Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently

Understood.org
  • 5.0 (23)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Opportunity Gap: How to Support Kids of Color Who Learn Differently

Kids of color who have ADHD and other common learning differences often face a double stigma. But there’s a lot that families can do to address the opportunity gap in our communities. Host Julian Saavedra is a father of two. He's also an assistant principal who has spent nearly 20 years working in public schools. Join Saavedra as he talks with parents and experts and offers tips to help you advocate for your child.

  1. How I’d parent my ADHD kids differently

    4 DAYS AGO

    How I’d parent my ADHD kids differently

    Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like a constant balancing act — juggling patience, understanding, and supporting your child’s unique needs. It often leads to questions like, Am I doing enough? What can I do better? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Larry Jones, a retired pediatrician and father of sons with ADHD. Listen as Dr. Larry reflects on: - Navigating his own ADHD diagnosis - What he’s learned about raising kids with ADHD - And what he might have done differently in hindsight

    18 min
  2. Helping kids navigate the holiday season

    DEC 4

    Helping kids navigate the holiday season

    The holiday season is filled with joy and spending time with loved ones. But the festivities with their big gatherings, bright lights, and loud noises can be a lot for kids with learning and thinking differences to handle. So, how can parents help kids prepare for the busy holiday season? Listen as Julian shares: - Tips to help kids prepare for social interactions - Ways to create calm spaces for when kids begin to feel overwhelmed - Reasons why setting clear expectations can help kids feel more secure and prepared

    11 min
  3. How I’m navigating my child’s two diagnoses

    NOV 20

    How I’m navigating my child’s two diagnoses

    Parenting kids with multiple learning and thinking differences is often filled with many twists and turns. It’s a journey that requires a strong support system, resilience, and hope. And each day calls for patience and understanding from both parents and their children. In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Bywaters. Jennifer is the proud mom of a son with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD. Listen as she shares: - Her family’s journey of receiving multiple diagnoses - The uplifting moments that have kept her family strong - And what this experience has taught her about resilience

    16 min
  4. Game on! Teaching kids sportsmanship

    NOV 6

    Game on! Teaching kids sportsmanship

    Sportsmanship is not just about winning or losing. It’s also about character, respect, and treating others well. It’s an important skill to develop. But mastering it can be challenging for some kids with learning and thinking differences. In this episode of “Opportunity Gap,” we dive into the heart of sportsmanship. Listen as our guest, Dr. Andy Kahn explains the importance of sportsmanship in youth sports. Learn ways to teach kids these essential values. And find out how instilling a strong sense of sportsmanship can transform not just the game, but kids’ lives both on and off the field.

    18 min
  5. What to do after a parent-teacher conference

    OCT 23

    What to do after a parent-teacher conference

    Have you ever left a parent-teacher conference feeling both hopeful and unsure? Many parents of kids with learning and thinking differences have felt this way. Especially when the meeting brought to light their child’s trouble with reading or math. In this episode, Julian Saavedra talks with Kareem Neal, a special education teacher from Arizona. Listen as Kareem shares:  - How parents can use important points from these meetings to create an action plan to help their child succeed - Ways for improving communication with the teacher - Why it’s important to monitor a child’s progress.

    18 min
  6. How to build a supportive village for kids

    OCT 9

    How to build a supportive village for kids

    Creating a “village,” or a group of supportive people, can really boost kids’ confidence and help them thrive. This village doesn’t have to consist of only parents and family. But it can also include teachers, therapists, and doctors who care about your child. Listen as host Julian Saavedra highlights the kinds of people who can make a big difference in your child’s life. And get practical tips on how to build these important connections.

    16 min
  7. Navigating fatherhood with ADHD

    SEP 25

    Navigating fatherhood with ADHD

    Ever thought about what it’s like to raise kids with ADHD while also having ADHD yourself? Dion Chavis, the host of the “Black People Parenting” podcast, understands this experience very well. In this episode, listen as Dion shares how he’s juggling parenting kids with ADHD and his own ADHD diagnosis. Find out when he started noticing the unique needs of his kids. And hear why he believes in the importance of responsible fatherhood.

    34 min
  8. What to do when school supports fall short

    SEP 11

    What to do when school supports fall short

    What can parents do when the school falls short in providing the right support for their child’s learning differences? How can parents avoid burning bridges while still advocating for change for their child? In this episode of “Opportunity Gap,” host Julian Saavedra talks with Jamilah Bashir. Jamilah is an education consultant and IEP coach.  Listen as Jamilah explains why a school may not be providing adequate support. And why having a detailed record of a child’s struggles is key when meeting with the school.

    37 min
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About

Kids of color who have ADHD and other common learning differences often face a double stigma. But there’s a lot that families can do to address the opportunity gap in our communities. Host Julian Saavedra is a father of two. He's also an assistant principal who has spent nearly 20 years working in public schools. Join Saavedra as he talks with parents and experts and offers tips to help you advocate for your child.

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