Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education
Published by Understood.org, Julian Saavedra
Kids & Family
Education for Kids
Parenting
Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more challenging — and what parents can do about it. Join host Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal and father of two, as he shares real stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you advocate for your child.
If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back? In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, a lecturer on early childhood and special education, shares what to consider. She talks about social-emotional development, academic readiness, behavior, and more. You’ll learn what questions to ask schools, what the research says, and how to make a decision that supports your child now and later. For more on this topic Listen: Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro Read: Retention: Why kids are held back For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
As the school year winds down, many kids start to burn out. They might lose motivation, feel big emotions, or struggle to follow their usual routines. In this episode, you’ll learn why behaviors like shutdowns and meltdowns are signals, not problems, and what to do about them. Plus, get tips to lower stress levels, reset after tough moments, and help your child finish the year strong. For more on this topic Listen: What is a “good summer” for kids with learning disabilities? Listen: How to make summer learning fun Read: School burnout in kids who learn and think differently Read: 6 signs your child is burned out For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 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 families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended school year services, built-in training for parents and teachers, and outside placements. Learn what to ask for, how to ask for it, and how decisions get made. For more on this topic Watch: Does your child need an IEP? Read: What is an IEP? Listen: Advocating for your child at school For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
Play isn’t just a break from learning. It can also be how learning happens. But many kids have less time for recess and unstructured play than ever before. In this episode, we explore why play matters for focus, social skills, and emotional regulation. We also look at what’s getting in the way of play. Plus, we share practical ways families and schools can bring more play into kids’ daily lives. For more on this topic Listen: From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD Read: 19 brain breaks to help kids with focus For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
If your child has ADHD, you may wonder how eating affects their focus at school. The answer isn’t about perfect meals or strict rules. In this episode, host Julian Saavedra talks with registered dietitians Elizabeth Davenport and Anna Lutz about how to help kids fuel for school. They share what to do when kids aren’t hungry, why breakfast can be tricky, and how to handle lunches, snacks, and afterschool hunger. You’ll also hear how to help kids build healthy eating habits without turning food into a battle. For more on this topic Read: Should kids with ADHD avoid eating sugar? Listen: Picky eating: Why it happens and how to help For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
Schools don’t always get everything right. But many are doing amazing work every day! In this episode, we explore how educators are helping kids thrive and succeed in the classroom. Discover how technology, assistive tools, social-emotional learning, and career programs are supporting students. Parents can see what’s working and learn how to reinforce it at home. Celebrate the progress happening in schools and the programs helping students reach their full potential. For more on this topic Read: What is social-emotional learning? Read: What is assistive technology? For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 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.
Kids can learn to carry the “boulders” of their feelings, build resilience, and make independent choices without parents taking over. As hard as it is to watch them struggle, sometimes the best support is simply listening and being present. In this episode, Dr. Nanika Coor shares practical ways to hold space for kids facing challenges at school, with friends, or in social situations. For more on this topic Download: Is my child resilient? Listen: Why let your child fail? Read: My son failed a test. Here’s how I helped him. For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
Homework can be a source of stress for kids and families, especially for those with learning and thinking differences. In this episode, assistant principal Julian Saavedra breaks down what homework is good for, when it can become overwhelming, and practical ways to support kids. From creating routines and communicating with teachers to leveraging IEPs and 504 plans, Julian shares strategies to make homework a positive, manageable part of learning and help kids build habits that stick. For more on this topic Listen: Homework battles Read: FAQ about homework for kids Download: Homework contract for your child For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 a new show on the Understood Podcast Network: Everyone Gets a Juice Box , hosted by Jessica Shaw! This series explores the real challenges parents face raising neurodivergent kids — with honest conversations that balance frustration, humor, and small victories. In this episode, hear how one mom navigates unexpected struggles with her young daughter and the creative ways she finds solutions. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 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.
As a parent advocate and mom, Danielle Ward has been in countless IEP meetings. She’s a wealth of knowledge on how to make the most of your time with the special education team. From bringing supportive guests (including your child when appropriate) to decoding confusing assessments, Danielle and Julian share practical, clear steps to help you feel confident and prepared for your next IEP meeting. For more on this topic: Explore: All about IEPs on Understood.org Listen: Understood Explains IEPs Read: IEP terms to know Listen: The ABCs of IEPS For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 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’re officially halfway through the school year. That makes this the perfect moment to pause and reset. In this solo episode, Julian shares why mid-year check-ins matter — and how families can use this “halftime” moment to reflect, adjust routines, and set meaningful goals. Most importantly: Talk to your child, partner with teachers, and review those IEP goals! For more on this topic: Download: IEP goal tracker Read: Questions to ask about your child’s IEP goals Listen: How to get over the “mid-year slump” Read: Questions you should ask your child about school For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 seems like everyone has a phone in their hand these days, and kids are no exception. But increasingly, schools are starting to limit phones — or even ban them. What does that mean for students, teachers, and families? In this episode, Julian chats with Dr. Julie Mayring, middle school director and psychologist at Bay Ridge Prep in Brooklyn, about her school’s nine-year phone ban. They discuss how it affects focus, mental health, friendships, and parent communication. Dr. Mayring also shares tips on handling pushback, keeping kids safe, and making sure technology helps learning instead of getting in the way of it. For more on this topic: Read: Accessibility and assistive technology for kids Read: Signs your child is ready for a cell phone Download: Cell phone “contract” for kids For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 this episode, Julian breaks down “chronic absenteeism.” What is that, you ask? As parents, you’re probably familiar with kids avoiding school. But when does a feeling turn into a pattern? And what can that tell us about a child’s school experience? Julian will explain the difference between occasional sick days and ongoing patterns, what true school refusal really looks like, and what you can do about it. For more on this topic: Listen: School refusal (when kids say “no”) Read: How to help kids cope with school refusal Download: Find out why your child doesn’t want to go to school For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 with ADHD also deal with anxiety. Together, this can end up looking like defiance, avoidance, or just acting out at school. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind these behaviors. And we share practical ways that parents can support their kids — at home and at school — through clear communication, behavior plans, and strategies that actually work. For more on this topic: Listen: How can you help an anxious child Read: 6 things I wish I’d known about my son’s anxiety Download: Anxiety tracker for kids Timestamps: (05:40) Why teachers misinterpret ADHD behavior as defiance (10:30) Behavior is communication: Decoding what kids are really saying (16:00) How behavior intervention plans (BIPs) support kids with ADHD (22:30) Motivating kids: Rewards, buy-in, and real-world success For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 know the headlines around special education these days are hard to take in. Federal layoffs in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) could affect oversight of $15 billion in IDEA funding, putting some services your child may be receiving at risk. In this episode, former OSEP chief of staff Meghan Whittaker joins host Julian and journalist Ray Jacobson from the Hyperfocus podcast to explain what this means for schools, IEPs, and families. Learn how funding, vouchers, and state control could impact your child — and what parents can do to protect their rights. For more on this topic: What the special education layoffs mean for your child’s IEP and school services What happens to my child’s IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes? The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state law Timestamps: (02:00) Federal layoffs at OSEP: What happened and why it matters (06:00) Understanding IDEA and federal oversight (11:00) Real-life impact on schools and students (18:00) Vouchers vs. public school funding: What families should know (26:00) States taking over: Risks and challenges (30:00) Equity concerns and how parents can advocate For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org. 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.
Sometimes parent-teacher relationships don’t go as smoothly as we hope. And when conflicts happen, it can make school harder for both students and adults. In this episode, Julian shares practical advice for dealing with parent-teacher tension. Learn how to fix misunderstandings and rebuild trust to help create a more positive connection. For more on this topic: Families of color and communicating with teachers 7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacher Why and how to partner with your child’s teacher Race and Ethnicity of Public School Teachers and Their Students Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:55) Why parent-teacher dynamics are hard (03:44) How race influences these relationships (06:40) Julian’s tips for working with your child’s teacher For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 your child having trouble with reading? Could it be dyslexia? Expert Shira Moskowitz shares what parents need to know. Dyslexia is more than just letter mix-ups. It’s a learning difference that affects how kids read and understand words. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to spot early signs of dyslexia in kids The truth about letter reversals And how technology can help support kids For more on this topic: When dyslexia is missed: The impact on students of color What is dyslexia? Dyslexia: More than mixing up letters Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:00) What is dyslexia? (02:05) The truth about letter reversals (03:30) How early can kids show signs of dyslexia? (05:40) How dyslexia affects kids beyond just reading (08:05) How parents can support kids with dyslexia (08:55) How technology can help For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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 do you do when your child says, “I think my teacher hates me”? In this episode, Julian breaks down what that really means. Learn how to spot signs of microaggressions in the classroom. Get simple ways to support your child and speak up when something feels wrong. And find out how to address microaggressions in a calm, clear way. For more on this topic: Families of color and communicating with teachers Perspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the school The hard truth about racism in special education: Part 1 Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:40) What is a microaggression? (02:44) Julian’s personal experience (07:37) How to talk to your child about microaggressions For a transcript and more resources, visit The Opportunity Gap on Understood.org . You can also email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
Ever leave a parent-teacher conference feeling more confused than informed? Dr. Andy Kahn joins us to help you prepare and make the most of these important conversations. For many parents, these meetings can feel like a quick whirlwind, leaving unanswered questions. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to set clear, focused goals before your meeting Strategies for making the most of limited time with your child’s teacher How Understood’s new resource, “Through My Eyes,” offers valuable insight into your child’s learning experience Experience how it feels to learn differently. Step into real-life simulations of kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia with “Through My Eyes” by Understood.org. For more on this topic Parent-teacher conferences: How to get ready for your next meeting What to do after a parent-teacher conference Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:23) Goals parents should have for the parent-teacher conference (05:47) How to raise concerns with your child’s teacher (09:00) Ways parents can make the most of their conference (11:56) What is “Through My Eyes?” For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
Some kids work hard in math but still struggle to keep up. Even with extra practice, the numbers just don’t click. This might be a sign of dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to understand and use numbers. In this episode, we’re joined by math teacher Brendan Hodnett. Hear as Brendan explains what dyscalculia is and how it can affect a student’s confidence. Then find out what families can do to help support their child. For more on this topic What is dyscalculia? Dyscalculia or math anxiety? Compare the signs in kids Timestamps (0:00) Intro (01:12) What is dyscalculia? (06:39) Signs a child may have dyscalculia (11:46) Consequences of undiagnosed dyscalculia (17:15) What families can do For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org . 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.
