In this episode, host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, joins Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, founder of the Social Thinking Methodology, to re-examine the foundations of pediatric social learning. Michelle challenges the traditional clinical focus on “eye contact,” advocating instead for “thinking with your eyes” to help clients move from simple observation to true perspective-taking. You’ll learn how to implement dynamic assessments and use “Social Detective” strategies to bridge the gap between a child's internal passions and the external social world. Finally, Michelle reveals how the “guardrails” of screen time contribute to modern social anxiety and why clinicians must help educators see the social mind as the essential fabric for academic and reading comprehension.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around the role of joint attention as a foundational social learning concept and skill
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the development of social attention by teaching clients to “thinking with your eyes” and become “Social Detectives” to make smart guesses about the environment
• Solve patient case scenarios involving neurodevelopmental differences such as ASD and ADHD, as well as screen-time-related social delays, by using structured observations and video modeling to improve group participation and perspective-taking

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to Social Thinking and its origins
• (00:02:48) The development of Social Thinking methodology
• (00:05:57) Understanding “thinking with your eyes”
• (00:08:40) The importance of joint attention
• (00:11:50) Dynamic assessment in social skills
• (00:18:35) The role of social skills in adult life
• (00:21:07) The impact of joint attention on learning
• (00:23:10) Metacognition and social understanding
• (00:26:30) Recent research on joint attention
• (00:33:00) Translating Social Thinking into practice
• (00:35:30) The impact of screen time on social skills
• (00:40:50) Integrating social skills in therapy sessions
• (00:46:25) Actionable strategies for therapists
• (00:53:00) Educating adults on social skills
• (00:58:18) The future of pediatric therapy

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Join host Nicole Quint and certified CO-OP™ instructor Dr. Lara Collins Barros as they explore how the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP™) Approach can revolutionize school-based practice. You’ll discover how to shift from traditional fine motor drills to a top-down, evidence-based framework that empowers students to lead their own problem-solving through the Goal-Plan-Do-Check strategy. Dr. Barros shares actionable ways to implement interventions that build student autonomy and ensure skills actually generalize to the classroom and beyond. Tune in to learn how guiding discovery, rather than just giving instructions, can be the missing piece in achieving meaningful participation for your students.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around supporting school participation through top-down, task-oriented interventions like the CO-OP™ Approach
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address student-chosen goals using the Goal-Plan-Do-Check global cognitive strategy and guided discovery in the school setting
• Solve patient case scenarios involving common school-based challenges such as handwriting, shoe tying, and desk organization

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to the CO-OP™ model in schools
• (00:04:04) Understanding the CO-OP™ approach
• (00:08:47) Implementation of CO-OP™ in school settings
• (00:11:50) Examples of CO-OP™ application
• (00:13:17) Interprofessional collaboration in CO-OP™
• (00:15:50) Supporting participation in CO-OP™
• (00:19:27) Research and evidence supporting CO-OP™
• (00:24:55) Identifying suitable candidates for CO-OP™
• (00:26:35) Empowering students and teachers through collaborative goal setting
• (00:32:35) Implementing the CO-OP™ approach in therapy sessions
• (00:40:13) Engaging stakeholders for successful implementation
• (00:46:16) Actionable takeaways for therapists
• (00:49:00) The future of school-based pediatric therapy

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Join host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, and guest Elizabeth Jones, MS, OTR/L, an expert in pediatric advocacy, as they explore a transformative paradigm shift in neurodiversity. You will learn how to move beyond individual “fixes” to design “fits” within school and community systems, treating parent input as vital clinical data. Liz shares how her dual perspective as a therapist and parent can help you leverage “causal advocacy” to create inclusive environments that support participation for all. Discover how to translate your unique expertise into actionable strategies that reduce burnout and ensure neurodivergent children truly thrive in their daily lives.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around the shift from a medical “fix” model to a neuroinclusive “fit” model that prioritizes environmental modifications and participation over individual impairment
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address advocacy for neurodivergent learners by integrating parent input as clinical data and identifying systemic barriers to access
• Solve case scenarios involving neurodivergent learners in school and community settings, focusing on transitions, unstructured times, and inclusive participation

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:37) Personal journey into advocacy
• (00:06:24) Importance of advocacy in pediatric practice
• (00:07:27) Questions for reflective practice
• (00:11:25) Translating expertise to the team
• (00:17:40) Causal vs. case advocacy
• (00:21:50) Additional research insights on advocacy
• (00:24:35) Translating research into practice
• (00:28:38) The role of occupational therapy in schools
• (00:30:30) Understanding stakeholder perspectives
• (00:31:52) Actionable takeaways for practitioners
• (00:38:45) Real-world examples of inclusion challenges
• (00:46:35) The future of pediatric practice and inclusion

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Join host Nicole Quint and Dr. Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS, for an insightful exploration into how a “body-first“ lens can revolutionize your approach to executive function. Together, they dive into Dr. Koscinski’s Executive Function Express framework, illustrating how interoception and postural stability serve as the “tracks“ that allow a child’s cognitive “train“ to move forward. You will discover how to move beyond behavior labels to identify the physiological readiness cues and embodied cognition strategies that support participation, even with your most complex patients. Tune in to learn how you can start "moving the train to build the brain" in your practice tomorrow.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the relationship between interoception, embodied cognition, and executive function
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably support executive function through an interoceptive lens, starting with creating comfort for readiness
• Solve patient case scenarios involving state-dependent executive function challenges by identifying interoceptive breakdown points and selecting targeted regulation supports

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to executive functions and neurodiversity
• (00:03:30) The executive function express program
• (00:07:10) Understanding interoception and executive function
• (00:13:00) The train model: visualizing executive function
• (00:17:12) Recent research on executive functions
• (00:21:55) Factors to consider in supporting executive function
• (00:28:15) Research on the impact of cell phones
• (00:31:30) Supporting children with varying needs
• (00:38:25) Different perspectives to consider and address
• (00:46:10) Three top takeaways for therapists
• (00:53:47) Parting thoughts and actionable steps

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Elizabeth N. Legg, MOT, OTR/L—an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Kidz Connect Therapy—joins host Nicole Quint to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of childhood development: feeding. Nicole and Liz unpack why picky eating is rarely just “picky” and dig into how sensory, emotional, and relational factors shape a child’s eating experience. You’ll hear key research takeaways and walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies you can use in your own sessions. Whether you’re navigating texture aversions or coaching overwhelmed caregivers, this episode offers fresh insights to support children at the table and beyond.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around pediatric feeding challenges, including the etiology and intervention approaches for picky eating
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address pediatric feeding challenges
• Solve patient case scenarios involving picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based feeding challenges through clinical reasoning and caregiver coaching techniques

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to sensory-based pediatric feeding
• (00:02:57) Understanding the SOS approach to feeding
• (00:05:56) The importance of sensory processing in feeding
• (00:09:01) Defining picky eating and problem feeding
• (00:11:15) The role of early intervention in feeding challenges
• (00:14:30) Research insights on sensory-based feeding
• (00:19:12) Child-led interventions and family dynamics
• (00:22:37) Empowering caregivers in feeding interventions
• (00:26:09) Translating research into practice
• (00:31:03) Therapeutic approaches to feeding challenges
• (00:36:20) Key takeaways for therapists
• (00:40:12) Success stories and case scenarios

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Dr. Zesarae Bodie, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, CSOT, founder of Intimate Health Solutions and an expert in perinatal and sexual health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore OT’s overlooked role in postpartum physical recovery. Nicole and Zesarae unpack how pediatric therapists, especially those in early intervention, are uniquely positioned to support not only babies but also the birthing parents navigating profound physical transitions. Tune in to discover how your existing skills in activity analysis, environmental modification, and co-occupation can powerfully shift maternal health outcomes without needing a new certification.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence regarding occupational therapy’s role in supporting physical health and addressing daily life challenges during the perinatal period
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address physical strain and functional limitations across prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum phases, considering biomechanical, respiratory, and musculoskeletal changes
• Solve patient case scenarios involving occupational therapy interventions for prenatal care (e.g., energy conservation, body mechanics training, home ergonomics) to reduce physical strain during occupational performance

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health
• (00:02:00) Personal journey into maternal health
• (00:04:00) The importance of physical recovery
• (00:06:12) Understanding C-section recovery
• (00:08:25) Link between maternal and infant health
• (00:10:30) Language matters in maternal care
• (00:12:00) Normalizing the conversation around pain
• (00:15:28) Research insights on maternal health
• (00:19:20) Integrating maternal health into pediatric therapy
• (00:21:30) Identifying patients in need
• (00:24:56) Therapeutic approaches for maternal health
• (00:30:25) Practical interventions for new mothers
• (00:39:00) Advocacy for maternal health in therapy
• (00:47:15) Actionable takeaways for therapists
• (00:52:40) Case study: supporting a new mother
• (00:59:04) The future of maternal health advocacy

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in promoting maternal health outcomes and supporting participation as a member of interprofessional perinatal care teams
• Apply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortality
• Solve patient case scenarios that require addressing health literacy, racial inequities, and social determinants of health to support occupational engagement during the perinatal period

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health and preeclampsia
• (00:02:20) Personal journey with preeclampsia
• (00:04:43) Understanding preeclampsia
• (00:06:13) The impact of preeclampsia on mothers
• (00:11:38) Risk factors for preeclampsia
• (00:12:35) Disparities in maternal health
• (00:16:53) The effects of women not being heard in maternal health
• (00:21:18) Effects of preeclampsia on infant development
• (00:26:50) The role of occupational therapy practitioners in maternal health
• (00:32:08) Recent research on preeclampsia
• (00:40:19) Resource kits for mothers
• (00:47:50) Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia
• (00:53:15) Actionable takeaways for practitioners

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Teddie Buchner, PhD, OTR/L, QMHP, OT Reg. (AB), an expert in pediatric and maternal mental health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the hidden connections between maternal mental health and pediatric sensory development. Drawing on clinical experience and original research, Teddie and Nicole dive into how occupational therapists can better support new mothers while fostering healthy co-occupations and sensory integration in infants. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and practical tools to address maternal mental health in everyday pediatric practice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reaffirms the OT’s vital role in nurturing the parent–child relationship from the very beginning.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze evidence linking pregnancy-related mental health to maternal attachment behaviors and pediatric sensory integration outcomes
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to support maternal mental health and promote occupational development in early parent–child relationships
• Solve patient case scenarios involving new mothers facing mental health challenges during their transition into the parenting role

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:04:30) Why ask about maternal mental health?
• (00:05:38) Baby blues vs. PMADs: what OTs should know
• (00:08:30) Stigma, silence, and the fear of disclosure
• (00:10:30) The power of OT in early parenting support
• (00:13:50) What to look for in a new mother
• (00:17:05) Complex symptoms of postpartum mental illness
• (00:22:38) How maternal mental health affects infant development
• (00:27:20) What the research says
• (00:30:30) Attachment vs. bonding: why the difference matters
• (00:35:00) The sensory side of co-occupations
• (00:38:40) Translating research to practice
• (00:46:00) The gap between parent reports and observed performance

• (00:50:00) Resilience as a protective factor
• (00:51:30) Top 3 clinical takeaways

• (00:55:00) What’s next in research and advocacy
• (00:57:25) Wrap-up

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Allie Evancho, OTR/L, CYT, occupational therapist, certified yoga teacher, and PhD candidate, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the growing role of nature-based practices in pediatric occupational therapy. Nicole and Allie dive into the research and real-world examples behind why—and how—taking therapy outside the clinic can make a difference. Together, we unpack how outdoor environments support sensory integration, emotional regulation, and health equity for children with disabilities. You’ll leave this conversation inspired by evidence-based strategies and community-driven ideas you can bring to your own OT practice.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around nature-based practices in occupational therapy
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address therapeutic activities for children with disabilities
• Solve patient case scenarios involving nature-based recreation

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:20) Exploring nature-based therapy
• (00:04:05) The importance of nature in pediatric occupational therapy
• (00:05:36) Health equity and accessibility in nature
• (00:08:40) The impact of screen time on children
• (00:13:05) Benefits of nature for mental and physical health
• (00:16:40) Theories supporting nature-based interventions
• (00:20:34) Incorporating nature into therapy practices
• (00:22:55) Advocacy and accessibility in outdoor therapy
• (00:26:40) Creating buy-in for nature-based programs
• (00:29:06) Actionable takeaways for therapists
• (00:33:56) Building trust and safety in nature activities
• (00:36:00) Case example
• (00:40:25) Future directions in pediatric therapy
• (00:42:58) Creating inclusive green spaces
• (00:45:25) Grant writing and funding for nature programs

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

Dr. Brittany Saviers, an occupational therapist and researcher known for her work on play, creativity, and occupational identity, joins host Nicole Quint for an inspiring conversation about reclaiming the role of play in pediatric practice. Together, they explore how unstructured, child-led play—and the toys that support it—shape not only skill development, but also who we become. From toy affordances to play equity, this episode invites you to reimagine how, why, and what we play with in therapy. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help you advocate for play as a core occupation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze play as a critical contributor to occupational identity formation and skill development, alongside the importance of unstructured, intrinsically motivated play
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to leverage toy/play affordances for meaningful engagement across pediatric populations
• Apply toy affordance principles and play categories to interpret pediatric case scenarios

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to play and its importance
• (00:01:56) Brittany Saviers: background and research
• (00:03:25) Key findings on play and creativity
• (00:06:35) Reimagining play culture in occupational therapy
• (00:10:50) The paradox of play as a right
• (00:13:54) Key questions for occupational therapists
• (00:19:44) The evolution of toys and their role
• (00:25:00) Generational differences in play
• (00:28:45) The kaleidoscope of play: understanding its complexity
• (00:31:30) Translating research into practice: practical applications for OTs
• (00:37:20) Occupational justice: ensuring equal access to play
• (00:40:20) Permission to play: empowering families and caregivers
• (00:43:30) Actionable takeaways: implementing play in therapy
• (00:45:35) Real-life scenarios: applying play concepts in therapy
• (00:51:36) The future of pediatric therapy: embracing play as a science

Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠