The U.S. Department of Education makes sure federal education laws are followed. It allocates funds to help schools provide special education programs. And it ensures that schools follow rules that protect students’ rights and give all students a fair chance at learning.

Find out how federal funding supports special education programs. And learn what to do if your child’s school isn’t providing support.

Related resources

• What does the Department of Education do for special education?
• The teacher isn’t following my child’s IEP. What can I do?
• What to include in a state complaint for IEP dispute resolution

Timestamps

(00:53) What the department does not do for special education

(2:47) How the department oversees special education

(06:23) How the department protects students’ rights

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org.

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org 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

When a child seems sad, anxious, or distant, it can be hard to know how to help. But learning how to recognize signs like changes in mood, sleep, or behavior is a great first step.

Karen Wilson, PhD, joins the show to break down the connection between mental health and kids with learning and thinking differences. Find out how learning challenges can cause feelings of anxiety or depression. And get tips on how to support your child through tough times.

Related resources

• Typical sadness or depression? How to tell the difference in your child
• Signs of depression at different ages
• ADHD and depression
• Signs of anxiety in young kids
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Timestamps

(01:02) The relationship between learning disabilities and feeling depressed

(06:18) How to recognize signs of depression and anxiety in kids

(15:15) Support for managing feelings of depression and anxiety

For a transcript and more resources, visit the Opportunity Gap page on Understood.org.

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org 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

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.

Dyslexia is a common learning and thinking difference that makes it difficult for kids to read and process words. And in communities of color, these challenges are often missed for many reasons. Lack of teacher training and limited access to early testing are just a few examples.

In this episode, we talk to Shaquala Holmes, MEd. Shaquala has spent her career helping students become better readers. Listen as she breaks down what can happen when dyslexia isn’t diagnosed early and why testing matters. Then find out how parents can support their children at home and in school.

Related resources

• Dyslexia
• Signs of dyslexia at different ages

Timestamps

(00:55) How dyslexia affects students in the classroom

(03:47) What can happen if dyslexia is left undiagnosed

(07:38) Next steps after a dyslexia diagnosis

(11:52) How parents can support their child with dyslexia

For a transcript and more resources, visit our episode page on Understood.org.

We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.

Understood.org 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