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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

00:20:46

Five seasons of “Opportunity Gap,” and what we...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/09/30

After five seasons, “Opportunity Gap” is ending. In this final episode, host Julian talks with Understood’s Gretchen Vierstra. Together, they look back at the guests and lessons that shaped the show, from a conversation about the school-to-prison pipeline to tips for not rushing in to fix things for your child.But don’t worry. The show may be ending, but you can still find every episode and free resource at Understood.org.For more on this topicListen: What is the school-to-prison pipeline?Listen:

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00:23:31

Should you hold your child back a year? What parents...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/05/27

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

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00:11:41

The reasons kids shut down before summer break

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/05/13

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

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00:25:54

3 hidden IEP benefits every parent should know

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/04/29

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

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00:12:11

The case for more play in school

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/04/15

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

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00:25:46

ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/04/01

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

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00:12:26

The school programs giving kids a real advantage

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/03/18

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:

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00:25:24

Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix it

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/03/04

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

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00:10:36

Do kids really need homework?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/02/18

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

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00:35:05

Introducing Everyone Gets a Juice Box

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/02/11

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

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00:25:40

Top 5 IEP meeting tips from a parent advocate

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/02/04

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.orgListen: Understood Explains IEPsRead:

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00:12:00

The mid-year reset: How parents can help kids finish...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/01/21

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 trackerRead: Questions to ask about your child’s IEP goalsListen: How to get over the “mid-year

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00:17:52

Phone-free classrooms: What happens when devices...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2026/01/07

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

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00:10:19

School refusal vs. sick days: What’s really going on?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/12/17

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

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00:28:46

How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/12/03

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 childRead: 6 things I wish I’d known about my son’s

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00:33:54

Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/11/19

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

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00:13:04

What to do when parent-teacher relationships go wrong

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/11/05

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 teachers7 tips for building a good relationship with your child’s teacherWhy and how to partner with

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00:12:52

Trouble with reading? Is it dyslexia?

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/10/22

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 kidsThe truth about letter reversalsAnd how technology can help support kidsFor more on this topic: When dyslexia is missed: The impact on students of colorWhat is dyslexia?Dyslexia: More than

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00:14:05

How to talk to your child about microaggressions in...

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/10/08

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 teachersPerspectives: How to make sure families of color are heard by the schoolThe hard truth about

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00:21:47

Parent-teacher conference tips: What to say and ask

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special... ·

2025/09/24

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 meetingStrategies for making the most of limited time with your child’s teacherHow Understood’s new resource, “Through My Eyes,” offers valuable insight into

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