The Development Download

Why do some kids love to spin, swing, jump, and move, while others are hesitant to leave their feet on the ground? The answer may involve much more than balance!

In this episode of The Development Download, Erin and Lisa take a deeper dive into the vestibular system and explore its important role in how our brains and bodies work together. We'll go beyond the basics of movement and balance to discuss how vestibular information travels through the brain and connects with the cerebellum, visual system, postural control, motor planning, and even arousal and regulation.

We'll explore how the vestibular system works alongside other sensory systems, what different movement responses might tell us, and how vestibular processing can influence a child's ability to participate in everyday activities. We'll also talk about what we observe in therapy, common misconceptions, and why individualized, purposeful movement experiences matter.

Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or simply curious about how the brain works, join us as we uncover why the vestibular system is so much more than just balance!

Because sometimes the biggest things happening in development are the things we can't see!

Why does one child cover their ears in a crowded room while another seems to seek out every opportunity to jump, crash, spin, or touch everything in sight? Why can everyday activities like getting dressed, eating dinner, or going to school feel overwhelming for some children?

In celebration of Sensory Awareness Month, Lisa and Erin take a deeper dive into understanding sensory processing and how our brains receive, organize, and respond to information from the world around us and from within our own bodies.

We'll explore all eight sensory systems, discuss how sensory processing differences can show up in everyday life, and connect sensory processing to attention, emotional regulation, motor skills, social participation, and daily routines. We'll also break down common sensory myths and share practical strategies parents can use to better understand and support their children's individual sensory needs.

Most importantly, we'll talk about looking beyond the behavior to understand what a child might be experiencing and why their sensory system matters.

Join us as we celebrate Sensory Awareness Month and explore how understanding the way children experience the world can help us better support their growth, development, and participation.

Because every child experiences the world a little differently, and understanding those differences makes all the difference!

Why won’t my child sleep?!

In this episode of Development Download, Lisa and Erin are joined by OT and certified sleep consultant Lyndsey Plato to talk about all things pediatric sleep. We’ll chat about bedtime battles, sensory needs, screens, sleep routines, and how sleep can impact behavior, attention, and emotional regulation.

Lyndsey shares practical strategies parents can try at home, when it’s time to seek help, and how her OT background shapes her approach to helping families get better sleep.

Grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s talk sleep!

When should kids start doing chores? How much should they actually be doing on their own? And are we expecting too much—or maybe not enough?

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin talk about age-appropriate chores and the everyday skills that help children become more independent. From putting toys away and getting dressed to doing laundry, preparing meals, and managing their own routines, we’ll break down what parents can reasonably expect at different ages.

Summer is all about flexibility—later bedtimes, relaxed mornings, vacations, and a little less structure. Then suddenly…school starts, sports begin, activities fill the calendar, and everyone is expected to get back into a routine!

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin talk about the transition from summer schedules back to the busy school-year routine. We’ll share practical strategies to help kids (and parents!) adjust to earlier mornings, school expectations, homework, activities, meals, bedtime, and all the changes that come with a new school year.

Remember when kids spent hours outside building forts, riding bikes, creating imaginary worlds, and figuring things out on their own? In this episode of Development Download, hosts Lisa and Erin explore why play has changed so dramatically over the years—and what that means for child development. From screen time and overscheduled calendars to safety concerns and changing family dynamics, they discuss the factors impacting today’s kids and why unstructured play is still one of the most important tools for learning, regulation, creativity, and connection. Tune in for practical ways families can encourage more meaningful play in everyday life.

Picky eating is about more than just preference. In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa welcome Julie Johnson, OTD, OTR/L to explore toddler feeding through an occupational therapy lens.

Learn how sensory processing, oral motor development, emotional regulation, and autonomy all influence how toddlers eat. Julie shares how to recognize red flags, support skill development, and create a positive, low-pressure mealtime environment that fosters long-term success.

Feeding is one of a baby’s first and most important occupations. In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa welcome Julie Johnson, OTD, OTR/L to discuss the transition to solids through an occupational therapy lens.

From postural stability and oral motor skills to sensory exploration and emotional regulation, Julie shares how all aspects of development come together during mealtimes. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why feeding can be challenging and how to support your baby with practical, evidence-informed strategies.

In this episode of Development Download, Erin and Lisa sit down with Marie Bonner-Horon, counselor and owner of Ways of Play, to explore the transformative impact of play therapy for children. Marie shares how play serves as a child’s natural language—and how therapists can use it to support emotional regulation, processing, and connection.

We dive into how play therapy complements occupational and speech therapy, especially when addressing challenges like sensory processing, impulsivity, social skills, and emotional regulation. This conversation highlights the importance of meeting children where they are, following their lead, and building strong, trusting relationships through play.

Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how play can be a powerful tool for growth—and how collaborative care can make an even bigger impact.

In this episode, Erin and Lisa sit down with OT Erica Haarmann to explore the concept of the social battery—what it is, how it impacts both kids and adults, and why recognizing social burnout matters. We discuss signs that a child’s social battery is running low, how overstimulation and masking can contribute to burnout, and practical ways families can support regulation and recovery. Plus, we reflect on our own social batteries as parents and professionals, and the importance of knowing when our own “cups” need refilling.