The Opportunity Gap

Myths and misinformation about ADHD and learning differences show up all the time on social media. Find out what’s fact and what’s fiction, and learn about the impact of these myths on kids of color.

ADHD advocate René Brooks was diagnosed with ADHD twice as a child. But it wasn’t until she was diagnosed again as an adult that she finally got support. Listen to her story.

Learn about the steps to getting an IEP and starting your child’s special education program. Get tips from an expert.

Learn how four members of the Understood team are making an impact in the lives of people with learning and thinking differences.

How can high-schoolers and their families prepare for life after high school? Get advice and tips from a college advisor.

Some kids don’t like to share information about their school day. Get tips on how to get them to open up and share. These tips and conversation starters can help your child to open up.

The school-to-prison pipeline has disrupted education for kids of color for a long time. Learn what the pipeline is and why it’s critical to end it.

Telling your relatives about your child’s challenges can be difficult. Get tips on how to make the talk easier to manage.

For some students of color, feeling mistreated by teachers is a common experience — and it shouldn’t be. Learn how to help kids self-advocate.

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that impacts many kids of color. Hear from an expert and learn ways to support kids in the classroom.

What is a learning disability? What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan? Get useful information on learning disabilities and discover the ins and outs of special education.

Conocer todos los detalles referentes a la educación especial puede resultar abrumador. Obtenga respuestas a preguntas comunes que tienen las familias.

English language learners bring unique perspectives to the classroom. It’s important for teachers to learn about their strengths and challenges.

When kids with learning and thinking differences have positive self-esteem, they feel confident. Learn ways to build confidence in your child.

Summer vacation is a nice long break from the classroom for kids with learning differences. But if kids press “pause” on learning altogether, they may experience the “summer slide.”

In Part 2 of our talk about mental health, learn why it’s important for kids to let go of shame and ask for help.

In part one of our conversation on mental health, learn about the unique ways a parent’s journey can influence a child’s mental wellness. Get tips on how to support kids’ mental health.

Learn about trauma and how it impacts kids of color with learning and thinking differences. Get tips on how to help kids after a traumatic event.

Learn about three pioneering Black women with disabilities — activist Lois Curtis, singer Solange Knowles, and author Octavia E. Butler.

Learn how to be an equal partner at your child’s IEP meetings. Get tips from education specialist Taína Coleman of the Child Mind Institute.

Learn about the intersection of growth mindset, learning differences, and kids of color. See how young adult Savannah Treviño-Casias finds power in “yet.”

Is ADHD more likely to be overlooked in Black kids? Or overdiagnosed? Get tips from pediatrician and health-equity researcher Dr. Tumaini Coker.

Learn about bias in school discipline and what families of color can do if the teacher says your child is “acting out” in class.

Debunked! Learn five common myths about special education, and find out how families can help kids of color get the support they deserve.

Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of The Opportunity Gap, a podcast for parents of kids of color who learn and think differently.

This Philadelphia mom of eight dedicated herself to advocating for her son with ADHD — and felt judged in the process. Hear her story and advice.

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace respond to three audio stories of bullying, shame, and parenting guilt.

Growing up, LeDerick Horne couldn’t read. Today, he’s a poet, activist, and person thriving with dyslexia. Hear his advice for families of color.

Schools are seeing an uptick in disengagement and even disrespect from some students. What are the kids trying to tell us?

How does talking with kids about race and injustice change when learning differences and disability are part of the picture?

Black girls with ADHD and learning differences are often overlooked. Youth advocate Atira Roberson wants that to change.

Co-host Marissa Wallace opens up about her biracial son who had language delays as a toddler. Hear her story.

Schools are facing a huge shortage of special education teachers. What’s the impact on special education students and kids of color?

The podcast welcomes Kimberly Eckert, 2018 Louisiana teacher of the year, for a conversation about race, parenting, and Black history.

Kristin Carothers, PhD, joins the show to explain what families of color should know about ADHD, and shares her experiences as a Black doctor.

The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 is hitting schools. The hosts discuss the impact on students and on special education services.

Kids who have learning and thinking differences can also be gifted. But what does being “twice exceptional” mean when you’re marginalized?

Kareem Neal, a special education teacher in Arizona, shares why undocumented families may be fearful of advocating for their kids.

Does special education differ for the rich and the poor? Listen as the hosts take on tough questions about IEPs, race, and money.

Is ADHD only a “white boy problem”? Hear from researcher Yasmeen Adams about how young people of color perceive ADHD.

She’s an Olympic champion, a Black woman, and an advocate for people with ADHD. So why don’t more kids of color know about Simone Biles?

Introducing The Opportunity Gap, a podcast for families of kids of color with learning and thinking differences, like dyslexia, ADHD, and more.