Shows
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyFinding joy with Amanda’s favorite episodeSeason 4 of In It is almost here! But first, we have some bittersweet news. In this celebratory bonus episode, Amanda shares that she’s hanging up her mic as the co-host of In It. Hear Amanda talk about the origins of the show. Then listen to one of Amanda’s favorites from Season 2, “This Is How We Make It Through,” an episode about how families find joy — even on the most challenging days. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization...
2022-09-2223 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyPicky eating: Why it happens and what you can do to helpIf your kid is a picky eater, you’re not alone. What’s behind picky eating? And should we even be calling it that? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra dig into picky eating with Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist. Keri shares constructive ways to talk about picky eating — and how to find out what’s behind it. Listen in to get tips for introducing new foods to kids, including a trick for encouraging more bites. Find out how to rein in expectations about what kids will eat. And learn what Keri uses as a surpr...
2022-09-0824 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyExecutive function skills: What are they and how can we help kids build them?Messy backpacks. Forgotten lunches. Missing assignments. How can we help our kids get organized this school year? What strategies can we use to support kids with ADHD and other learning differences? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get back-to-school tips from Brendan Mahan, an executive function coach and host of the ADHD Essentials podcast. Brendan explains what executive function skills are — and how we can help kids build them. Learn why we might be asking too much of our kids sometimes, and how to reframe our thinking around these skills. Plus, get Brendan’s tips f...
2022-08-2521 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyEvaluations for special education: Introducing Understood’s new podcastHow do schools evaluate kids for special education? Season 1 of our new Understood Explains podcast answers these questions and more.In this bonus episode of In It, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Dr. Andy Kahn, a psychologist who spent nearly 20 years evaluating kids for schools. Andy shares why he’s excited to host Season 1 of Understood Explains, which breaks down the special education evaluation process for families. Tune it to learn more about the post, evaluations, and misconceptions families often have about special education.To find a transcript for this episode and more res...
2022-08-1115 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyClapbacks and comebacks: Families react to “Does your kid really have ADHD?” and other judgmentsHelp us make our podcasts better. Take our listener survey.How do we react to the judgment of others when we’re raising kids who learn differently? And how do we handle our own judgment? In this bonus episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra share favorite moments from families who are “in it.” Get advice on — and even comebacks for — questions like “Is ADHD even real?” Hear why one mom stopped sharing her son’s diagnosis with family and friends. Find out how one couple learned to shut out the noise of others to focus on what was right...
2022-07-1414 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlySummer reading reimagined: How to help all kids enjoy readingSummer is a great time for kids to fall in love with reading. How can we make summer reading fun for all kids — even those who don’t think of themselves as readers? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about summer reading with Jeremee DeMoir, a bookshop owner and former teacher. Hear how Jeremee helps kids find reading materials that are engaging and accessible. Learn new ways to think about reading, and why you should consider things like audiobooks and manga. Plus, get Jeremee’s go-to reading recommendations for kids of all ages.
2022-06-0922 min
ADHD Aha!ADHD and sleep problems (from the “In It” podcast)Bonus episode! Learn about ADHD and sleep from our friends at Understood’s In It podcast. Hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra first hear from a mom whose son has ADHD, autism, and sleep challenges. Then they speak with clinical psychologist Dr. Roberto Olivardia about the connection between ADHD and sleep — including why people with ADHD may have sleep problems. Get a transcript of this show and check out more “In It” episodes at u.org/init. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Related resourcesHow ADHD affect...
2022-06-0140 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlySingle parenting: Raising kids who learn differently on your ownWhat unique challenges do single parents face when raising kids with learning differences? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with a single parent who’s “in it.” Rachel is raising her 10-year-old daughter, who has ADHD and other learning challenges. Listen to Rachel talk about the journey she’s been on with her daughter. Hear how she’s trying to manage everything as a single parent. Plus, get Rachel's tips for how to use humor during challenging moments. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Unde...
2022-05-2628 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyBusting myths about learning differences and ADHDThere are plenty of myths and misconceptions about learning differences. Is ADHD just about hyperactivity? Is dyslexia a vision problem? And do kids outgrow learning differences? In this episode, host Gretchen Vierstra shares common myths about learning and thinking differences for co-host Amanda Morin to bust. Listen to Amanda debunk these myths with the facts. Learn why these myths persist and how you can help debunk them. Plus, hear the myths that Amanda, Gretchen, and their producer believed before they learned the facts. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the epi...
2022-05-1220 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhy summer camp has lasting benefits for neurodivergent kidsSummer camp is a tradition for many kids. But does summer camp work for kids who learn differently? How do you find the right camp? Can the camp support your child’s needs? Will your child make friends? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra get answers from the ultimate expert: a camp director. Audrey Monke has been running a summer camp for 37 years. She’s also the author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults. Hear Audrey’s advice on summer camp — from how to choose one to what to te...
2022-04-2727 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyADHD and sleep problemsMany kids with ADHD have trouble with sleep. When kids can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, many families struggle with everybody getting a good night’s sleep. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with guests who are “in it” when it comes to sleep challenges. First, hear from Belinda, whose son has ADHD, autism, and trouble sleeping. Find out how she deals with sleep challenges, both as a parent and as someone who struggles with sleep herself. Then, get expert advice from a clinical psychologist, Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Learn more about the connectio...
2022-04-1438 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyHow mentors empower kids who learn differentlyWhat’s one way to empower kids who learn differently? Connect them with near-peer mentors who learn differently, too. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Marcus Soutra, president of Eye to Eye, a founding partner of Understood. Eye to Eye brings together middle school students who learn differently with high school and college students who also learn differently. Hear how mentoring can help kids gain self-awareness and build self-advocacy skills. Plus, hear from two college students, Meera Shamiyeh and Lydia Blazey, about what it’s like to be a mentor. To fin...
2022-03-3121 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyCan we talk? The changing mask rules and our kidsMany schools across the country are lifting their mask mandates. Whether families are excited or uncertain about the new rules, change is hard for everyone — not just for kids who learn differently. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk candidly about masks, kids, and schools. Hear how they’re talking with their families about the new mask rules. Listen as they ask themselves “How can we help our kids manage these changes?” Plus, hear a dad’s perspective from Dr. Andy Kahn, Understood’s newest in-house expert. To find a transcript for this episode a...
2022-03-1715 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhat is the “opportunity gap”? A discussion about race, income, and disabilityKids of color who learn differently face unique challenges. One of those challenges is something called the “opportunity gap.” What is this gap? Why does it exist? And what can we do about it? In this episode, Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Julian Saavedra, host of The Opportunity Gap, a new podcast in the Understood Podcast Network. Julian is a longtime educator who’s now an assistant principal in Philadelphia. Listen as Julian talks about issues of privilege, race, and disability — and the opportunity gaps he’s seen firsthand. Hear him explain why we need to focus on...
2022-03-0325 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyCelebrating neurodiversity with The Great British Baking Show’s Lizzie AckerWhat’s it like to be a contestant on a reality TV show when you’ve got ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia? Just ask Lizzie Acker from The Great British Baking Show. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Gretchen Vierstra talk about baking and “brain fuzz” with Lizzie, the Bake Off contestant from Liverpool, England. Lizzie celebrated her learning differences on the show with an “extraordinary” cake to represent her brain. Find out why she decided to talk about her differences — and the impact it’s having on others. Plus, hear Lizzie’s idea for a cookbook for neurodivergent kids. T...
2022-02-1733 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyJoy and justice with Juliana Urtubey, National Teacher of the YearHow 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...
2022-02-0321 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlySchool refusal: When kids say noLots 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, le...
2022-01-2025 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyCan we talk? Omicron, school, and our parenting fearsLiving 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 new...
2022-01-0613 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhat does it mean to thrive?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-regu...
2021-12-2320 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyThe real-world benefits of gaming for kidsMany 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 sur...
2021-12-1625 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyHoliday survival guideThe 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 simpl...
2021-12-0226 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyParenting while anxiousBeing 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...
2021-11-1821 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyABCs of IEPsWhat’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...
2021-11-0426 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhy we’re not calling it learning lossMost 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...
2021-10-2113 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhat is neurodiversity?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
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to...
2021-10-0720 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlySneak peek: ADHD Aha!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 organizatio...
2021-09-2313 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhat if the teacher has learning differences, too?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
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and...
2021-09-2320 minIn It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyTrailer: “In It” Season 3Discover 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...
2021-09-1601 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyTantrum...or meltdown?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 init@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organizat...
2020-05-1920 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyADHD in Black children: “In It” with Dr. Tumaini CokerWhat 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...
2020-05-1926 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyThis is how we make it throughIn 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 episo...
2020-05-1921 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyADHD in girls: Overlooked?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.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like A...
2020-05-1917 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhen your kid is hard to likeParents 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 init@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit and social impact organization dedicated to shap...
2020-05-1917 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyLet’s hear from the dadsWhat’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.
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 cont...
2020-05-1917 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhy let your child fail?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.
Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like A...
2020-05-1916 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhen gifted kids need accommodations, tooTwice-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...
2019-03-2733 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyDyscalculia, more than “bad at math”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 dyslexi...
2019-03-1223 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyTo disclose…or not?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 challeng...
2019-02-2026 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyThe legit fear behind “Please don’t call on me to read”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 fi...
2019-01-3126 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyHow we deal with “Is ADHD real?”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 fam...
2019-01-0919 min
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn DifferentlyWhy we cry in IEP meetingsOn 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 D...
2018-12-2120 min