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PODCAST

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Understood.org, Julian Saavedra

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

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

00:23:34

What families wish you knew about learning disabilities

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/01/15

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 can

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00:19:54

Building strong reading skills in kids

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/01/01

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 childWays to help kids grow their confidence, one word at a timeRelated resourcesHow to help kids with reading at homeUnderstanding why kids struggle

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00:18:23

How I’d parent my ADHD kids differently

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/12/18

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 diagnosisWhat he’s learned about raising kids with ADHDAnd what he might have done differently in hindsightRelated resourcesLarry

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00:10:55

Helping kids navigate the holiday season

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/12/04

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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

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00:16:19

How I’m navigating my child’s two diagnoses

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/11/20

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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

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00:18:01

Game on! Teaching kids sportsmanship

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/11/06

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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

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00:18:06

What to do after a parent-teacher conference

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/10/23

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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

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00:16:28

How to build a supportive village for kids

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/10/09

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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

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00:34:05

Navigating fatherhood with ADHD

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/09/25

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 Opportunity

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00:36:41

What to do when school supports fall short

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/09/11

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 with the

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00:19:58

How to teach kids independence

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/08/28

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 and

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00:16:20

Empowering kids for school success

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/08/14

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 to

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00:18:30

How to make summer learning fun

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/07/31

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 resourcesStopping “summer slide”Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thriveSummer learning programs for kids who learn and think differentlyTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit The Opportunity Gap podcast page at

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00:07:47

Parenting Behavior: What is behavior?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/07/17

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 helpful

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00:20:19

Creating teachable moments

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/07/03

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.Related resourcesSummer learning: How to help your child keep skills strong7 ways to encourage your child to read

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00:37:10

Understanding preschool services

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/06/19

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

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00:14:16

Understood Explains IEPs: Special education terms and...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/06/05

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

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00:28:55

IEPs and English language learners

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/05/22

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 processWhy culturally-responsive IEPs are importantAnd ways

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00:35:55

What teachers want parents to know

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/05/08

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 parentsThe

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00:29:23

In It: Olympian Michelle Carter talks ADHD and dyslexia

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2024/04/24

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

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43 results

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