Episodios

  • Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling Tips

    Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland's Approach and Homeschooling Tips
    Oct 3 2024

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    Connect with Sarah Collins

    • Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
    • Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
    • Visit the Homeschool OT Website

    In this episode, we explore the unique challenges and triumphs that come with teaching dyslexic kids at home. We'll discuss effective strategies like the use of assistive technology and the Orton-Gillingham approach, as well as the critical balance between accommodation and remediation. Marianne shares her insights on why listening to books can be beneficial, how reading development surges around middle school, and the importance of continued reading practice beyond the early grades.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Marianne's Background as a homeschooling parent, dyslexia advocate
    • Learned about dyslexia along the way
    • Certified as an Orton-Gillingham dyslexia tutor
    • Overcame misinformation and myths
    • Six of seven dyslexic children graduated without traditional education paths
    • Understanding Dyslexia as a neurological issue, not vision-related
    • Dyslexia Strengths include big-picture thinking, entrepreneurial skills
    • Homeschooling Benefits include: customized pace, avoids school system limitations
    • Encourages curiosity, strengthens parent-child bonds
    • Tools and Strategies for Dyslexia
      • Decoding vs. Encoding: Easier to read than spell
      • Assistive Technology: Supports spelling delays and intellectual work level
      • Listening to Books: Enhances sentence structure, vocabulary
      • Assistive Tools: Speech-to-text, typing, reading apps
      • Middle School Development: Brain progress boosts reading ability
      • Continued Practice and Remediation: Integrate assistive tech with traditional methods
    • Vision Issues as related to dyslexia
    • Visual issues affect intake, not processing
    • Importance of reputable vision therapists
    • Dyslexia Signs and Symptoms can include delayed speech, shape/color difficulty, letter sounds, ADHD correlation (40-60%)
    • Orton-Gillingham Approach includes: multi-sensory, explicit, systematic teaching method
    • Home-friendly programs with consistent review
    • The Homeschooling Challenges of rigorous high school requirements
    • Advantage of Community College: Boost skills, affordability, at-home living

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Why Homeschool a Student with Dyslexia?
    • Homeschooling With Dyslexia on Facebook
    • Homeschooling with Dyslexia- Pride Reading
    • Episode 17- Neuroaffirming Homeschool Environments: A Guide with Keisha Berry
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    36 m
  • Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support

    Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support
    Sep 26 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website --- In this episode, I'm joined by two friends, Trish and Julie to talk about the world of self-care, sensory regulation, and the intricate dynamics of homeschooling during crises. Both have homeschooled through crisis and we are lucky to have them joining us to share their experiences today. Trish will share how she finds peace and balance through nature and faith while navigating her family's needs during her husband's health battles. Julie opens up about her journey with chronic illnesses, sensory overload, and the innovative ways she adapts her self-care rituals to maintain balance. I'll also share how understanding the vagus nerve can enhance our self-regulation practices. In this episode you'll hear about: Homeschooling through crises and maintaining balance.Trish's Approach to Peace and BalanceImportance of spending time in nature.Engaging with her faith as a self-care practice.Role of the vagus nerve in regulating the body's responses.Trish’s intuitive self-care practices.Julie's Struggles with Neurological IssuesAdapting self-care rituals to cope with changes in mobility.Managing sensory overload and its sensations.Julie’s Sensory Overload ManagementLearning to advocate for oneself over time.Meeting Sensory Needs within a Family UnitJulie's solutions for balancing her needs and her children's.Using To-Do Lists to Regulate AnxietySense of control during homeschooling and crises.Completing tasks like going to the DMV during upheaval.Staying calm and maintaining a positive attitude.Crises revealing core values and what truly matters.Julie's Challenges with Invisible Illnesses & difficulty in explaining symptoms.The husband’s role in tracking symptoms using a calendar.My suggestions for children struggling with interoception.Teamwork in Managing IllnessJulie’s use of verbal processing.Impact of Family Needs on Trish’s RegulationFamily's needs for touch and conversation.Strategies to stay regulated.Coping with Husband’s Health ConditionsBalancing family needs during crises.Maintaining structure and support during upheaval.Chronic illnesses and their impact on homeschooling and family life including multiple miscarriages, celiac disease, and neurological issues.Explanation of co-regulation and impact of nervous system reactions.Supportive community's role in thriving despite chronic illness.Transition to survival mode during husband’s brain cancer diagnosis.Homeschool routine centered around family and faith after diagnosis.Emphasize the importance of self-regulation, community support, family balance, and faith during crises. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Homeschool Focus GroupWhat is The Polyvagal Theory?Homeschooling Through GriefHomeschooling Through Trauma Online Webinar: Trauma-Sensitive HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
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    38 m
  • Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents

    Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
    Sep 19 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! In this episode, Dr. Roseann and I explore the importance of moving beyond clinical labels to understand under and overstimulation signs such as unfocused behavior, memory issues, and emotional irritability. Dr. Roseann emphasizes the critical role of parental self-regulation in supporting children, discusses her disapproval of psychiatric medication as a frontline treatment, and advocates for alternative, empowering interventions. Join us as we discuss the significance of a holistic, 360-degree approach to identifying and addressing behavioral issues, the power of breathwork, practical solutions for sensory and nutritional challenges, and the essential need for individualized therapy. We also highlight the importance of consistent parental reinforcement and the complexity of catering to neurodivergent children's unique needs. Don't miss this discussion packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for parents and caregivers. In this episode you'll hear about: Nervous System Dysregulation in ChildrenImpact on Behavior including: Unfocused behavior, Memory issues, Emotional irritability, Sensory defensivenessApproaching Behaviors without Clinical LabelsAddressing dysregulated behaviors instead of focusing on labelsHighlighting bio-individual nature of children’s behaviorParental Self-RegulationImportance of parental consistency and reinforcementManaging critical language and personal triggersTransitioning from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state through breathworkEnvironmental changes to create a calmer mealtime atmosphereAlternative Interventions over MedicationAddressing parents’ resistance to psychiatric medicationSeeking alternative interventions for dysregulation in children with autismEarly intervention with multiple approachesEmpowering parents with individualized therapyObserving and Understanding Children’s BehaviorImportance of consistent observationIdentifying and understanding antecedents before addressing behaviorsObserving the underlying reasons for children's behaviorNutritional and Sensory FactorsSensory issues and nutrient deficienciesImpact of picky eating on the nervous systemIntroducing a variety of nutritious foodsCooking with kids to improve their relationship with foodSeeking Expert HelpConducting brain scans to understand nervous system activityAccessing practical solutions and resources on Dr. Roseann’s website and podcastImportance of seeking personalized expert support for neurodivergent children Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Homeschool Focus GroupAutism, Meltdowns, and the Struggle to Manage EmotionsDr Roseann, Calm Brain, Happy Family Connect with our Guest, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Dr. Roseann stands as a mental health pioneer, media persona, and the architect of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann, LLC. She's committed to altering mental health perceptions and interventions, offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain. Her BrainBehaviorReset® Program and It’s Gonna be OK!™ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands facing daunting challenges such as PANS/PANDAS, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD/executive functioning, significantly bettering the lives of children and families. Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website
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    35 m
  • Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents

    Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
    Sep 12 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Whitney Whitten and I talk about the concept of co-regulation, discussing how parents can influence their children's state of regulation through purposeful actions and words. We share many practical tips for self-regulation, like using earplugs to manage overstimulation or engaging in calming oral activities like chewing gum. Whitney also shares valuable resources available from Sensational Moms, highlighting the importance of being a regulated and peaceful presence for children. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance on handling dysregulated moments or a homeschooling mom seeking strategies to balance busy schedules, this episode is packed with insights and tips. --- In this episode you'll hear about: Whitney’s journey as a homeschooling mother of four.Comparison of challenges between traditional school car lines and homeschooling hardships.Planning schedules for homeschooling and the flexibility it demands.Explanation of co-regulation and its importance.Influence of parents on children’s state of regulation.Examples of purposeful actions and words for co-regulation.Self-regulation for Parents and ChildrenImportance of parents being regulated themselves.Tips for recognizing states of regulation and dysregulation.Role of connection and flexible mindset in defining good moments as a parent.Safe Spots and Calming TechniquesFinding safe spots for parents and children when feeling unsafe.Recommendations for dealing with overstimulation or overwhelm: Leaning against a wall, Using earplugs.Oral input techniques: using a straw, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy.Balancing busy schedules while prioritizing needs and being present with children.Importance of self-awareness and adaptability in structuring the homeschool day.Being mindful of optimal alertness patterns for both parent and child.Modeling and Practicing Self-regulationModeling self-regulation to children.Using scripts to communicate the need for a break during stressful situations.Preparing and practicing self-regulation strategies with children.Day-to-Day Integration of Self-Regulation TechniquesIncorporating self-regulation techniques in day-to-day conversations.Handling both positive and negative emotions via curiosity and self-awareness.Addressing Dysregulated MomentsApproaches for handling dysregulated moments in children.Significance of self-compassion and planning for dysregulated instances.Activities for managing dysregulation: Muscle engagement, Breath work.Various ways for mothers to practice self-regulation: Finding a safe place, Engaging in calming physical activities, Handling Physical AggressionPotential for physical aggression in dysregulated states.Importance of channeling calming techniques appropriately. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OTWhat is co-regulation in relationships? 6 Tips to Coregulation in ParentingEpisode 29: Co-Regulation and Parenting: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections Free self-regulation tools for momsSensational Moms WebsiteFollow Sensational Moms on InstagramJoin the Sensational Moms Facebook Group Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website Connect with our Guest, Whitney Whitten Whitney is a pediatric occupational therapist turned homeschool mom who coaches touched out, talked out homeschool moms dealing with sensory overwhelm. She combines her personal experience and expertise in the nervous system with each moms' own wisdom to help them find connection and fulfillment in motherhood.
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    35 m
  • Parenting with Co-Regulation

    Parenting with Co-Regulation
    Sep 5 2024

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    In this episode my guest, Gigi Vincent, delves into her role as a homeschooling mom and postpartum doula, emphasizing self-regulation and personal growth as vital components of co-regulating with children. She shares practical tips on preparing children for challenging activities, recognizing and eliminating triggers, and modeling emotional regulation. We also explore the delicate balance of parenting, co-regulation, and the importance of understanding and responding to both your own and your children's emotional needs.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Getting Babies on a Schedule and Sleeping Through the Night
    • Common concerns from parents about schedules
    • Importance of understanding and responding to babies' communication
    • Holding babies for naps and establishing close physical connections
    • Asking for help and using carriers to take breaks from holding
    • Calming a parent's nervous system through heavy work and proprioception
    • The importance of self-regulation for effective co-regulation with children
    • Eliminating triggers and preparing children for challenging activities
    • Importance of observing, communicating, and modeling self-regulation
    • Seeking therapy and using self-soothing techniques (e.g., deep breathing, singing)
    • Understanding children's triggers, narrating their feelings, and allowing choices
    • Communicating and modeling feelings
    • Setting timers and monitoring children's environment for triggers (TV shows, toys)
    • Using declarative language for transitions
    • Importance of meeting basic needs as self-care for new parents
    • Defining and finding self-identity amidst parenting and homeschooling challenges
    • Importance of Social Interaction and Personal Interests
    • Beyond basic needs: social interaction and personal interests for self-care
    • Mindset shifts post major life changes (e.g., having a baby)
    • Self-care, co-regulation, and transforming to support children better
    • Creating a calming presence for children's safety
    • Equipping children with emotional regulation skills from personal experiences
    • The significance of relationships in parenting
    • Helping parents attune to their babies and understand infant behavior as a doula
    • Self-care and journaling as crucial resources

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Sensory Regulation Tips for Parents
    • Sensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OT
    • The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
    • How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
    • Co-Regulation as a Tool for Fostering the Development of Self-Regulation Skills
    • The Power of Co-Regulation and Interoception
    • Episode 13 Beyond the Five Senses: Understanding Your Child's Interoceptive World with Cara Kosinski

    Connect with our Guest, Gigi Vincent

    Gigi Vincent is a postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and lactation educator committed to shifting the disparity between the amount of focus most families place on birth versus preparing for the fourth trimester and the parenting years. Gigi is a homeschooling parent to three amazing children, and she loves to work with parents as they find their way to thrive.
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    42 m
  • Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity

    Bonus Episode: Ask the OT about Impulsivity
    Aug 29 2024

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    In the BONUS episode, I'm answering your questions about response inhibition—an essential executive functioning skill often seen in terms of impulsivity or impulsive behaviors. Drawing insights from our previous 4 episodes, we'll explore practical ways to support your child’s development in this area.

    Whether it's handling sensory-seeking behaviors like hitting or pinching, or addressing the impulsivity in schoolwork, I've got you covered. We'll delve into strategies, environmental adaptations, and activities to help build these crucial skills.

    Plus, stay tuned for tips on incorporating heavy work into your child's routine and how to match your expectations to their abilities. So grab your headphones, and let's dive into this journey of discovery together!

    Links and Resources From Today's Show
    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Board Games to Teach Executive Functioning
    • Executive Functioning Group from Homeschool OT
    • Reverse Planning Guide for Homeschool Families
    • The OT is IN Membership
    • Episode 25- Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's Development
    • Episode 26- Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in Mind
    • Episode 27- Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
    • Episode 28- Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development

    Connect with Sarah Collins

    • Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
    • Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
    • Visit the Homeschool OT Website
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    17 m
  • Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development

    Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development
    Aug 22 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- As a parent, it can be scary to let your children engage in activities that seem dangerous, like climbing trees, riding bikes, or playing rough. But research shows that taking age-appropriate risks through play is actually crucial for children's development - physically, cognitively and emotionally. When we talk about "risky play", we don't mean putting kids in harm's way. Rather, it's about giving them opportunities to test their limits, problem-solve, and build confidence in a relatively safe environment with adult support and supervision. Risky play helps kids develop important skills like risk assessment, body awareness, and emotional self-regulation. But where do we draw the line between healthy risk-taking and dangerous behavior? How can we scaffold risky play experiences so kids progress at an appropriate pace? And what role should we play as parents and caregivers? Whether your child is cautious by nature or an impulsive daredevil, I hope this episode will give you a new perspective on letting kids take risks through play. Let's jump in! In this episode you'll hear about: Executive Functioning Definition: skills required to start, persist, and complete tasksImportance in daily functioning and personal growthResponse inhibition (impulsivity) and its development in childrenRole in safety evaluation and decision-makingRisky Play as defined by the Canadian Pediatric SocietyEight different types of risky play Playing at heightsplaying at speedplay involving toolsplay involving potentially dangerous elementsrough and tumble playplay with risk and disappearing or getting lostplay involving impactsvicarious play Progression of risky play (e.g., playing at height and speed)Importance of teaching children to recognize and evaluate potential dangersNeed for supervision and teaching response inhibitionGradual progression in allowing children to engage in risky playRisky Play vs. Dangerous PlayVaries from person to personFamilies need to evaluate it for themselvesPersonal examples (trampoline for gaga ball and games like Deadman)Benefits of Risky PlayPositive contribution to child development (e.g., response inhibition and emotional control)Vicarious play: watching others engage in risky play and modeling behaviorAccepting children's current skills while allowing for growth and developmentResources available through the homeschool OT communityStrategies for Supporting Risky PlayObservation, communication, and setting boundariesProviding opportunities for practice and evaluationSupporting and observing children's play, communicating openlyImplementing safety measures for various activities (e.g., bike riding, using tools, playing near fire)Adapting Risky Play for Different NeedsMulti-age play and accommodating different children's needsUsing walkie-talkies in games or providing spaces for safe impact activitiesDeveloping children's sensory input, body awareness, and executive functioning skills while maintaining safety Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Board Games to Teach Executive FunctioningExecutive Functioning Group from Homeschool OTReverse Planning Guide for Homeschool FamiliesThe OT is IN MembershipLife in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the WorldSmart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their PotentialBalanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable ChildrenEight Types of Risky Play, Navigating the balance with injury preventionEpisode 12- Executive Functioning in Homeschooling: A Teenager's Experience with Organization and PlanningEpisode 25- Understanding Hippotherapy: Therapeutic Equestrian Activities for Children's DevelopmentEpisode 26- Sensory Safe Evacuation: Preparing for Emergencies with Kids' Sensory Needs in MindEpisode 27- Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
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    31 m
  • Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families

    Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families
    Aug 15 2024

    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out!

    ---

    In this episode, I sit down with Greta Eskridge, a second-generation homeschooler, former public high school teacher, and homeschooling mom of four. Greta is passionate about protecting children's innocence and combating the dangers of pornography in our increasingly digital world.

    Throughout the episode, Greta shares her expertise on the importance of open communication with children about online safety, setting strict rules for internet use, and providing engaging alternatives to screen time. She discusses the alarming statistics surrounding children's exposure to pornography, with the average age of first exposure being around eleven years old, and emphasizes the need for parental vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from accidental exposure.

    Join us as we delve into this critical topic and learn how parents can work together to keep their children safe, preserve their innocence, and cultivate meaningful connections in an increasingly digital age.

    In this episode you'll hear about:

    • Greta's expertise in protecting children's innocence and combating pornography
    • The importance of protecting children's innocence
    • Increasing accessibility of the internet and risks of early exposure to pornography
    • The average age for first exposure to pornography is around eleven or younger
    • Addressing accidental exposure and consequences of repeated exposure
    • Children with self-control struggles are particularly vulnerable
    • Strategies for protecting children
    • Having honest conversations with children about pornography
    • Encouraging children to seek a trusted adult when feeling curious or uncertain
    • Redirecting children's responses and occupying their time with alternative activities
    • Making non-screen activities attractive
    • Creating enjoyable experiences with snacks and outdoor reading
    • Online gaming risks
    • Exposure to pornography and sexual predators while playing online video games
    • The need for parental vigilance and setting strict rules
    • Using a router to protect children under twelve from accidental exposure to pornography
    • Resources for parents seeking tech help and guidance on discussing pornography with children
    • Parents are not alone in addressing these issues

    Links and Resources From Today's Show

    • Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
    • Board Games to Teach Executive Functioning
    • Executive Functioning Group from Homeschool OT
    • Protect Young Eyes Website
    • Decision-making and Executive Functions in Problematic Pornography Use
    • 10 Amazing Resources for Talking to Kids About Porn
    • Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids Book
    • How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography Book
    • Episode 11- Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Amy Bodkin
    • Episode 15- From Morning to Night: Incorporating Emotional Learning in Homeschool with Elizabeth Sautter
    • Episode 19- Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children and Relationships with Victoria Dunckle
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    32 m