When a teacher says your child is “too smart” for special education services, it doesn’t feel like a compliment — it’s more like a roadblock!

Parent advocate Danielle Ward joins us to unpack what this response often means and how it might signal twice exceptionality, where giftedness masks real struggles.

She shares practical strategies for moving forward when the system says “no,” even when your child clearly needs support.

We also break down what legally qualifies a student for an IEP, when a 504 plan might be a helpful tool, and how to push through to get your child the support they need.

For more on this topic:

• Listen: IEPs: The difference between IEPs and 504 plans
• Read: All about twice-exceptional students
• Book: Differently Wired Kids, by Debbie Reber (TILT Parenting)
• Resource: School Avoidance Alliance

Timestamps:

(05:00) What is 2E (twice exceptionality)?

(09:20) Who is legally eligible for an IEP?

(13:04) How 504 plans can support your child

(18:47) Understanding academic vs. educational impact

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mornings can be chaos, especially when neurodivergence is part of the mix — for your kids or for you. This week, we’re joined by Jon Zeitlin from HabitCoach, who’s been in the thick of it. Jon and his son both have ADHD, so they’ve had to build routines that work for brains like theirs. Spoiler: It starts the night before.

HabitCoach helps neurodivergent kids build lasting habits through personalized coaching. Check them out!

• 8 ways to make school morning routines easier
• For neurodivergent parents: Podcast “Tips from an ADHD Coach” on finding your morning momentum
• Download: Picture schedules for daily routines

(06:17) What’s on your morning to-do list?
(08:37) Why is the morning routine harder for kids with ADHD or executive function challenges?
(15:51) Strategies to make mornings easier

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at init@understood.org.

Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.”

Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?

For more on this topic

• Opportunity Gap: Supporting confidence in kids
• How to rebuild self-esteem in the new school year
• What to say when kids are hard on themselves

Timestamps

(02:50) How parents can respond to negative self-talk

(06:08) What not to say to your child

(14:30) Modeling positive affirmations at home

For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org.

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

Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.