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

May 23, 2024 · 32 min
An expert’s guide to summer screen time
Breaks from school are prime time for screen time. But how much screen time is too much? And what can we do about it? Is screen time ever a good thing? In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk to Dr. Devorah Heitner. Devorah is the author of two books: Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. She also speaks about screens at K-12 schools. Listen to learn tips for managing sc
May 9, 2024 · 17 min
Social media and parenting: How much is too much?
Many parents usually try to avoid sharing too much information about their kids on social media. But many parents also want to share cute pictures, funny stories, or their kids’ accomplishments. And online communities can be great places to share stories or trade parenting tips. It can be tricky to tell where to draw the line — how much is too much? This is especially true as kids get older and start using social media and the internet for themselves. For this episode of “In It,” ho
Apr 25, 2024 · 29 min
An attorney’s advice on special education disputes
When families are in a dispute about their child’s special education, it can be tricky to know how to handle things. There are big emotions involved, and the law around IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs, can be confusing. But in some cases, it might help to work with a special education attorney. In this episode of “In It,” Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome special education attorney Robert Tudisco. Rob was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. He is an expert in special edu
Apr 18, 2024 · 9 min
Busting IEP myths with Understood Explains
Do you ever wonder if having an IEP means your child will be labeled forever? Are you worried that an IEP will mean your child is separated from their peers? Well, those are actually both myths. And this week, we’re sharing a podcast episode that’s all about busting common myths relating to IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. The episode comes from the latest season of “Understood Explains,” which is all about IEPs. It’s hosted by Juliana Urtubey, a special education expert and for
Apr 11, 2024 · 24 min
Advocating for your special ed child
If you think your child is struggling at school, what’s the best way to make sure they’re getting the support they need? Who should you talk to first? Should you call a meeting, send an email, or do something else? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Julian Saavedra. Julian is an assistant principal in Philadelphia and the host of another Understood podcast, “The Opportunity Gap.” Julian shares tips and strategies about what to do if your child needs mo
Mar 28, 2024 · 28 min
Olympian Michelle Carter talks ADHD and dyslexia
Michelle Carter is an athlete and businessperson. She was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a young child. With her parents’ support, she discovered her talents in track and field, going on to compete in three Olympic Games: in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Michelle won gold in 2016. Now she runs “You Throw Girl,” a camp that helps girls build confidence. Michelle believes that for kids who are struggling with a learning or thinking difference, sports can be a big help. “It gives them a mome
Mar 14, 2024 · 22 min
Bringing sensory differences into kids’ books with Lindsey Rowe Parker
From the colors of the classroom to the noises of the playground, school can be overwhelming for kids with sensory processing challenges. One author has turned these experiences into a new picture book. The book aims to help kids who have trouble processing sensory information. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Lindsey Rowe Parker, author of “Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes: Calming My Jitters at School.” It’s the second in a series of picture books
Feb 29, 2024 · 25 min
All about language disorders
Language disorders can lead to many questions, both in the classroom and elsewhere. How will the school handle it? What can you do to help at home? And what if you’re not even sure if a language disorder is what your child is struggling with? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Kelli Johnson, a Minneapolis-based educational speech-language pathologist who is also a writer and expert reviewer at Understood. Kelli explains what her job is all about,
Feb 15, 2024 · 29 min
After the diagnosis: How kids feel about their learning and thinking differences
Getting diagnosed with a learning and thinking difference can be a big relief for many kids. But for some kids, the news can lead to many questions and worries. They may not want to talk about their diagnosis at all. And sometimes, the way kids respond to their diagnosis changes over time. In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Preetika Mukherjee, a pediatric neuropsychologist. Dr. Mukherjee offers suggestions for ways to talk with your child after a diagnosis. Tune
Feb 1, 2024 · 23 min
ADHD and siblings: Tips from an expert
When siblings have different needs, what’s a parent to do? In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Ari Tuckman, a psychologist who works with families and couples. He shares tips for finding balance in parenting kids when one has a learning or thinking difference. And he talks about the importance of the idea that “fair doesn’t always mean equal.” This is part two of a two-part series. In part one, we talked to Becca, a mom of two raising one chi
Jan 18, 2024 · 21 min
A kid with ADHD. A kid without. One mom’s story
Sibling dynamics are challenging for all families. But when one sibling has a learning and thinking difference and the other one doesn’t, things can be even tougher. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Becca. She’s a mom of two kids, one with ADHD and one without. Becca shares how she’s finding balance in parenting kids with different needs. And how her kids interact with one another. This is part one of a two-part series. In the next episode, we’
Jan 4, 2024 · 22 min
How to talk to your child’s pediatrician about ADHD and learning differences
If your child is struggling at school or at home, and you think it may be related to ADHD or a learning difference, communication is key. Talking with your child’s pediatrician can be a first step to getting support. But sometimes it’s hard to know what to say to your child’s doctor. In this episode of “In It,” hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome behavioral pediatrician Dr. Nerissa Bauer. Dr. Bauer offers tips and strategies for talking with your child’s pediatrician about ADHD
Dec 14, 2023 · 29 min
When kids and teens have tantrums: How to help
Tantrums and meltdowns are challenges all parents face. But for families of kids who learn and think differently, they can be even more of a struggle. In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome back Dr. Andrew Kahn, the host of the first season of Understood’s “What Now? A Parent’s Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns.” Tune in to get his expert advice on dealing with tantrums and meltdowns. Learn how practicing strategies ahead of time can help you manage outbursts in the m
Nov 30, 2023 · 27 min
Parenting the kids you have: One mom’s story
Most parents start their parenting journey with ideas of what it will be like, and what their kids will be like. But what happens when your expectations don’t match reality? How do things change when you find out your child has a learning or thinking difference? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Suzie Glassman, a writer and mom of two kids. Suzie shares how her parenting changed after her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Find out how she pare
Nov 16, 2023 · 36 min
ADHD and puberty: What to expect
Puberty can be a challenging time for kids and their families. But what about if your child going through puberty has ADHD? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek take a deep dive into puberty and ADHD. First, they hear from three parents of teens with ADHD to find out what it’s like to be “in it.” Then, they welcome returning guest Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist and Understood expert. Listen in as he explains how ADHD and puberty can affect each other.
Nov 2, 2023 · 26 min
Assistive tech: What it is and how it helps
From the talk-to-text feature on a phone to a lap desk, many people use assistive technology (AT) every day. For kids who learn and think differently, assistive tech can make learning easier. But how do you know if it’s something your child needs? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome returning guest Shira Moskovitz. Shira, a special education teacher and technology specialist, shares some of the ways assistive tech can help. Tune in to learn about the different
Oct 19, 2023 · 24 min
Surviving the holidays with sensory processing challenges
While the holiday season can be exciting, it can also stimulate the senses in a way that makes it less fun for some kids. For kids with sensory processing challenges, the holidays can be overwhelming. In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome returning guest Keri Wilmot. Keri, a pediatric occupational therapist, shares some of the ways the holidays can bring on sensory overload. From costumes to new foods and more, Keri has strategies to help you and your child enjoy t
Oct 12, 2023 · 6 min
Introducing “What Now? A Parent’s Guide”
Bonus episode! Introducing Understood’s newest podcast: “What Now? A Parent’s Guide.” Tune in for a peek at Season 1, which is all about tantrums and meltdowns. Listen to host Dr. Andrew Kahn as he shares practical tips on how to project calm, even when you don’t feel it. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “In It” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright
Oct 5, 2023 · 37 min
Bullying and being bullied: Why it happens and what families can do
Why do some kids bully others? And why do some kids seem to be targets of bullying, time and time again? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with parenting coach Caroline Maguire, author of “Why Will No One Play with Me?: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive.” She specializes in social-emotional learning and raising kids with ADHD. Tune in to learn about both sides of bullying, and what families can do to help. Plus, hear Ca
Sep 21, 2023 · 32 min
School refusal
Why do kids sometimes refuse to go to school? And what can families do about it, both in the moment and to help avoid it in the future? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek hear from Erin, a returning guest whose family has struggled with school refusal challenges for years. The hosts also talk with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andrew Kahn, who shares some of the reasons that could be behind a child’s school refusal. He also offers tips and strategies for tur

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

An expert’s guide to summer screen time

Social media and parenting: How much is too much?

An attorney’s advice on special education disputes

Busting IEP myths with Understood Explains

Advocating for your special ed child

Olympian Michelle Carter talks ADHD and dyslexia

Bringing sensory differences into kids’ books with Lindsey Rowe Parker

All about language disorders

After the diagnosis: How kids feel about their learning and thinking differences

ADHD and siblings: Tips from an expert

A kid with ADHD. A kid without. One mom’s story

How to talk to your child’s pediatrician about ADHD and learning differences

When kids and teens have tantrums: How to help

Parenting the kids you have: One mom’s story

ADHD and puberty: What to expect

Assistive tech: What it is and how it helps

Surviving the holidays with sensory processing challenges

Introducing “What Now? A Parent’s Guide”

Bullying and being bullied: Why it happens and what families can do

School refusal