 It’s a dreaded (and hurtful) question that families get asked too often: “Is ADHD even real?” Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright hear from parents of kids with ADHD who’ve muddled through explaining their child’s attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity issues to family and friends. And they hear from expert Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D, about the brain science behind ADHD.   Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast   Copyright © 2019 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

In It: Raising Kids with Learning and Attention Issues

Ep. 2: How We Deal With “Is ADHD Real?”

Tantrums and meltdowns can look very similar, especially when a child is in the middle of having one. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham break down the differences and hear directly from kids who share what meltdowns feel like to them. Then hear from mom Amanda LaFond about recognizing—and managing—her son’s meltdowns. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more and connect with other families who are “In It”: u.org/podcast Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Tantrum...or Meltdown

What are the unique challenges black families face when it comes to having kids with ADHD? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with Dr. Tumaini Coker, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and director of research at Seattle Children’s Center for Diversity and Health Equity, about her unique perspective as a researcher, pediatrician, and mom to twin boys with ADHD.  Then, hear from a college student, Xavier, about how his ADHD diagnosis shaped who he is today. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

ADHD in Kids of Color: “In It” With Dr. Tumaini Coker

 In an article for the New York Times, Andrew Solomon wrote, “The fact that you wouldn’t have chosen something doesn’t mean you can’t find joyful meaning in it.”  In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from families about the (sometimes unexpected) ways that joy creeps into everyday life—even on the most challenging days. From learning to ride a bike (as an adult!) to making fart noises at the dinner table, this is how families with kids who learn and think differently make it through. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

This Is How We Make It Through

ADHD is just as common in girls as it is in boys. So why are girls diagnosed less often? And why do signs of ADHD in girls tend to get overlooked? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham hear from parents who initially missed signs of ADHD in their daughters.  They also hear from a fellow Understood team member about being diagnosed with ADHD when she was 30—and how it changed her perception of herself.   Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

ADHD in Girls: Overlooked?

Parents rarely admit it, but sometimes our kids are hard to like. As much as we love our children, they don’t always act in ways that match our expectations. In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham talk about how having trouble connecting with your child is a perfectly normal part of parenting. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

When Your Kid Is Hard to Like

Is it ever OK to let your child fail? It can be difficult to see your child try something and fail. But sometimes FAIL stands for “First Attempt At Learning.” In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham speak with a mom, Meg, about how her son declined his IEP, allowing him to step back and learn from his failures. Meg also talks about the difference between being accountable for your mistakes and being at fault for them. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Why Let Your Child Fail?

What’s it like to be a dad who’s “In It”? In this episode, hosts Amanda Morin and Bob Cunningham take a moment to hear from and celebrate dads of kids who learn and think differently. Find out how some dads are treated differently than moms (and by moms). We also hear from Khalil, a dad with dyslexia, on how he’s parenting differently than his father did. Understood is dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work. Learn more about “In It” at u.org/podcast. Copyright © 2020 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Let’s Hear From the Dads

 Twice-exceptional (or “2E”) kids have learning or attention issues AND are gifted. In this last episode of Season 1, Lexi and Amanda speak with guests Penny Williams, a parenting trainer and coach, and Debbie Reber, author and creator of TiLT Parenting, about the unique challenges of meeting the needs of 2E children. For these moms, their kids' giftedness doesn't make things easier—it adds a layer of complexity.   PLEASE TAKE OUR SEASON 1 LISTENER SURVEY: u.org/podcast   Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast    Copyright © 2019 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Ep. 6: When Gifted Kids Need Accommodations, Too

 When does being “bad at math” mean something more? For Lily, a Missouri teen with dyscalculia, math struggles go a lot further than math class. On this episode, we go inside Lily’s world and experience the unexpected challenges that pop up because of her math learning disability. Amanda and Lexi talk with expert Daniel Ansari about why dyscalculia is underdiagnosed. And they hear from parents who called in to share what math challenges are like in their family.   Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast   Copyright © 2019 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Ep. 5: Dyscalculia, More Than “Bad at Math”

 Who do you tell? When? Telling people your child has ADHD, dyslexia or other learning issues is a big, complicated decision. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright talk with families whose experiences range from triumphant to cautionary. Gimlet Media’s Wilson Standish shares why he’s still cautious about disclosing. And expert Manju Banerjee explains how to pass the disclosure torch to your young adult child.   Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast   Copyright © 2019 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved.

Ep. 4: To Disclose…or Not?

It’s scary—in the moment and even recalling it years later. Reading out loud in front of a group when you have dyslexia can be legitimately awful. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into this fear with a mom whose son stumbled over reading his own name in front of his class. They hear from other parents, too, and hockey champion Brent Sopel. Expert Bob Cunningham also weighs in with insight on whether kids really do need to read out loud, and how to make the experience better for kids who struggle with reading.   Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast   Copyright © 2019 Understood.org USA LLC. All rights reserved. 

Ep. 3: The Legit Fear Behind “Please Don’t Call On Me to Read”

On this first episode of In It, hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into why emotions tend to run high IEP meetings. They talk with comedian Dena Blizzard about her (very) public reaction to a disappointing IEP meeting. They hear from other parents who gotten emotional when discussing the needs of their kids struggling in school. And they also connect with expert Mark Griffin, Ph.D., about what’s at stake during these meetings. Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues. Learn more and connect with other families who are In It: u.org/podcast

Ep. 1: Why We Cry In IEP Meetings

Meet hosts Lexi Walters Wright and Amanda Morin of Understood for Parents, and listen to families with kids struggling with reading, math, attention, and focus. 

Welcome to In It

Discover In It, a podcast for and about families of kids with learning and attention issues from Understood for Parents. Hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright talk with families of kids with learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing issues and dyscalculia—as well as struggles with reading, math, focus, executive functioning, motor and social skills. We also speak with experts who offer support and practical advice. Parenting children with learning and attention issues can be an emotional and frustrating adventure. But, as we’ll remind listeners on each episode, you’re in good company along the way. We hope our show will make you nod your head in agreement—or at the very least, remind you you’re not alone. Understood is a free resource and online community for parents of kids with learning and attention issues.