In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently
In It is a podcast that explores the challenges and rewards of raising kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra speak with parents, caregivers, teachers, and sometimes the kids themselves. They offer practical advice, personal stories, and fresh perspectives on issues like reading, math, focus, and other learning differences. The show aims to help families navigate the ups and downs of supporting children who learn differently, with tips for parenting kids with conditions like dyslexia.
Episodes
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 st
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
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 c
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 personaliz
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 confidenc
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
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 work
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. For more on this topic:Download: Back-to-school
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 hel
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. Check out Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn and related resources from thi
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
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 pai
Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD
In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Amy Lang. Amy is a sex educator who works with kids with learning and thinking differences. She is also the founder of birdsandbeesandkids.com. She helps the hosts tackle a tricky but essential topic: talking to kids with ADHD about sex. Here are just a few of the topics Amy talks about:Ways to talk about — and not talk about — body
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 postpar
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, re
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 abo
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 a
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 sp
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 wh
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
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. Related resources8 things I wish people knew about parenting a chil
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
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, director of West LA Neuropsychology, and host of the Diverse Thinking, Diverse Learning podcast.Tune in to get Karen’s expert advice about supporting your child through the teen years.Rela
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 a
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 direct
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 bui
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. We love hearing from our l
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 an
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 incl
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
Nonverbal learning disabilities in the national spotlight
If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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 l
Why kids with learning differences can thrive in STEM
If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.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
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 p
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. For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the In It
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.
Understood
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.On this bonus episode of In It, we’re sharing an episode of another Understood podcast called Parenting Behavior w
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. Krist
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 tr
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. To find a transcript for this episode, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.Their suggestions include podcasts that:Share fairy tales in fun — and f
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
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 Digita
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
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 atto
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,
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, T
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
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, Stom
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
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 neuropsychol
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 p
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 ki
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 Bau
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 m
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 par
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
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 sp
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 overl
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. Get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes from What Now? A Parent’s Guide at u.org/podcasts. We love hearing fr
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. Tu
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 rea
Back-to-school action plan: Setting goals and getting organized
For many families, the new school year brings a real mixed bag of emotions. There’s the excitement of a fresh start combined with jitters about all of the unknowns. For families of kids who learn and think differently, there may be IEPs or 504 plans, and new teachers to connect with about all these things. It’s a lot to think about — and to navigate.In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rac
Coming soon: “In It” Season 5
Join us for Season 5 of In It, a podcast about the ins and outs — and ups and downs — of supporting kids who learn and think differently. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek will continue to bring stories, tips, and advice from families and experts. They’ll cover topics from ADHD and puberty to helpful tech for kids. Season 5 starts Thursday, September 7. Subscribe now! We love hearing from
Busting myths about special education (from “The Opportunity Gap” podcast)
Bonus episode! Learn five common myths about special education that can keep kids of color from getting the support they deserve. In this episode from Understood’s The Opportunity Gap, host Julian Saavedra talks with Christina Gutierrez, a former educator and the mom of a child with an IEP. Find out which of the five myths “gets under her skin” the most — and which one crept into her own thinking
ADHD and eating disorders (from the ADHD Aha! podcast)
Bonus episode! This time on In It, learn about ADHD and eating disorders in this episode from Understood’s ADHD Aha! podcast. Host Laura Key talks with Dr. Roberto Olivardia about why ADHD and binge-eating disorder (BED) often co-occur. Learn how ADHD symptoms like impulsivity play a role in disordered eating. Plus, find out about treatment options and what to do if you or someone you know is stru
Summer reads that embrace difference and disability
In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek, Gretchen Vierstra, and a few of their Understood colleagues share summer reading recommendations. Learn about books that embrace differences for readers of all ages. Plus, get tips on how to make summer reading fun for kids. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Ema
From deep breaths to packed binders: What we learned this season
In this bonus episode, Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra share a few of their favorite moments from Season 4. From self-advocacy at IEP meetings to our kids’ social lives, we covered a lot of ground this season. Tune in to hear which topics the hosts are still thinking about — including why there’s no shame in bringing a five-inch binder to your next parent-teacher conference. To find a transcri
Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive
Summer break. Some families love it. Others dread it. No matter how you feel about summer, we’ve got hacks to help your family thrive. In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk all things summer with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andrew Kahn. Andy shares what can make summer easier than the school year for kids who learn and think differently — and what might make it
Unpacking the teen mental health crisis: How we got here and what to do about it
We’ve been hearing a lot about a mental health crisis that’s affecting kids — especially teens — really hard. What’s behind this crisis? How is it playing out for kids with learning and thinking differences? And what can we do about it? To help answer these questions, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra turn to Dr. Matthew Cruger. He’s the clinical director and a senior neuropsychologist at t
Adulting and executive function skills: How to help your child thrive after high school
Sending kids off to the adult world can feel both scary and exciting. How can families best support their kids who learn and think differently? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Dr. Karen Wilson, a clinical neuropsychologist who works with a lot of college students. She shares some of the common challenges kids face in the real world — many related to trouble wit
To medicate or not to medicate ADHD: One family’s story
ADHD medication. How do you decide if it’s right for your child? It’s a very personal decision that often takes time. Learning about the experiences of other families can help. In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk with Amelia, a mom whose son started taking ADHD medication during high school. Amelia shares the journey that led to the decision to medicate, including the w
ADHD in the family: When your child’s diagnosis leads to your own
What happens if your child gets diagnosed with ADHD, and you recognize some of the signs in yourself? Should you get tested? What are the benefits of getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra explore the not-so-uncommon scenario of parents realizing they might have ADHD, too. First, they talk with Jessica Covington, a mom of two who didn’t
Life after high school: Tips to get your child ready
For many families with kids who learn and think differently, getting through high school can feel like a big challenge. But what about the challenges after high school? How can families prepare their high-schoolers for what comes next — whether that’s college, a trade school, a job, or a combination of things? In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Jennifer Correnti,
ADHD TikTok 101 with Dr. Sasha Hamdani
Many kids and teens — and even adults — go to TikTok for information on ADHD. They search for tips, advice, personal stories, and sometimes even a diagnosis. But is everything they find on TikTok legit? How can we help our kids navigate TikTok, especially when we may not even understand it ourselves? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra learn all about the world of ADHD TikTok
Parenting “fails” — yours and ours
Parenting is tough. And it can be even tougher when you’re raising kids with learning and thinking differences. When we make mistakes as parents, it’s important to know we’re not alone. And that we’re all learning as we go. In this episode of In It, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra share listener stories of parenting “fails” — plus their own stories. Tune in to hear about times when we lo
Discipline, ADHD, and learning differences
Many parents struggle with how to discipline their kids. But for families of kids who have ADHD or learning differences, it can be even harder to know what to do. How do you discipline kids who have trouble with the skills they need to behave? What strategies work best for kids with ADHD? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra get discipline tips from a clinical psychologist, D
Connecting as a couple when you’re “in it”
When you’re a couple raising a child, your relationship can fall to the bottom of the priority list. That can be especially true when your child learns or thinks differently. You might feel the pressures of time, money, and decision-making. And you may find yourselves arguing over small things like who bought the bread. So how can a couple nurture their relationship? To find out, hosts Gretchen V
Math anxiety, dyscalculia, and other reasons math can be hard for kids
Why is math so hard for so many kids? And what can we do about it? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra take a deep dive into math with special education and math teacher Brendan Hodnett. Tune in to learn about dyscalculia, a learning disability in math. Find out how other learning and thinking differences can impact math, too. Hear Brendan describe math anxiety, and what s
Homework battles: What really matters
Homework. It’s a source of battles in many families. But does it have to be? How can we approach homework so that it doesn’t cause so much stress for our kids — and ourselves? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk all things homework with special education teacher Shira Moskovitz. Hear Shira bust common homework myths, like why the best time to do homework isn’t always ri
Impulsivity in kids: Getting past “What were you thinking?!”
Impulsivity can be a big challenge for kids with ADHD. But it’s also something that many kids struggle with. What drives impulsive behavior? And how can we help kids manage it? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek take a deep dive into impulsivity with psychologist and Understood expert Dr. Andy Kahn. Hear Andy explain what impulsivity is, its connection to ADHD, and
The power of self-advocacy for kids at IEP and 504 meetings
Self-advocacy is the ability to communicate your needs. It’s important for thriving in school, at work, and in life. But it’s not something that comes naturally for kids — and even most adults. So how do we help kids build their self-advocacy muscles? In this episode, hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra talk about self-advocacy with Melody Maitland, a director of student services and former
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