Understanding Retained Reflexes: Insights from an Occupational Therapist

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the focus is on retained reflexes and their impact on children's motor, sensory, and learning development. The host engages in a detailed discussion with Katie, an occupational therapist, who provides expertise on identifying and addressing retained reflexes. They cover various types of reflexes, such as the rooting, ATNR, and Moro reflexes, and explore how these reflexes should integrate within the first year of life. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of these reflexes and practical ways to identify and work on them with their children.

 

00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:26 Introduction to Retained Reflexes

01:17 Understanding Retained Reflexes

06:43 Common Reflexes and Their Impact

17:04 Practical Exercises for Reflex Integration

24:27 Seeking Professional Help

28:10 Conclusion and Resources

Navigating Neurodiversity: Tips for Parents from a Fellow Neurodivergent

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, host Steph shares her personal insights on raising a neurodivergent family as a neurodivergent parent. Emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying issues rather than viewing them as behavioral problems, Steph offers advice on how to support children through emotional dysregulation and other challenges. She advocates for changing perspectives, highlighting the significance of mental health and self-love, and encourages parents to connect deeply with their children. Steph also discusses the skepticism from others and underscores the importance of staying committed to supportive parenting.

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:25 Personal Insights on Neurodivergent Parenting

01:09 Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Behaviors

03:33 Changing Perspectives on Child Behavior

04:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

05:50 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Understanding ADHD: Insights, Strategies, and Practical Tools

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, hosts Katie and Steph delve into the intricacies of ADHD, discussing its strengths, difficulties, and comprehensive diagnosis guidelines based on CDC standards. They explore the concept of impulsivity in ADHD and offer practical tips for managing it, such as exercises and sensory input strategies. Katie also highlights the significance of primitive reflex integration, describing common reflexes that may impact individuals with ADHD and suggesting exercises to improve focus and organization. Additionally, the hosts provide useful apps and tools like Google Keep, Tiny Decisions, and visual timers to help manage ADHD symptoms effectively. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's unique wiring to harness creativity and avoid impulsive decisions.

 

This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking to support themselves or their children in navigating ADHD.

 

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:25 Recap of Previous Episode on ADHD

01:55 Understanding Impulsivity in ADHD

04:44 Primitive Reflexes and ADHD

12:16 Strategies and Accommodations for ADHD

19:23 Conclusion and Personal Experiences

Navigating ADHD: Understanding Impulsivity, Primitive Reflexes, and Effective Strategies

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, Katie and Steph delve deeper into ADHD, discussing its strengths and difficulties as per the CDC diagnosis guidelines. They explore the concept of impulsivity and how it manifests differently, particularly emphasizing the importance of understanding one's unique neurodiverse wiring. Katie highlights the role of primitive reflexes in ADHD-like symptoms, underscoring the need for proper occupational therapy evaluations and integrations. They also share practical strategies and tools, such as helpful apps, exercise routines, and sensory supports, to aid both children and adults in managing their ADHD effectively. Join the conversation as they offer insights and personal experiences to better navigate life with ADHD.

 

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:25 Recap of Previous Episode on ADHD

01:55 Understanding Impulsivity in ADHD

04:44 Primitive Reflexes and ADHD

12:16 Strategies and Accommodations for ADHD

19:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Connect with Katie https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/

Understanding ADHD Through Neurodiverse Conversations

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts delve into ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and its various implications. They emphasize that ADHD is often misunderstood and is not just about hyperactive behavior. The discussion covers how ADHD manifests differently in individuals, especially in women, and touches on the common misconceptions surrounding it. The hosts share personal stories and strategies they've developed to manage their own ADHD. They also explore the importance of exercise, sensory processing, and finding healthy ways to boost dopamine levels. Tips are provided for parents to identify ADHD symptoms in their children, as well as advice on how to support them. The episode stresses the value of understanding one's neurotype and using that knowledge to enhance one's life.

 

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:45 Understanding A DHD: Misconceptions and Realities

03:43 Personal Experiences and Strategies

07:05 The Role of Medication and Personal Choices

15:09 The Importance of Dopamine and Sensory Processing

20:49 Embracing Neurodiversity: Final Thoughts

23:02 Understanding Occupational Therapy for Kids

23:29 Embracing Neurodiversity and Breaking Stigmas

23:50 The Historical Perspective on Neurotypes

24:28 Recognizing and Leveraging Individual Strengths

24:48 Challenges in Traditional Learning Environments

25:58 Identifying ADHD in Children

26:39 Inattentive ADHD Symptoms

28:58 Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in ADHD

30:45 Supporting ADHD with Tools and Strategies

36:42 Balancing Neurodiverse Relationships

39:01 Encouraging Neurodiverse Communities

41:48 Conclusion and Support Resources

 

Connect with Katie https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/

Understanding ADHD Through Neurodiverse Conversations

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts delve into ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and its various implications. They emphasize that ADHD is often misunderstood and is not just about hyperactive behavior. The discussion covers how ADHD manifests differently in individuals, especially in women, and touches on the common misconceptions surrounding it. The hosts share personal stories and strategies they've developed to manage their own ADHD. They also explore the importance of exercise, sensory processing, and finding healthy ways to boost dopamine levels. Tips are provided for parents to identify ADHD symptoms in their children, as well as advice on how to support them. The episode stresses the value of understanding one's neurotype and using that knowledge to enhance one's life.

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:45 Understanding A DHD: Misconceptions and Realities

03:43 Personal Experiences and Strategies

07:05 The Role of Medication and Personal Choices

15:09 The Importance of Dopamine and Sensory Processing

20:49 Embracing Neurodiversity: Final Thoughts

23:02 Understanding Occupational Therapy for Kids

23:29 Embracing Neurodiversity and Breaking Stigmas

23:50 The Historical Perspective on Neurotypes

24:28 Recognizing and Leveraging Individual Strengths

24:48 Challenges in Traditional Learning Environments

25:58 Identifying ADHD in Children

26:39 Inattentive ADHD Symptoms

28:58 Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in ADHD

30:45 Supporting ADHD with Tools and Strategies

36:42 Balancing Neurodiverse Relationships

39:01 Encouraging Neurodiverse Communities

41:48 Conclusion and Support Resources

Understanding Sensory Regulation in Children: Tips for Parents

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, host Steph concludes the discussion on sensory regulation introduced in last week's podcast. Katie provides an in-depth example of how sensory issues, like avoiding bath time, can impact a child's behavior. The episode explores the concept of regulation, offering practical strategies for parents to help children feel balanced and regulated. Katie also shares valuable resources, including the Ross Green approach and programs by Kelly Mallard and Autism Level Up, to assist parents in creating positive sensory experiences for their children.

 

00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:45 Understanding Sensory Regulation

01:29 Sensory Challenges in Daily Life

04:09 Collaborative Problem Solving

05:07 Programs and Strategies for Sensory Regulation

07:09 Final Thoughts and Resources

08:16 Closing Remarks

Understanding Our Senses and Their Impact on Behavior

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts discuss the crucial role of sensory processing and its impacts on behavior and mood, especially in children. They delve into how the eight senses (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive) affect our daily lives. Katie, a sensory-trained occupational therapist, explains the concepts of self-regulation and co-regulation, offering insights and strategies to help children navigate sensory experiences. They also touch on the importance of sensory diets in helping children stay regulated throughout the day. This episode aims to provide parents and caregivers with a better understanding of how sensory inputs influence behavior and stress management.

 

00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:35 Understanding the Connection Between Senses and Behavior

01:49 Introducing Katie and the Eight Senses

02:46 Self-Regulation vs. Co-Regulation

05:23 Breaking Down the Eight Senses

11:56 Sensory Input and Behavior

13:20 A Parent's Perspective on Regulation

15:15 Recap and Final Thoughts

Understanding Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing in Neurodiversity

 

In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, hosts Steph and Katie delve deeper into the world of occupational therapy (OT), exploring its importance and various applications. Katie explains the diverse roles OTs play in aiding both adults and children with daily living activities, sensory processing challenges, and developmental needs.

 

The conversation highlights the significance of neuro affirming therapy, which focuses on respecting and validating individuals' unique neurological wiring rather than trying to change them. The episode also addresses the critical role of mental health, the impact of insurance on therapy access, and provides a comprehensive list of recommended books for parents, teachers, and caregivers to better understand neurodiversity.

 

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations

00:37 Understanding Occupational Therapy (OT)

02:28 Sensory Processing Disorder and OT for Children vs. Adults

05:32 The Concept of Neuro Affirming Therapy

12:18 The Importance of Mental Health and Support

13:58 Recommended Books for Parents and Children

16:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

Learning From Neurodivergent Voices: The Importance of Lived Experience

 

This episode emphasizes the value of learning from actually autistic people and listening to neurodivergent voices. It highlights the significance of mental health and the importance of experiences and storytelling within the neurodivergent community to understand what truly works.