In this solo episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene continues his two-part series on behaviors and emotional regulation by focusing on how parents can respond to meltdowns with calmness, compassion, and connection.

Brian explains why behaviors are forms of communication and discusses the importance of looking beyond the behavior itself to understand what may be triggering a child's emotional response. He shares practical strategies for investigating triggers, remaining calm during difficult moments, and teaching alternative responses in ways that reduce shame and build emotional safety.

Families will also learn how sensory experiences, transitions, communication challenges, and interoception difficulties can contribute to meltdowns. Throughout the episode, Brian provides real-life examples of how parents can respond with curiosity, flexibility, and support while still maintaining boundaries.

This episode offers practical tools for helping neurodivergent children feel safe, heard, and supported during emotionally overwhelming moments.

Topics Covered

• Why behaviors are forms of communication • Responding to meltdowns with calmness and compassion • Investigating triggers behind behaviors • Sensory overload and emotional regulation • Interoception and understanding body signals • Teaching replacement behaviors and safer responses • Reducing shame during difficult moments • Providing choices and maintaining boundaries

Memorable Quote

"If your kids feel safe, they're more likely to open up and communicate."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

In this solo episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene begins a two-part series focused on understanding and preventing meltdowns in neurodivergent children.

Brian explains why meltdowns often happen when children feel overwhelmed, powerless, or unsupported by their environment. He discusses how routines, visual schedules, calendars, checklists, timers, and countdowns can help children feel safer, more prepared, and more emotionally regulated throughout the day.

This episode also explores why predictability and collaboration matter so much for autistic children, especially during transitions, new experiences, or sensory-heavy environments. Brian provides practical examples families can immediately begin using at home to reduce stress and support smoother transitions.

This conversation offers parent-friendly tools designed to help children feel more empowered, understood, and emotionally supported while reducing unnecessary overwhelm.

Topics Covered

• Why meltdowns happen • Understanding overwhelm and emotional regulation • Creating routines for children • Using visual schedules and calendars • Preparing children for transitions and events • Supporting autonomy and collaboration • Visual timers and countdown strategies • Reducing stress through predictability and consistency

Memorable Quote

"We can reduce meltdowns by making sure our kids feel safe, empowered, and seen."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

What exactly does pediatric physical therapy help with, and how is it different from occupational therapy? In this episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with pediatric physical therapist Rhonda Schnabl about the role of physical therapy in supporting neurodivergent children and children with developmental differences.

Rhonda explains how physical therapists focus on movement, coordination, endurance, posture, balance, strength, and gross motor development across the lifespan. She also discusses common concerns she sees in autistic children, including toe walking, low muscle tone, poor endurance, balance difficulties, and coordination challenges.

Throughout the conversation, Rhonda shares practical examples of how physical therapists use play-based activities to help children build movement skills while supporting participation in everyday life. Families will also learn when to consider a PT evaluation and what signs may suggest a child could benefit from additional support.

This episode offers practical guidance for parents trying to better understand pediatric physical therapy and how it can support their child's development.

Topics Covered

• What pediatric physical therapy addresses • PT versus OT: understanding the differences • Toe walking and movement patterns • Balance, coordination, and endurance • Core strength and posture • Gross motor development in autistic children • Common signs a child may benefit from PT • Communicating with your child's physical therapist

Memorable Quote

"We consider ourselves movement experts."

About the Guest

Rhonda Schnabl is a pediatric physical therapist at Mile Markers Therapy in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She has worked as a physical therapist for over 20 years across multiple settings, including pediatric therapy, stroke rehabilitation, education, and developmental support services.

Resources Mentioned

Mile Markers Therapy

Little Steps shoe inserts

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support for neurodivergent children and families in Arizona.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

What exactly does occupational therapy help with, and how does it support autistic and neurodivergent children in everyday life? In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene breaks down the role of occupational therapy and explains how OTs support children through play, sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily routines, social participation, and life skills.

Brian explains that occupational therapists focus on helping children participate in meaningful everyday activities, which OTs refer to as "occupations." He walks families through the major areas occupational therapy may address, including sleep, play, self-care skills, social participation, school participation, executive functioning, sensory processing, and routines.

This episode also explores how occupational therapists evaluate children, collaborate with families, and create individualized interventions that support development while honoring each child's unique strengths and needs.

Families will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of what OT services may look like and how to maximize therapy support at home and within everyday routines.

Topics Covered

• What occupational therapy actually is • The eight major occupations OTs address • Sensory processing and emotional regulation • Social emotional development and communication • Executive functioning and coordination • Daily living skills and routines • Environmental adaptations and supports • How parents can collaborate with occupational therapists

Memorable Quote

"OTs do way more than just fine motor skills."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

The new year often brings pressure to set goals, improve routines, and "do better" as parents. But parenting neurodivergent children already requires an incredible amount of flexibility, patience, and emotional energy. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene shares three practical parenting resolutions designed to support both children and caregivers throughout the year.

Brian introduces the "Three C's" for families: connection, consistency, and compassion. He discusses how meaningful connection can strengthen relationships with children, why routines and predictability help reduce overwhelm, and how compassion for both children and caregivers can create healthier family dynamics.

This episode offers realistic, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that families can begin using immediately without needing to completely overhaul their lives or parenting approaches.

Families will leave this conversation with simple tools to help create more connection, emotional safety, and balance within everyday routines.

Topics Covered

• Building stronger connections with your child • Following your child's interests • Why routines and schedules matter • Preparing children for transitions and changes • Using social stories and visual supports • Practicing compassion for your child and yourself • Reducing pressure and comparison in parenting • Finding parenting support and community resources

Memorable Quote

"We are never going to be a perfect parent."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Parenting support groups

Parenting podcasts and educational resources

Social stories

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Sleep impacts nearly every part of a child's development, including attention, emotional regulation, learning, memory, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Yet many neurodivergent children struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling rested.

In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene discusses how sleep affects child development and shares practical, family-friendly strategies to improve sleep hygiene and bedtime routines for neurodivergent children.

Brian explains how sensory differences, stress levels, environmental factors, screen time, nutrition, and routines can all influence sleep quality. He also introduces a practical sleep journal tool families can use to identify patterns and better understand what may be helping or disrupting their child's sleep.

This episode offers supportive and realistic strategies families can begin implementing immediately to improve bedtime routines, reduce sleep disruptions, and support healthier regulation throughout the day.

Topics Covered

• Why sleep is important for child development • Sleep challenges in neurodivergent children • Sensory processing and sleep • Creating healthy sleep hygiene routines • Bedtime routines and environmental supports • Screen time and blue light effects • Nutrition and sleep quality • Using a sleep journal to identify patterns

Memorable Quote

"Sleep is one of the most important things we do every day and has the ability to impact every aspect of our lives."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Moshi app

Calm app

Headspace app

White noise machines

Weighted blankets

Sleep Better app

Snore Track app

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when parents want gifts that are both fun and supportive for their child's development. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical developmental gift ideas for neurodivergent children across a variety of budgets and interests.

Brian breaks his recommendations into four categories: sensory tools, STEM projects, tablet and communication apps, and meaningful family experiences. Throughout the episode, he explains how certain toys, activities, and tools can support sensory regulation, creativity, communication, problem-solving, motor skills, and family connection.

Families will hear recommendations ranging from weighted blankets and kinetic sand to coding kits, visual schedule apps, and hands-on family activities that create lasting memories.

This episode offers realistic and supportive ideas designed to help parents choose gifts that encourage participation, regulation, learning, and joyful connection during the holiday season and beyond.

Topics Covered

• Sensory-friendly gift ideas • Weighted blankets and sensory tools • STEM toys and hands-on learning • Coding kits and science projects • Communication and visual schedule apps • Social stories for children • Sensory-friendly apps and activities • Creating meaningful family experiences

Memorable Quote

"When I think about my best memories as a child, I think about things I did outside."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Autism Community Store https://autismcommunitystore.com

DIY Network weighted blanket tutorial

StemGeek.com

Proloquo2Go app

Otsimo app

iCreate Social Stories app

First Then Visual Schedule app

Sensory Light Box app

Weighted blankets

Water beads

Kinetic sand

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Helping a child learn at home can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers, especially when children become frustrated, resistant, distracted, or emotionally overwhelmed during learning activities. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical strategies families can use to create more supportive and effective learning environments at home.

Brian explains how learning is deeply connected to a child's emotional state, sensory needs, interests, motivation, sleep, and overall environment. Using concepts inspired by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, he walks families through a practical "learning needs assessment" to help parents better understand what may be helping or interfering with their child's ability to learn.

Throughout the episode, Brian shares examples of how parents can make learning more collaborative, playful, motivating, and sensory-supportive while reducing overwhelm and frustration.

This episode offers realistic and encouraging strategies families can begin using immediately during homework, routines, therapy carryover, and everyday life learning opportunities.

Topics Covered

• Supporting learning at home • Creating positive learning environments • Sensory processing and learning • Sleep, hunger, and emotional regulation • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs • Motivation and child interests • Making learning playful and collaborative • The "just right" level of challenge

Memorable Quote

"We need to begin to create a learning environment that is fun and enjoyable."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Backward chaining strategy

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Cooking with children can be so much more than simply preparing meals. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares how cooking activities can support learning, sensory exploration, executive functioning, confidence, creativity, and family connection for neurodivergent children.

Brian explains how cooking naturally creates opportunities for children to practice important life skills while also helping families build positive routines together at home. He discusses how cooking can support picky eaters and sensory exploration through playful food exposure while also strengthening executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, organization, attention, and problem-solving.

Throughout the episode, Brian shares practical ideas for making cooking activities fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for children at different ages and ability levels. Families will hear strategies for starting small, supporting safety, using favorite interests creatively, and gradually increasing independence over time.

This episode offers realistic and encouraging ways to turn everyday cooking activities into meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and participation.

Topics Covered

• Cooking as a developmental activity • Picky eating and food exposure • Sensory processing and food exploration • Executive functioning skills • Building life skills and independence • Creating fun family routines • Adapting cooking for different ages • Encouraging creativity and flexibility

Memorable Quote

"We learn best when we find the learning experience to be enjoyable."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Resources Mentioned

Minecraft-themed cooking ideas

Air fryer cooking safety suggestions

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com

Caregiver burnout is real, and many parents of neurodivergent children spend so much time supporting everyone else that their own needs slowly move to the bottom of the list. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical and realistic self-care strategies designed specifically for overwhelmed caregivers and parents.

Brian discusses what caregiver burnout can look like emotionally, physically, and mentally while emphasizing that self-care does not need to be complicated or time-consuming to be meaningful. He introduces a simple reflective exercise to help parents identify important areas of their lives, evaluate their current satisfaction levels, and begin building realistic habits that support balance and sustainability.

Throughout the conversation, Brian encourages parents to focus on small, manageable changes rather than perfection while building routines that align with their personal values and long-term wellbeing.

This episode offers compassionate and practical support for caregivers who want to feel more present, energized, and emotionally supported while caring for their families.

Topics Covered

• Understanding caregiver burnout • Why self-care matters for parents • Identifying personal values and priorities • Building realistic self-care habits • Goal-setting and accountability strategies • Creating sustainable routines • Preventing overwhelm and burnout • Reflecting on progress with compassion

Memorable Quote

"You can't pour from an empty cup."

About the Host

Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches.

Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families.

Subscribe & Connect

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation.

Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956

Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com