A new podcast has launched to help parents raising children with learning and thinking differences connect with others facing similar challenges.
Nonprofit organisation Understood.org has launched Everyone Gets a Juice Box, hosted by NYT journalist and radio presenter Jessica Shaw.
The ad free video podcast features conversations with parents raising children who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and OCD.
The series focuses on the realities families face when children learn and think differently. Topics include navigating misdiagnosis, advocating for support in schools and managing multiple diagnoses.
Research cited by Understood.org shows that four in five parents of children with learning and thinking differences worry about how those challenges could affect their child’s future success.
Studies also suggest parents in these situations may experience higher levels of guilt and depression compared with those raising neurotypical children.
Through interviews with parents, many of whom work as educators, coaches or doctors, the podcast explores how families approach those pressures and where they find support.
Jessica Shaw said the series was created to provide a place where parents can speak openly about experiences that are often difficult to discuss.
“I know from experience how lonely this journey can feel. The overwhelm, self-doubt and guilt we experience as parents is so much worse when we hold it in and try to navigate it alone,” she said.
Jessica added that she hopes the conversations help listeners feel supported and less isolated as they work through challenges with their children.
“I hope that my conversations with parents help people feel less alone and more confident, and meet them where they are, judgment free.”
Laura Key, vice president of content strategy at Understood.org, said the organisation wants the podcast to show parents that others have faced similar situations and can share their knowledge.
“Our goal is to show them that there’s a whole community of parents who’ve been there,” Laura said.
Episodes address issues such as parenting regrets, burnout and the pressures of advocating for children in education systems that are not always designed for neurodivergent needs.
Everyone Gets a Juice Box is available on major podcast platforms and through Understood.org.
