Understood Explains

Jun 12 2024 36 ep. 15 mins 58

Understood Explains Podcast artwork

Navigating ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning and thinking differences can be confusing. Understood Explains unpacks one important topic each season. From special education for kids to ADHD diagnosis for adults, get insights from the experts at Understood.org.

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IEPs: Getting emotional at IEP meetings

Jun 12 2024 14 mins

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 i

IEPs: For younger kids and older kids

Jun 05 2024 14 mins

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 �

IEPs: English language learners and IEPs

May 29 2024 13 mins

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 tim

IEPs: Resolving IEP disputes

May 22 2024 14 mins

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 option 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 advocate

IEPs: How IEPs can help with behavior challenges

May 15 2024 12 mins

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

IEPs: Setting IEP goals

May 08 2024 14 mins

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 parent

IEPs: How to prepare for IEP meetings

May 01 2024 14 mins

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

IEPs: Special education terms and your legal rights

Apr 24 2024 13 mins

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

IEPs: The 13 disability categories

Apr 17 2024 13 mins

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.”

IEPs: How do kids qualify for IEPs?

Apr 10 2024 10 mins

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 chi