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

Jan 30, 2025 · 14 min
Feeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone
Parenting can often feel socially isolating. On this episode of “In It,” we hear from a few parents who have felt socially isolated while raising kids with learning and thinking differences. They share some of the challenges they have run into and talk about some strategies they’ve found for building relationships with other adults.
Jan 16, 2025 · 24 min
Signs of dyscalculia and other tips from a math expert
What is dyscalculia? How can parents spot it? And is it anything like dyslexia? Find out about all of this and more from Brendan Hodnett. Brendan is a middle school special education and math teacher. He is also an adjunct professor at Hunter College in New York City, where he offers courses on inclusive ways to teach math. Tune in to learn more about early signs of dyscalculia, how it affects kids inside and outside the classroom, and tips that can help.
Jan 2, 2025 · 24 min
What were they thinking? An expert on teenage brains explains
From school to friends to home, being a teenager is tough. Also tough? Raising one! On this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Karen Wilson. Karen is a clinical neuropsychologist in Los Angeles and a professor at UCLA. She also supervises the assessment of children and adults with learning, thinking, and social-emotional differences. Tune in to get Karen’s expert advice about supporting your child through the teen years.
Dec 19, 2024 · 26 min
Another lost sneaker? How to cover the unexpected costs of raising a kid
Money. Budgeting. Savings. They’re all stressful. And when you factor in the added expenses that can come with raising a child with learning and thinking differences, it can feel like too much. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome personal finance expert Kim Palmer. Kim is a mom to three kids and she writes for “NerdWallet.” She’s also the author of three books about money: “Smart Mom, Rich Mom;” “The Economy of You;” and “Generation Earn.” Tune in to
Dec 5, 2024 · 29 min
Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you
We’ve all been there: Our child is refusing to do something that, to us, seems super reasonable. Do we offer them a reward to get them to cooperate? Where is the line between bribery and rewarding a child? Will we ruin them? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn back to the show. Dr. Andy is a licensed psychologist and Understood’s associate director of behavior change and expertise. He’s also the host of the podcast “Parenting Behavior with
Nov 21, 2024 · 25 min
Parental burnout? What to do before you lose it
Sometimes, parents and caregivers can feel overwhelmed or burned out. Caring for children can feel exhausting and add up without us even realizing it. What’s a parent to do? In this episode of “In It,” we talk with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond. Hammond is a psychologist, executive function coach, and motivational speaker. She specializes in helping people navigate burnout and exhaustion, as well as how to build resiliency. During our conversation, Nekeshia shows us ways to answer the following
Nov 7, 2024 · 19 min
Do parenting podcast hosts always take their own advice?
This week on “In It,” a crossover episode! Co-host Rachel Bozek chats with Mallory Yee, PhD, who is a host of “Shining With ADHD,” a parenting podcast from The Childhood Collective. Mallory is also a licensed psychologist specializing in kids with ADHD. On this episode, the two talk about how they handle moments and situations when their personal and professional lives meet.
Oct 24, 2024 · 28 min
Is the news stressing your kids out? Tips for getting through it
The news is often scary, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming. And kids who learn and think differently may have an especially hard time with intense news cycles. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with returning guest Dr. Kristin Carothers. Kristin is a clinical psychologist based in Atlanta and New York City who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral interventions. She’s also an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry at Moreho
Oct 10, 2024 · 28 min
ADHD and addiction: Knowledge is power
You may have read or heard that kids with ADHD are at a higher risk for addiction. Is this true? If so, why? And what can we, as parents and caregivers, do about it? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Roberto Olivardia. Roberto is a Massachusetts-based clinical psychologist. He has spent years evaluating people for learning and thinking differences including ADHD. And he was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. He shares helpful information to
Sep 26, 2024 · 36 min
The “more” kids (from the “Good Inside with Dr. Becky” podcast)
This week on “In It,” we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we love called “Good Inside with Dr. Becky.” The show’s host, Dr. Becky Kennedy, is a clinical psychologist and mom of three. Each week, she talks to parents, experts, and trusted friends and colleagues about strategies and tips for the stickiest parenting situations. We’re sharing an episode called “The ‘more’ kids,” featuring Dr. Becky in conversation with Debbie Reber, the founder of “Tilt Parenting.” The two define what it m
Sep 17, 2024 · 17 min
Nonverbal learning disabilities in the national spotlight
Gus Walz is the son of vice presidential nominee Tim Walz. You may have seen him cheering for his dad at the Democratic National Convention in August. At that time, many of us learned that he has a nonverbal learning disability or NVLD. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a psychologist, and he’s the associate director of Expertise and Strategic Design here at Understood. He also hosts the Understood podcast “Parenting Behavior.”
Sep 12, 2024 · 26 min
Why kids with learning differences can thrive in STEM
You might have heard or seen the acronym STEM in education circles. It stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. And it can be very helpful for kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kara Ball. Kara is the author of “50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills.” She has been a science and special education teacher, and a STEM education specialist for Baltimore public schools. She was also a finalist
Aug 29, 2024 · 25 min
Hygiene battles: Tips from an ADHD expert
Brushing their teeth. Taking a shower. Cleaning up after themselves. What’s going on when kids seem to ignore these must-do tasks? And what can parents and caregivers do to change that? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Brendan Mahan. Brendan is an executive function coach and the host of the podcast “ADHD Essentials.” He offers tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers understand why some kids avoid working on their personal hygiene.
Aug 15, 2024 · 21 min
Back-to-school checklist: Everything but the books
Gearing up for a new school year can feel overwhelming. As the first day of school gets close, kids have so much to think about. And so do parents and caregivers. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kate Garcia. Kate is a high school teacher with lots of back-to-school experience and tips.
Aug 13, 2024 · 1 min
Welcome to “In It:” Raising kids who learn differently
Join us for new episodes of “In It,” a podcast on raising kids who learn differently. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek continue to offer advice, camaraderie, stories of successes, and — let’s be real — failures. We’ll hear from experts, parents, and caregivers on a range of topics — from bribes vs. rewards to managing some of the unanticipated costs of raising neurodivergent kids.
Aug 1, 2024 · 9 min
Bedtime battles (from “Parenting Behavior” podcast)
Bedtime can be a struggle for parents and caregivers of kids of all ages. Maybe your child needs an extra glass of water — three times before bed. Or maybe they want you to read that story “just one more time,” for hours. No matter what roadblocks you face at bedtime, you’re not alone. Find more about Parenting Behavior at lnk.to/parentingbehavior On this bonus episode of “In It,” we’re sharing an episode of another Understood podcast called “Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn.” Listen as
Jul 18, 2024 · 13 min
Summertime and friendship
Breaks from school can sometimes mean breaks from other kids. This can be hard for kids with learning and thinking differences. What are some ways to avoid “summer slide” when it comes to social skills and time with friends? And what are some ways to see kids in the summer, when the friends we usually see are not around? In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Kristin Carothers, a clinical psychologist and Understood expert. Listen for tips on helpin
Jul 4, 2024 · 20 min
Stopping summer slide (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast)
You may have heard of “summer slide.” It refers to the learning loss that can happen during summer break from school. On this bonus episode of “In It,” we’re sharing a conversation on how to handle the summer break from another Understood podcast, “The Opportunity Gap.” Host Julian Saavedra talks with special education teacher Kate García about how following a summer routine can help kids stay on track. They also discuss ways to help kids learn without sacrificing fun. Plus why giving kids g
Jun 20, 2024 · 11 min
Let’s talk podcasts: Suggestions for kids with learning and thinking differences
In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek suggest podcasts that are ideal for kids with learning and thinking differences. These shows are also great for any kid. Their suggestions include podcasts that: - Share fairy tales in fun — and funny — ways - Solve kid-friendly mysteries - Offer answers to all kinds of questions - Talk about current events
Jun 6, 2024 · 25 min
Talking about neurodivergence and gender identity
Many people who learn and think differently are also on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This can be a lot for kids—and their families—to navigate. In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk to Kade Friedman. Kade is the Director of Education for PINE, the Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education. Kade identifies as non-binary and neurodivergent. They work with teachers to guide them in teaching neurodivergent, disabled, and gender-expansive students. They also w

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

Feeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone

Signs of dyscalculia and other tips from a math expert

What were they thinking? An expert on teenage brains explains

Another lost sneaker? How to cover the unexpected costs of raising a kid

Candy or money as a reward? The answer might surprise you

Parental burnout? What to do before you lose it

Do parenting podcast hosts always take their own advice?

Is the news stressing your kids out? Tips for getting through it

ADHD and addiction: Knowledge is power

The “more” kids (from the “Good Inside with Dr. Becky” podcast)

Nonverbal learning disabilities in the national spotlight

Why kids with learning differences can thrive in STEM

Hygiene battles: Tips from an ADHD expert

Back-to-school checklist: Everything but the books

Welcome to “In It:” Raising kids who learn differently

Bedtime battles (from “Parenting Behavior” podcast)

Summertime and friendship

Stopping summer slide (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast)

Let’s talk podcasts: Suggestions for kids with learning and thinking differences

Talking about neurodivergence and gender identity