In this final episode of In It, we talk with Jessica Shaw, who’s launching a new podcast called TBD — it’s about the beautiful roller coaster that is parenting neurodivergent kids.

As a mom to two teenage daughters, Jessica reflects on what she wishes she’d known earlier, what she’s learned along the way, and why finding a community of parents who truly get it can be life-changing.

To our audience: We’ve loved every minute of making this show. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for being part of this beautiful community.

We’re so grateful you’ve been in it with us.

For more on this topic:

• Read: How to find your parent support network
• Read: Asking friends and family for help

Timestamps:

(06:30) Why a community of parents who get it is so important

(09:03) Managing your child’s care with a co-parent

(15:30) An actually helpful bit of parenting advice

(24:32) Gretchen and Rachel’s biggest takeaways from In It

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

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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.

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.