In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

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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.

  1. How a teen with dyslexia found her voice

    1D AGO

    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 found confidence in unexpected places. And she introduces “Through My Eyes,” a new digital experience from Understood.org that lets you step into her world. Want to learn more about her story? Explore Through My Eyes at Understood.org and help others see your child the way you do. For more on this topic Signs of dyslexia in high schoolSigns of dyslexia in grade schoolPodcast: What if I think my child might have dyslexia?Timestamps (01:50) Growing up with dyslexia (06:19) Facing stigma around learning disabilities (11:17) How “Through My Eyes” reframed their experience (13:06) Telling friends about her diagnosis For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    20 min
  2. Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works - and if your child needs it

    AUG 14

    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. For more on this topic: 5 steps to take if you  think your child is depressedWhat is CBT?Questions to ask a therapistTimestamps: (04:42) How do you decide if therapy is necessary? (11:30) How do you talk to your child about starting therapy? (15:16) What if my child doesn’t want to go to therapy? (18:20) Will I know what’s happening in the sessions? For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    33 min

  3. JUL 31

    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 update for families to give to teachersDownload: Goals calendar for kids who struggle with planningMy kids have different strengths and challenges. Here’s how I set goals with them.Hear more from DeJunne’ in this episode about parent-teacher conferencesGet back-to-school tips from executive function coach Brendan Mahan in this episode about building executive function skills We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    20 min

  4. JUL 17

    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. For more on this topic: How to make a sensory travel kit for your child10 tips to help kids avoid travel meltdowns and sensory overloadListen to this episode of In It to hear more about summer campWe love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    27 min
  5. Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids?

    JUL 3

    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 this episode on the show’s page. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    15 min
  6. From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD

    JUN 19

    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 movement and why it makes such a difference for kids with ADHD. Tune in for easy tips to get more activity into your child’s daily routine. Related resources Teaching tip: My “go to” teaching technique for overstimulated kids What can I do if my child’s teacher takes recess away?How to get your child involved in sports7 tips for improving your relationship with your child’s teacherListen: How to get your child to try new thingsTimestamps (1:15) Exercise vs. physical activity (3:53) “Spending” energy to regulate (9:42) Ideas that encourage movement (10:20) How much time is the right amount of time (13:04) Afterschool sports and activities (16:29) The importance of recess (21:52) 504 plans, IEPs, and movement (22:18) Getting creative For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    31 min

  7. JUN 5

    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 other learning differences are often mischaracterized. And Aleesha shares tips about what parents can do to support their children—and themselves—through it all. Related resources What should I do when my child says “I’m bad”?7 tips for improving your relationship with your child’s teacherFeeling socially isolated as a parent? You’re not alone8 things I wish people knew about parenting a child with ADHDWhat to do when your child is the bullyTimestamps  (2:19) First sign of a “bad kid” perception (4:17) First parent-teacher conference (4:48) End-of-year experience (7:04) Important sign of a challenge with the teacher (11:27) Talking with your child who feels like the teacher doesn’t like them (12:39) Another perspective (15:25) Talking to teachers about the impacts of their words and actions (19:02) Advice for parents in a similar situation (21:50) Focusing on the positive For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org.   Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    24 min
  8. Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD

    MAY 22

    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 parts.Helping kids understand how to navigate these topics both inside and outside the home.Why these conversations are so important.Listen for tips on how you can make these talks comfortable and effective. It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation that will help parents, caregivers, or anyone wondering how to support kids as they learn about sex. Related resources 8 ways to help teens with ADHD avoid dating trouble spotsADHD and sexSex, intimacy, and ADHDBirds + Bees + KidsTimestamps (1:39) When your child starts the conversation  (7:00) The importance of social cues (9:21) Kids being well-informed (11:28) What age to start talking about sex with your kid (14:00) Using the real names of body parts (17:04) Talking to kids at different ages (20:00) Potential challenges For a transcript of this episode and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at init@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently. 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 continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

    33 min
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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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