In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Understood.org, Gretchen Vierstra, Rachel Bozek

Discover In It, a podcast that explores the joys and frustrations of supporting kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Join hosts Rachel Bozek 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. Get tips on parenting kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia.

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126 episodes
Updated February 12

Episodes126

Newest first

February 12 · 31 min
Introducing “Everyone Gets a Juice Box”
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 one mom open up about the intense feelings of anger and frustration that can come with parenting, and the strategies she’s discovered to manage mom rage while staying connected to her child. We get it, an
Oct 23, 2025 · 31 min
Building a village for neurodivergent families (with Jessica Shaw of the “Everyone Gets A Juice Box” podcast)
In this final episode of In It, we talk with Jessica Shaw, who’s launching a new podcast called TBD — it’s about the beautiful roller coaster that is parenting neurodivergent kids. As a mom to two teenage daughters, Jessica reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier, what she’s learned along the way, and why finding a community of parents who truly get it can be life-changing. To our audience: We’ve loved every minute of making this show. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for be
Oct 9, 2025 · 25 min
When teachers say your child is “too smart” for special ed services
When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock! Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles. She shares practical strategies for moving forward when the system says “no,” even when your child clearly needs support. We also break down what legally qualifies a student for an IEP, whe
Sep 25, 2025 · 24 min
How to make mornings easier for ADHD brains
Mornings can be chaos, especially when neurodivergence is part of the mix — for your kids or for you. This week, we’re joined by Jon Zeitlin from HabitCoach, who’s been in the thick of it. Jon and his son both have ADHD, so they’ve had to build routines that work for brains like theirs. Spoiler: It starts the night before. HabitCoach helps neurodivergent kids build lasting habits through personalized coaching. Check them out!
Sep 11, 2025 · 23 min
When kids say “I’m stupid”: How to rebuild confidence and self-esteem
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.” Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?
Aug 28, 2025 · 20 min
How a teen with dyslexia found her voice
What happens when we stop talking about kids with learning differences — and start listening to them? Kids are the experts in their own experience. When we truly listen, we all learn. Today we’re joined by 15-year-old Caris, a smart and determined teen with dyslexia, and her dad, Kevin. In this honest conversation, they talk about the everyday challenges and small wins of growing up with a learning difference. Caris shares what she wishes more people understood about dyslexia and how she’s foun
Aug 14, 2025 · 32 min
Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works - and if your child needs it
There’s a lot of talk these days — on social media and in parenting circles — about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what actually applies to your child. Psychologist (and friend of the pod) Dr. Andy Kahn joins us today to clear up any confusion. He unpacks common questions and offers honest, stigma-free insights into how therapy for kids really works.
Jul 31, 2025 · 20 min
From the archives: Back-to-school action plan
It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school is almost upon us! We’re bringing back a favorite episode to help kick off the school year. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek chat with DeJunne’ Clark Jackson — education consultant, parent advocate, and mom of two. She shares smart, doable strategies for setting goals and easing back-to-school stress.
Jul 17, 2025 · 27 min
From the archives: Summer survival guide
Summer’s in full swing and routines are out the window, which can be both fun — and frustrating! That’s why we’re replaying this episode with psychologist Dr. Andy Kahn, who shares practical, low-stress tips for surviving and thriving this summer. From managing screen time to making travel more manageable with kids who learn and think differently, this episode is full of smart, doable advice to help your family stay grounded while still having fun.
Jul 3, 2025 · 15 min
Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids?
We’re taking a quick summer break for the holiday weekend here at Team “In It.“ Instead of a new episode this week, we’re sharing a great episode from our sister show, “Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn.” In this episode, Dr. Andy teams up with pediatrician Dr. Liz Harstad to discuss whether melatonin is safe for kids.
Jun 19, 2025 · 30 min
From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD
It’s no secret that physical activity can make a big difference for kids with ADHD. The hard part is figuring out how to give kids the time and space to move when they need to. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and expertise here at Understood.org. He’s also the host of the podcast “Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn.” He helps us take a good look at moveme
Jun 5, 2025 · 24 min
When your child is labeled the “bad kid”
What happens when a child with learning and thinking differences gets labeled as the “bad kid”? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Aleesha, a parent of five children, four of whom have an ADHD diagnosis. Aleesha has seen the effects of a child being perceived — and named — as the “bad kid.” She shares what it’s been like to navigate school systems and the painful experience of seeing her child misunderstood. We talk about why kids with ADHD and oth
May 22, 2025 · 32 min
Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD
Sex expert Amy Lang shares tips on talking to kids with ADHD about sex — what to say, when to say it, and why it’s trickier than you might think.
May 8, 2025 · 30 min
Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression?
This week on “In It,” we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast. It’s called “Hyperfocus” with Rae Jacobson, and we’re big fans. When she first became a parent, Rae experienced a bout of severe postpartum depression. But at the time, there wasn’t much information about ADHD and women, let alone ADHD and postpartum mental health. Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more p
Apr 24, 2025 · 27 min
Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your kid
In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd. Dr. Chris is a psychologist, and an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study Center. She is also the author of ”Be Unapologetically Impatient,” which comes out this summer. Dr. Chris has four children, including a daughter who has ADHD and sensory challenges and a son with a rare, regressive disease. She has given a lot of thought to the idea of apologizing when you have noth
Apr 10, 2025 · 26 min
Clean up this mess! Or don’t? Advice from an expert
In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome author and therapist KC Davis. KC is a therapist who hosts the podcast “Struggle Care.” Her new book Who Deserves Your Love will be out in May 2025. She is also the best-selling author of “How to Keep House While Drowning.” KC talks about being a “messy” person and reasons why we could all benefit from caring a little less about messiness. She offers tips for getting your home to “work for you.” And she helps us un
Mar 27, 2025 · 27 min
Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro
In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome professional parent advocate Danielle Ward. Danielle started out advocating for her own kids, several years ago. Now, through her company Encompass Parent Solutions, she offers families of kids with learning and thinking differences non-legal help with advocacy, support, and education counsel. Danielle chats with Gretchen and Rachel about some of the most important dos and don’ts for parents who are advocating
Mar 13, 2025 · 29 min
Parenting’s a lot. Especially when you’re a lot
In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome parenting coach Mary Van Geffen. Mary offers online classes including a special one for moms of what she calls “spicy ones.” She also shares fun, funny, and relatable posts every day on Instagram. Mary talks with Gretchen and Rachel about parenting spicy kids and how to know if you, too, are spicy. What does it mean to be spicy? Are you spicy? And what should you do about it?
Feb 27, 2025 · 26 min
Trouble with skill-building for ADHD? Here’s help
For kids who struggle with ADHD, building skills like executive function and self-advocacy can be difficult. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and expertise here at Understood. He’s also the host of the podcast “Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn.” Andy discusses why skill-building is important for kids with ADHD. He also shares many ways families can
Feb 13, 2025 · 26 min
Have a struggling reader? Try these tips
What makes learning to read difficult? And how does having dyslexia make it even more challenging? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome literacy expert Louise Baigelman. A former teacher, Louise is the co-founder and CEO of the literacy organization Storyshares. She explains why reading can be so challenging for kids who struggle with dyslexia, and shares tips and strategies to help. Tune in to get Louise’s expert advice on how to help struggling rea

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Introducing “Everyone Gets a Juice Box”

Building a village for neurodivergent families (with Jessica Shaw of the “Everyone Gets A Juice Box” podcast)

When teachers say your child is “too smart” for special ed services

How to make mornings easier for ADHD brains

When kids say “I’m stupid”: How to rebuild confidence and self-esteem

How a teen with dyslexia found her voice

Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works - and if your child needs it

From the archives: Back-to-school action plan

From the archives: Summer survival guide

Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids?

From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD

When your child is labeled the “bad kid”

Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD

Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression?

Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your kid

Clean up this mess! Or don’t? Advice from an expert

Need help advocating for your kid at school? We talk to a pro

Parenting’s a lot. Especially when you’re a lot

Trouble with skill-building for ADHD? Here’s help

Have a struggling reader? Try these tips