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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Understood.org, Julian Saavedra
ADHD
Dyslexia
Learning Differences
Special Education
Education
Parenting
Education System
Learning Disabilities
Parenting Strategies
Anxiety
Educational Support
Literacy
Early Intervention
Literacy Development
Black and Brown Communities
Child Development
School Year Preparation
Dyscalculia
Opportunity Gap
Community Support

Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more ch... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes102Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyEducation for KidsParenting

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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Latest Episodes

Most families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended school year services, built-in training for parents a... more

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In this episode, we explore why play matters for focus, social skills, and emotional regulati... more

If your child has ADHD, you may wonder how eating affects their focus at school. The answer isn’t about perfect meals or strict rules.

In this episode, host Julian Saavedra talks with registered dietitians Elizabeth Davenport and Anna Lutz about how... more

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Schools don’t always get everything right. But many are doing amazing work every day!

In this episode, we explore how educators are helping kids thrive and succeed in the classroom. Discover how technology, assistive tools, social-emotional learning... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Stephanie Delussie
Special education teacher and author of The Intentional IEP
Author of The Intentional IEP
Episode: 3 hidden IEP benefits every parent should know
Elizabeth Davenport
Dietitian at Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Episode: ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Anna Lutz
Dietitian at Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Episode: ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Nanika Coor
Family therapist based in Brooklyn, host of Project Parenthood
Brooklyn-based family therapist
Episode: Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix it
Camila de O'Neese
Therapist and mom living in New York City
Episode: Introducing Everyone Gets a Juice Box
Danielle Ward
Parent advocate and founder of Encompass Parent Solutions
Encompass Parent Solutions
Episode: Top 5 IEP meeting tips from a parent advocate
Dr. Julie Mayring
Middle school director and psychologist
Episode: Phone-free classrooms: What happens when devices disappear
Meghan Whittaker
Former Chief of Staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Episode: Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained
Ray Jacobson
Journalist and host of Understood's Hyperfocus podcast
Understood.org
Episode: Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained

Host

Julian Saavedra
Assistant principal with over 20 years of experience; frequently hosts and steers conversations on opportunity gaps and education systems.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 40 ratings
  • Great topics, great tips, great host!

    Julian is a great host—I love this show! Great topics, great guests, great tips, and did I mention I love the host?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ice-wings🐾🐲🌌
    United States3 years ago
  • Thoughtful podcast on important issues

    This podcast is one of a kind — specifically focusing on the intersection of race and learning disabilities/ADHD, which often gets overlooked in schools. The host is honest, relatable, and informative. The guests always add great perspective. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to become more knowledgable on these issues.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nyrkim
    United States4 years ago
  • Really great show

    Love the hosts and how candid they are. I really appreciate the perspective they bring. Required listening for all teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BK77534
    United States4 years ago
  • Bold and exciting

    Hearing someone finally asking the tough questions families face when it comes to differences like race and school choice is refreshing. Knowing the gap exists is common, reckoning with what this means for parents and their kids with disabilities — is bold!! Bravo!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JS44419
    United States4 years ago
  • Honest and thought-provoking

    Julian and Marissa engage in thoughtful conversations and use their own experiences as teachers and parents to discuss some of the joys and challenges of raising kids of color with learning differences. This is a great resource for families and teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beth5750
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Hosts bring candid, relatable perspectives grounded in classroom and family experiences.
Required listening for teachers and parents navigating differences in learning.
Bold and timely coverage of race, learning differences, and school choice.
Honest and thoughtful discussions that balance research with lived experience.
Clear, data-driven conversations that connect policy to real families.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Q: What should you feed your child at breakfast to support focus when they might not feel like eating?
Offer flexible options that the child will eat, prioritizing protein, fats, and carbohydrates; smoothies, soups, or drinkable yogurts can help when appetite is low.
ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Q: First question, in your practice, do you all see a lot of parents who have kids with ADHD?
Yes, many families report concerns about meals, breakfast intake, and appetite changes related to ADHD meds; nutrition strategies are used to support focus and growth.
Do kids really need homework?
Q: How do you talk to your child's teacher about homework struggles?
Be specific about the struggles you've noticed, like excessive time spent or frustration with homework.
How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD
Q: What are some specific strategies that a parent can do to start managing some of this anxiety and ADHD together when it's impacting behavior?
Parents should ask specific questions about their child's day and feelings, focusing on behaviors rather than using terms like anxiety or trigger, to elicit responses and understanding.
How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD
Q: What kinds of behaviors might be misinterpreted in students with ADHD and anxiety?
Acting out behaviors like talking back, leaving the classroom, and refusing to work may be misinterpreted as defiance, while they might actually be driven by anxiety.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A show that centers families navigating special education, focusing on how race, disability, and access shape a child's learning journey. Episodes cover parenting strategies, advocacy, IEPs, school policies, dyslexia and other learning differences, and practical steps to collaborate with educators. Notable are data-driven discussions, real-world stories, and accessible guidance aimed at empowering parents, teachers, and advocates to secure equitable support for kids of color and those with learning or thinking differences.

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How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 4 years ago and published 102 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Stephanie Delussie
2. Elizabeth Davenport
3. Anna Lutz
4. Nanika Coor
5. Camila de O'Neese
6. Danielle Ward
7. Dr. Julie Mayring
8. Meghan Whittaker

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