Episodes
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IEP meetings can get very emotional. It can be hard to sit in a room full of teachers and talk about your child’s needs. Sometimes, these meetings can feel overwhelming, like everyone just wants to discuss what’s wrong with your child.
However, if your child has an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, you’ll need to attend an IEP meeting at least once a year. And one important way to prepare is to get yourself ready emotionally.
On this episode of Understood Explains, guest host Claudia Rinaldi shares some tips for making this process less stressful, and what to do if big feelings come up during the meeting.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(00:55) Getting ready emotionally
(02:32) Before the IEP meeting
(07:51) During the IEP meeting
(11:03) After the IEP meeting
(12:23) Key takeaways
Related resources
10 defusing phrases to use at IEP meetingsListen: Why we cry in IEP meetingsThe IEP meeting: An overviewNavigating IEP meetingsUnderstood 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
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If you’re the parent of a young child, you may be wondering how special education can support kids during recess. If you have a teenager, you may be focused on getting ready for college or a career. And if your child is in middle school, I have one word for you: puberty.
Special education can provide services and supports from birth through high school. And on this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will share how these resources can help kids thrive at different ages.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(01:14) Babies and toddlers
(02:52) Preschool and grade school
(06:03) Middle school
(08:44) High school
(12:24) Key takeaways
Related resources:
What is an IFSP?What can I do if my child’s teacher takes recess away?5 things to know about ADHD and pubertyNew challenges kids face in middle schoolWhat is IEP transition planning?Understood 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
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Many kids in the U.S. are learning English as an additional language. For some, it may be their second, third, or fourth language.
Their English skills can vary widely, too. Some kids may speak conversational English and need to learn academic words, like “add” and “subtract.” And others may be learning a lot of words in English and in their home language at the same time. So there can be a lot of different starting points for what some schools call English language learners or multilingual learners.
As a parent, it can be hard to tell if you’re seeing common challenges that come with learning a new language. Or if you're seeing signs of a learning difference, like dyslexia or ADHD.
Fortunately, schools can help in both of these areas. And part of that help could include an IEP, or Individualized Education Program. On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will share how.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(01:52) School supports for multilingual learners
(04:32) Myths and facts
(07:47) Evaluations and IEPs
(10:24) Your rights as a parent or guardian
(12:00) Key takeaways
Related resources
For ELL families: Why and how to partner with teachersListen: Understanding common IEP challenges for families of colorHow to help if English language learners are struggling in schoolUnderstood 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
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You and the school may not always agree on every detail in your child’s IEP. If you’re having trouble working things out, it’s good to know your options for resolving a dispute.
On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will go through your dispute resolution options and how to handle common disagreements. She’ll also share information on advocates and attorneys who can help you in a disagreement.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(01:39) Dispute resolution options
Related resources6 options for resolving an IEP disputeIndependent educational evaluations (IEEs): What you need to know10 smart responses for when the school cuts or denies servicesThe difference between special education advocates and attorneys
(05:41) Disagreeing about evaluation results
(08:07) Changing a child’s placement
(09:32) Reducing a child’s services
(10:40) Special education advocates and attorneys
(12:09) Key takeawaysUnderstood 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
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Does your child have trouble following the teacher’s rules? Are you getting a lot of calls from the principal?
An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, can do a lot of things to help with behavioral challenges in school.
But as you explore getting an IEP and putting it into action, things can get confusing. Along the way, you might run into wonky terms like FBA, BIP, and manifestation determination.
Those terms might all sound confusing now. But in this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will help you understand what they mean and how they can help your child make progress in school.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps
(00:46) Does my child need behavioral support at school?
(04:20) Can my child get an IEP for ADHD?
(05:50) What is a functional behavioral assessment?
(06:58) What is a behavior intervention plan?
(08:50) Can schools discipline kids with IEPs?
(10:33) Key takeawaysRelated resources
What is PBIS?School discipline rights for kids with IEPs and 504 plansPodcast: Understood Explains Evaluations for Special EducationUnderstood 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
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Setting IEP goals can feel tricky. They should be attainable, but not too hard or too easy — it’s a bit like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
However, setting these goals is a big part of developing your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Program.
In this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey breaks down how IEP teams set annual goals, how parents can help, and how the IEP will measure a child’s progress.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(0:44) How do IEP teams set annual goals?
(4:22) How can parents help set annual goals?
(7:01) Are my child’s IEP goals aiming high enough?
(8:24) How will the IEP measure my child’s progress?
(11:30) What do multilingual families need to know?
(12:31) Key takeaways
Related resourcesHow to tell if your child’s IEP goals are SMARTFAQs about standards-based IEPsDownload an IEP goal trackerUnderstood 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
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So you have an IEP meeting coming up, or you’d like to prepare for future ones. This is an important time to ask questions and advocate for what you think is best for your child.
These meetings can be stressful and high-pressure for families. But knowing what to expect in the meeting and how to get ready can put you at ease.
On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will go over the nuts and bolts of preparing to talk about your child’s IEP, or Individualized Education Program.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps
(01:13) What’s the purpose of an IEP meeting?
(03:04) What happens in IEP meetings?
(05:48) What role do parents play in IEP meetings?
(07:20) Who can parents bring to the meeting?
(10:18) What else can parents do to get ready?
(12:39) Key takeaways
Related resources
How to find a special education advocateFAQs about having your child attend IEP meetingsHow to organize your child’s IEP binderDownload: IEP binder checklistUnderstood 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
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If your child qualifies for an IEP, it will come with many legal rights and protections. But with names like “FAPE” and “prior written notice,” things can get confusing quickly.
Still, it’s really important for parents to understand these terms — and that's where this podcast comes in to help.
In this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey breaks down some key terms and explains the legal rights that come with an IEP, or Individualized Education Program.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:46) FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education
(03:07) Least restrictive environment
(07:32) Informed consent
(08:23) Prior written notice and “stay put” rights
(10:48) Other key rights
(11:56) Key takeaways
Related resources
Download: Endrew R. advocacy toolkitHow to consent to some parts of an IEP and not othersGuidance letter from the Department of Education for schools to translate IEPs PDFUnderstood 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
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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.
There are 13 disability categories listed in a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.
And to get an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, your child will need to fit into at least one disability category.
These categories can have some hard-to-understand names, like “specific learning disabilities” or “other health impairments.”
But on this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will share what these categories mean and why they relate to IEPs. She’ll also share what to do if your child doesn’t qualify for any disability category, or if they qualify for more than one.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:43) Why do IEPs have disability categories?
(02:42) What are the 13 disability categories in IDEA?
(07:21) Are disability categories the same in every state?
(09:28) Can my child’s IEP include more than one disability?
(10:32) What if my child doesn’t qualify for any disability category?
(11:43) Key takeaways
Related resources:
Download: Sample letters for requesting evaluations and reports6 options for resolving an IEP disputeUnderstood 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
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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.
Kids don’t just get an IEP all of a sudden.
Schools have an evaluation process to decide if a child qualifies for special education services. This includes getting an IEP.
On this episode of Understood Explains, join host Juliana Urtubey as she discusses the evaluation process and requirements for getting an IEP. She’ll also share what to do if the school says your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP, and more.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:37) How do kids qualify for IEPs?
(03:14) Does my child need a diagnosis to get an IEP?
(04:45) How do I request an evaluation?
(06:12) What if the school wants to wait to evaluate my child?
(08:10) What if the school says my child doesn’t qualify for an IEP?
(08:49) Key takeaways
Related resources:
Understood Explains Season 1Download: Sample letters for requesting evaluations and reportsUnderstood 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
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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.
If someone says something that makes special education sound bad or negative, chances are it’s just not true.
There are a lot of myths about IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. And these incorrect or outdated ideas can keep some kids from getting school supports that can help them thrive.
On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will bust common myths and explain the facts.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:38) Myth #1: My child will be labeled forever
(02:10) Myth #2: My child will be in a separate classroom
(03:15) Myth #3: IEPs are only for kids with severe physical or intellectual disabilities
(04:17) Myth #4: Many kids with IEPs misbehave on purpose
(05:34) Myth #5: My child needs to wait to get evaluated for special education services
(07:13) Key takeaways
Related resources:
5 common misconceptions about IEPs10 special education myths you may hearBusting myths about special educationUnderstood 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
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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.
The terms IEP and 504 plan may come up a lot when you’re looking into special education for your child. These school supports do some of the same things, but one can provide more services and the other is easier to get.
And it’s important to know the differences in order to get your child the support they need.
On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will break down the differences between IEPs and 504 plans, and which one might be right for your child.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:53) What is a 504 plan?
(02:16) What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
(08:15) Can my child have an IEP and a 504 plan at the same time?
(09:36) Should my child switch from an IEP to a 504 plan?
(10:45) What do multilingual learners need to know about IEPs and 504 plans?
(11:58) Key takeaways
Related resources:
10 smart responses for when the school cuts or denies servicesUnderstood Explains Season 1Understood 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
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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.
If your child has been struggling in school, you might be wondering if they need special education. And once you start exploring special education, you’re going to run into the term IEP, which stands for individualized education program.
But what exactly is an IEP, anyway?
On this episode of Understood Explains, host Juliana Urtubey will cover IEP basics and how to figure out if your child needs this kind of support.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.org.
Timestamps:
(00:57) What is the purpose of an IEP?
(03:27) What’s in an IEP
(05:42) Does my child need an IEP?
(07:42) Should I wait to get my child an IEP?
(10:05) What if my child is learning English?
(11:36) Key takeaways
Related resources:
Understood Explains Season 1How to help if English language learners are struggling in schoolUnderstood 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
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Does your child need special education? How can you make the most of this school support? Listen to the trailer for Understood Explains IEPs, which covers the ins and outs of individualized education programs.
Host Juliana Urtubey is a special education teacher and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. So you can learn from a pro in this 13-episode series, which includes IEP tips for kids of different ages and for kids who are learning English as an additional language.
Episodes drop weekly in English and Spanish, starting March 21.
Visit the episode page on Understood.
Understood 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
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This bonus episode of Understood Explains shares personal stories about getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. For example, hear from a woman who waited years to see a specialist after her main doctor brushed off her concerns that she might have ADHD.
You’ll also hear host Dr. Roberto Olivardia describe what led him to get diagnosed with ADHD at 35.
Listen to these personal stories and what each person wishes they’d known sooner about ADHD.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:41) Michelle on feeling big emotions
(02:35) Kenny on struggling at work
(04:23) Ange on seeing the “ADHD iceberg”
(08:18) Jeannie on nearly failing out of college
(09:59) Advice they’d give their younger selves
(11:37) Roberto on getting diagnosed at 35
(14:12) Credits
Related resources:
ADHD Aha!ADHD runs in the family (Michelle’s story)ADHD and creativity (Kenny’s story)ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)ADHD and messiness (Jeannie’s story)Understood 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
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Doubting your ADHD diagnosis? Do you still think you have ADHD even after your doctor said you don’t? Or maybe you got formally diagnosed but aren’t sure you really have ADHD?
Concerns about ADHD misdiagnosis are common. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia gives tips on how to think about whether you got a thorough evaluation — and if it may be time to get a second opinion.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:04) What do I do if my doctor told me I don’t have ADHD?
(03:54) What if I don’t think my ADHD diagnosis is accurate?
(07:18) Anything else I need to know about getting properly diagnosed?
(07:57) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits
Related resources:
How ADHD is diagnosed in adultsADHD and perfectionismStop Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold You BackUnderstood 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
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Relief. Anger. Grief. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can bring up a range of emotions. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia explains what to look for and how to process big feelings so you can keep moving forward. Get answers to common questions, like how imposter syndrome is connected to ADHD.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:47) How can I prepare emotionally for ADHD diagnosis?
(02:04) Why is ADHD diagnosis such a relief for some people?
(04:44) Why does ADHD diagnosis often lead to anger and grief?
(06:01) What’s imposter syndrome? And how is it connected to ADHD?
(07:52) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits
Related resources:
ADHD and perfectionismHow I cope with imposter syndrome while having learning disabilitiesADHD Aha!ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity (Ange’s story)Understood 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
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There are many ways to treat ADHD without medication — or in addition to medication. Learn about a wide range of ADHD treatments, from therapy to free apps and tools. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia also talks about social and workplace supports. Listen as he answers common questions, like whether diet or supplements can help with ADHD.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:51) Can ADHD be treated without medication?
(01:54) What is cognitive behavior therapy?
(04:19) What are some common coping mechanisms for treating ADHD?
(05:53) How can social supports help with ADHD?
(07:53) How can assistive technology help with ADHD?
(08:43) Should I change my diet or take supplements to help with ADHD?
(09:41) What about workplace accommodations for ADHD?
(10:31) Key takeaways, next episode, and credits
Related resources:
Cognitive behavioral therapy: What is CBT?8 common myths about ADHD5 oddly specific ADHD strategies that help me workHow to ask for a workplace accommodationThe Scientific Method: Can 'color sound' help us get things done?Understood 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
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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.
How does ADHD medication work? Is it addictive? If you think you might have ADHD or were recently diagnosed, find out what you need to know about ADHD medication, like how to tell if you’re taking too much or too little.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction
(00:51) How does ADHD medication work?
(03:39) Does everyone with ADHD need medication?
(04:21) How can medication help manage ADHD symptoms?
(06:05) What are the limitations of ADHD medication?
(06:50) Is ADHD medication addictive?
(08:26) Will ADHD medication turn me into a zombie?
(09:41) How can I tell if I’m not taking enough ADHD medication?
(10:31) What do I need to know about possible side effects of ADHD medication?
(12:25) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits
Related resources:
How ADHD medication works in the brainADHD medication side effectsStudy finds that ADHD medication reduces risk of drug use for people with ADHDIs it really ADHD?Understood 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
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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.
The wait time may be shorter, but is online ADHD diagnosis accurate? And can it help you get ADHD treatment? In this episode of Understood Explains, learn the pros and cons of ADHD online diagnosis and get answers to common questions.
For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood.
Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction
(00:49) What are online ADHD diagnoses?
(02:53) Is online ADHD diagnosis legit?
(06:16) Does online ADHD testing cost a lot less than conventional testing?
(07:18) Any other concerns about online ADHD diagnosis?
(09:05) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits
Related resources
How to get a free or low-cost private evaluationBiden Proposal Would Ban Online Prescribing of Certain Drugs (Published 2023)Telling ADHD and Bipolar Disorder ApartUnderstood 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
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