow the stressful news affects how kids learn and thinkWhy we’re not calling it learning loss Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.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 does it mean to thrive? And how can we help our kids become thrivers? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Dr. Michele Borba — a parenting expert and former special education teacher — about her book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. Listen in to hear Michele’s definition of thriving, and the seven strengths that help kids thrive. You’ll learn practical, actionable ways to help kids develop those strengths at any age. Related resources8 ways to teach empathy to your childSelf-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulateHow to help your child build self-control6 ways to improve your child’s self-esteem with extracurricular activitiesAnd check out Michele’s book: Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many kids and teens love to play video games. But families often worry about the effects of gaming. Are there benefits or risks to playing video games for kids who learn differently? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get answers from digital play expert and child psychologist Dr. Randy Kulman. Listen in to hear Randy’s tips on how families can help kids maximize learning from popular video games — and transfer that learning to the real world. Plus, hear Randy’s thoughts on EndeavorRX, a prescription video game for kids with ADHD. Related resources6 surprising benefits of video games for kids How to choose video games and apps for your childLearning Works for Kids And check out Randy’s book: The Gaming Overload Workbook: A Teen's Guide to Balancing Screen Time, Video Games, and Real Life Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. But they can also be the most stressful for families with kids who learn differently. So how can families do more than just make it through the holidays? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra bring holiday questions from the Understood community to Dr. Ellen Braaten, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Understood expert. Listen in to hear Ellen’s practical tips for dealing with holiday challenges — as well as advice for how to bring joy to the holidays. Plus, Amanda shares her family’s simple gift-giving strategy. Related resourcesHow to make the holidays more fun for your childWant Need Wear Read: The holiday gift strategy that works for my kidsDownload: Holiday behavior worksheet for your childHoliday tips when your child has food sensitivities Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being an anxious kid has its challenges. But what happens when that anxious kid grows up to be a parent? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra have a candid conversation with Morra Aarons-Mele, author and host of The Anxious Achiever podcast. Morra describes herself as an “extremely anxious introvert.” And she often wonders how that anxiety affects her parenting. Listen in to hear Morra describe her own strengths and challenges — as an anxious kid, as a neurodivergent adult, and as a mom. Related resourcesAnxiety in people who learn and think differentlyThe difference between typical anxiety and an anxiety problemAnd check out Morra’s book: Hiding in the Bathroom: How to Get Out There When You’d Rather Stay Home Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.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’s an IEP? And why are there so many confusing acronyms in special education? In this episode, host Gretchen Vierstra gets answers to common questions about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) from co-host Amanda Morin and their colleague Andrew Lee, a special education legal expert. Andrew and Amanda explain the basics of IEPs — starting with “How do kids even get one?” They also break down the meanings of special education terms like PLOP and answer questions about IEPs from the Understood community. Related resourcesUnderstanding IEPsIEP and special education termsDownload: Anatomy of an IEPWhat is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)? Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most kids are finally back in physical classrooms this year. But after over a year of remote learning, many parents of kids who learn differently are asking, “Is my kid behind?” To help answer this question, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk to special education teacher Kareem Neal. Listen in to find out what he’s seeing in his classroom — and why he’s not worried about “learning loss.” We also hear from two other teachers about what they’re saying to concerned families. Related resourcesWhy and how to partner with your child’s teacherConversation starters to use with your child’s teachersHow often should I contact my child’s teacher? Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The term “neurodiversity” seems to be everywhere right now. But what exactly does it mean? Hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Emily Kircher-Morris to find out. Emily is a neurodivergent parent to twice-exceptional kids. And she’s the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. Listen in to hear Emily’s unique perspective on neurodiversity. Related resources What is neurodiversity?All about twice-exceptional studentsThe Neurodiversity PodcastTeaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s ClassroomsRaising Twice-Exceptional Children Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We all know that an amazing teacher can have a huge impact on our kids. But is that impact even greater when the teacher learns and thinks differently, too? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Kara Ball, a teacher who’s “in it.” Kara shares what school was like for her as a student with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and how those experiences shape how — and why — she teaches. Related resourcesWhat is dyslexia?What is dyscalculia?Understanding IEPs Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Signs of ADHD can pop up for kids — and adults — in unexpected, emotional, and even funny ways. But sometimes there’s a single moment when someone realizes that they or someone they know has ADHD. In this bonus episode, host Amanda Morin talks with Laura Key, host of ADHD Aha!, a new podcast from the Understood Podcast Network. Listen in to get a sneak peek of the show before it launches on September 28 — and be sure to subscribe to ADHD Aha! to hear the full story of Laura’s “aha” moment. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover In It, a podcast that explores the joys and frustrations of supporting kids who learn and think differently. Join hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra as they talk with parents, caregivers, teachers, and sometimes kids. They offer perspective, advice, and stories for and from people who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2021 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tantrums and meltdowns can look very similar, especially when a child is in the middle of having one. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham break down the differences and hear directly from kids who share what meltdowns feel like to them. Then hear from mom Amanda LaFond about recognizing — and managing — her son’s meltdowns. 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]. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2020 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.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 are the unique challenges Black families face when it comes to having kids with ADHD? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with Dr. Tumaini Coker, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and director of research at Seattle Children’s Center for Diversity and Health Equity, about her unique perspective as a researcher, pediatrician, and mom to twin boys with ADHD. Then, hear from a college student, Xavier, about how his ADHD diagnosis shaped who he is today. 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]. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2020 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an article for the New York Times, Andrew Solomon wrote, “The fact that you wouldn’t have chosen something doesn’t mean you can’t find joyful meaning in it.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from families about the (sometimes unexpected) ways that joy creeps into everyday life — even on the most challenging days. From learning to ride a bike (as an adult!) to making fart noises at the dinner table, this is how families with kids who learn and think differently make it through. 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]. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2020 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ADHD is just as common in girls as it is in boys. So why are girls diagnosed less often? And why do signs of ADHD in girls tend to get overlooked? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from parents who initially missed signs of ADHD in their daughters. They also hear from a fellow Understood team member about being diagnosed with ADHD when she was 30 — and how it changed her perception of herself. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parents rarely admit it, but sometimes our kids are hard to like. As much as we love our children, they don’t always act in ways that match our expectations. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham talk about how having trouble connecting with your child is a perfectly normal part of parenting. 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]. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shaping a world where the 1 in 5 people who learn and think differently can thrive. Learn more about In It and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2020 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it ever OK to let your child fail? It can be difficult to see your child try something and fail. But sometimes FAIL stands for “First Attempt At Learning.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with a mom, Meg, about how her son declined his IEP, allowing him to step back and learn from his failures. Meg also talks about the difference between being accountable for your mistakes and being at fault for them. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.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’s it like to be a dad who’s “In It”? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham take a moment to hear from and celebrate dads of kids who learn and think differently. Find out how some dads are treated differently than moms (and by moms).We also hear from Khalil, a dad with dyslexia, on how he’s parenting differently than his father did. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twice-exceptional (or “2E”) kids have learning and thinking differences AND are gifted. In this last episode of Season 1, Lexi and Amanda speak with guests Penny Williams, a parenting trainer and coach, and Debbie Reber, author and creator of TiLT Parenting, about the unique challenges of meeting the needs of 2E children. For these moms, their kids’ giftedness doesn’t make things easier — it adds a layer of complexity. Related resourcesGifted children’s challenges with learning and thinking differences12 questions to ask the school about 2E studentsA unique IEP solution for our twice-exceptional sonDebbie Reber’s TiLT Parenting PodcastPenny Williams’ Parenting ADHD Podcast Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When does being “bad at math” mean something more? For Lily, a Missouri teen with dyscalculia, math struggles go a lot further than math class. On this episode, we go inside Lily’s world and experience the unexpected challenges that pop up because of her math learning disability. Amanda and Lexi talk with expert Daniel Ansari about why dyscalculia is underdiagnosed. And they hear from parents who called in to share what math challenges are like in their family. Related resourcesUnderstanding dyscalculia10 surprising ways dyscalculia impacts kidsMath anxiety vs. dyscalculia: Comparing the signsVideo: Why is dyslexia diagnosed more often than dyscalculia?What “I’m not a math person” means to me Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who do you tell? When? Telling people your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning challenges is a big, complicated decision. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright talk with families whose experiences range from triumphant to cautionary. Gimlet Media’s Wilson Standish shares why he’s still cautious about disclosing. And expert Manju Banerjee explains how to pass the disclosure torch to your young adult child. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesTips for talking with family members about your child’s challengesPros and cons of disclosing learning and thinking differences at college Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s scary — in the moment and even recalling it years later. Reading out loud in front of a group when you have dyslexia can be legitimately awful. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into this fear with a mom whose son stumbled over reading his own name in front of his class. They hear from other parents, too, and hockey champion Brent Sopel. Expert Bob Cunningham also weighs in with insight on whether kids really do need to read out loud, and how to make the experience better for kids who struggle with reading. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resourcesVideo: Stanley Cup champ Brent Sopel on hiding reading struggles “behind his stick”Video: Gavin Newsom opens up about his dyslexiaOne of my scariest moments as a child with dyslexia? Reading aloud during Passover Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s a dreaded (and hurtful) question that families get asked too often: “Is ADHD even real?” Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright hear from parents of kids with ADHD who’ve muddled through explaining their child’s attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity issues to family and friends. And they hear from expert Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, about the brain science behind ADHD. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. Related resources“Is ADHD real?” How I respond when people doubt ADHDCommon myths about ADHDStephanie Sarkis, PhD: My wild family history of ADHD Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this first episode of In It, hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into why emotions tend to run high in IEP meetings. They talk with comedian Dena Blizzard about her (very) public reaction to a disappointing IEP meeting. They hear from other parents who have gotten emotional when discussing the needs of their kids struggling in school. And they also connect with expert Mark Griffin, PhD, about what’s at stake during these meetings. Related resourcesOur community weighs in: Crying at IEP meetingsMom’s emotional video about IEP frustration goes viral5 questions with Dena Blizzard, comedian and parent of a child with learning and thinking differences Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.