The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

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

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In this episode, we'll delve into the unique ways nature can enhance fine motor skills, core strength, and overall development in children. I will share my experiences with outdoor creative play using blow-up easels, while our guest, Carmela Trejo provides invaluable insights on respecting nature during therapy sessions and the importance of accessible, inclusive outdoor spaces.

We'll also discuss practical tips for parents to encourage safe and exploratory outdoor play, even in urban environments. Whether it's homeschooling integration, developing motor skills through fun activities, or fostering a child's natural curiosity, this episode is packed with advice and heartfelt stories. So, if you're keen on discovering how nature can be a powerful tool in occupational therapy, tune in and let's explore together!

• Encouragement of creative play with paint and mud.
• Importance of respecting nature and property rules.
• Choosing accessible and non-restrictive outdoor locations.
• Teaching children the "rules of nature" like respecting ecosystems.
• Encouraging exploration and safety rather than using "be careful."
• Fostering motor planning skills through outdoor activities.
• Role of exploratory questions in child development.
• The Denver Science Museum’s new 30-acre play area.
• Accessibility of free parks and trails in Colorado.
• Efforts to improve inclusiveness in outdoor spaces.
• Inclusive park event in Colorado Springs and creation of adaptive equipment.
• Limited school recess time necessitating outdoor play on weekends or after school.
• Role of engaging environments (e.g., inclusive playgrounds) in fostering activity participation.
• Emphasis on preliminary skills like hand strength before handwriting.
• Suggested activities: tracing objects, scavenger hunts, memory exercises, using tongs.
• Vertical coloring and coloring under a table to enhance shoulder and hand strength.
• Concerns from parents about children's fine motor skills.
• Explanation of in-hand manipulation.
• Nature-based activities for developing fine motor skills.
• Importance of core strength alongside fine motor skills.
• Use of natural obstacles and equipment for gross motor skills.
• Importance of respecting the environment when incorporating man-made items.
• Carmela Trejo’s interest in homeschooling due to dissatisfaction with traditional schooling.
• Nature enrichment programs for homeschooling.
• Advice on engaging families living in urban environments with nature-based activities.
• Differentiation between nature-based therapy and simple outdoor play.
• Mix of structured activities and unstructured, child-led exploration.
• Importance of child-led therapy and natural curiosity guiding sessions.
• Structured and open-ended play targeting development goals like fine motor skills, sensory integration, social abilities, and executive functioning.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Nurturing Creativity: Building Fine Motor Skills Using Handicrafts Guide from Homeschool OT
• How do I work on handwriting outdoors? from Treeline Enrichment
• Improving Handwriting without Actually Writing from Homeschool OT
• the Skills Nature Builds from Homeschool OT
• Follow Carmella on Instagram
• Inflatable Easel we mentioned
• Episode 6- Harnessing the Great outdoors for visual development and learning
• Episode 14- Outdoor Activities to Develop Interoception in Children with Guest Caroline Santangelo
• Episode 22- Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 28- Risky Play: Understanding the Benefits and Strategies for Safe Child Development

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

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rinity Hart and I first crossed paths nearly two years ago at the Virginia Homeschool Convention, she is an entrepreneur and fellow homeschooler. I am fascinated by her hands-on learning products designed to make education a fun and sensory-rich experience for kids.

Today, Trinity shares about being a homeschool student and now creating sensory kits and fine motor activities that cater to children of all learning styles and needs. We’ll delve into the creative process behind her unique products, discuss their educational benefits, and explore practical ways parents can utilize these tools both indoors and outdoors.

• Trinity being homeschooled
• Transition to teaching in daycares and preschools
• The need for hands-on learning activities sparking her business idea
• Brief mention of Trinity's siblings and their professions
• Influence of their homeschooling background on their entrepreneurial paths
• Description of sensory kits and fine motor activities
• Hands-on, fun learning experiences for kids
• Different educational items like Alphabet sets and themes
• Materials used like resin, acrylics, woods, and sensory foam
• Example of a child with speech apraxia benefitting from Trinity's products
• Fine Motor Skills and Sensory Learning
• Items integrated with sensory experiences and textures
• Use cases for teaching fine motor skills, core strength, and vision-related activities
• Hands-On Learning Tips
• Use of sensory bins
• Outdoor use and mud kitchens
• Encouragement of messy play and fine motor development
• Adapting products for older children
• Resourcing different puzzles and sensory trays for older age groups
• Practical examples like learning the keyboard layout
• Encouraging parents to explore and use new tools for their children's development

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Building Fine Motor Skills with Handicrafts Guide from Homeschool OT
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Creating Adventuress Co (Save 15% with Code: homeschoolOT15)
• Building Handwriting Skills Without Actually Writing
• Episode 8- Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 23- Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting

Trinity Hart is a homeschool graduate with a college degree in Early Childhood Development. She is also the author of The Homeschool Adventures of Harry and Hannah

Before getting involved in the private homeschool community Trinity taught at multiple daycares where she enjoys creating various hands-on learning activities and educational toy

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

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Today we're thrilled to be joined by Kelli Fetter, an OT and founder of Handwriting Solutions. She has previously been a part of our Handwriting Focus Group. Our conversation focuses on the interconnectedness of reading and writing skills, the importance of fine motor development from early childhood, and practical tips for parents, especially those homeschooling. We'll also explore the misconceptions about handwriting development and the critical role it plays beyond basic literacy.

Join us as we discuss research, developmental milestones, and Kelli’s hands-on strategies to help children thrive. Stick around—this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice you won’t want to miss!

• Kelli’s motivation: personal experience with her daughter diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in first grade
• Early red flags in kindergarten
• Importance of finding experts specializing in learning disabilities
• Created Handwriting Solutions
• Services expanded to reading and spelling due to overlapping student difficulties
• Complexity of Handwriting
• Handwriting involves multiple foundational abilities: fine motor control, core stability, visual skills, etc.
• Emphasis on building foundational skills and explicit handwriting instruction
• Fine Motor Control is one component of handwriting
• Kelli examines pencil use and hand movements to understand fine motor abilities
• Key observation points: pressure, smoothness
• Discussion on different grasp patterns impacting handwriting
• Interconnectedness of Reading and Writing
• Importance of reading for information and recognizing the value of writing
• Kelli highlights writing as a beneficial life skill beyond academics

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Handwriting Expectations by Grade Levels from Handwriting Solutions
• Handwriting but not typewriting leads to widespread brain connectivity, research from Frontiers
• Brain research shows why handwriting should be taught in the computer-age
• Teacher training text for dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and oral and written language learning disability (OWL LD)
• Episode 5- Beyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in Children
• Episode 21- Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Episode 22- Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 23- Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24- Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers

Kelli Fetter is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC providing handwriting tutoring virtually and in- person. She practiced as an occupational therapist in pediatric outpatient, early intervention, preschools, and private schools. She also served as adjunct professor teaching pediatrics and kinesiology. Kelli has extensive training in handwriting and dysgraphia. Kelli’s passion is driven by her own daughter’s dyslexia & dysgraphia journey.

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

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We're joined by Lindsey Larson, an inspiring OT professional and homeschooling mom who found herself unexpectedly all-in on homeschooling following her daughter's severe stroke. Lindsey opens up about her unexpected shift into pediatrics and the creation of her impactful children's book, "Meeting Exceptional Friends."

During our conversation, Lindsey discusses her mission to educate both children and their caregivers about disabilities through engaging storytelling. She also shares her exciting role as the incoming director of Disability Book Week, an initiative aimed at promoting disability-inclusive literature.

• Lindsey’s Journey to Pediatric Occupational Therapy (Peds)
• Birth of her child and the subsequent stroke
• Transition to Pediatrics out of necessity
• Initial reluctance and societal perceptions of homeschooling
• Daughter’s preschool experience
• Homeschooling her second daughter
• Transition of her second daughter to public school
• Tailoring education to fit family needs
• Flexibility and adaptation in educational approaches
• Observations in the community regarding disabilities
• Response to the need for inclusive education
• Creation of her book "Meeting Exceptional Friends"
• Aimed at educating both children and parents about disabilities
• The concept of the book: playground setting and inclusion
• The repetitive phrase, "That's a great question"
• Encouraging open discussion about disabilities
• Amber Johnston’s concept: Windows and Mirrors
• Recommendations for other books and authors
• Disability Book Week and its mission
• Expansion of booklists to include more disability representations
• Limited physical book collections due to military life
• Heavy reliance on library resources
• Emphasis on supporting self-published authors
• The positive influence of inclusive books on her children
• Daughter’s essay on fire safety considering disabilities
• Encouragement to use Disability Book Week as a resource
• Importance of advocating for more inclusive books in libraries

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Vision Therapy Screening Assessment from Homeschool OT
• Meeting Exceptional Friends by Lindsey Larsen
• Disability Book Week Website
• Books to Uplift Perspectives and Experiences of Disability from NEA
• Books as Mirrors & Windows With Simply Charlotte Mason
• Episode 20: Tailored Kid’s Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill

Lindsey Larsen earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. She currently works as a clinical abstractor for a genetic company. She is also the mother to two amazing daughters, a homeschool educator, parenting coach, military spouse, children’s book author, and the incoming director of Disability Book Week.

Lindsey’s older daughter, Madelyn, survived a massive stroke in infancy which resulted in a variety of disabilities. Lindsey began homeschooling her children, so both of her children could succeed in their own unique way.

In 2022, Lindsey decided to write a children’s picture book based on her personal experiences, to educate all children about visible and invisible disabilities. Lindsey’s book, Meeting Exceptional Friends recently won the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards for best picture book/fiction ages 2-6 and the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award for best Educational Picture Book. Lindsey is leaping into a new role as the director of Disability Book Week, a volunteer organization that promotes and celebrates disability-inclusive books as well as authors with disabilities.

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

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Today Sydney Bassard, a speech therapist joins us to delve into the fascinating connection between literacy and speech development. She works with individuals with dyslexia and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. We'll explore everything from phonemic awareness hierarchies and wordplay to practical tips for parents on integrating literacy into daily routines. Plus, we'll touch on what you can expect in a literacy-focused session with an SLP and the critical importance of early intervention.

• Sydney’s profession as a speech therapist and unique career path
• Working for a reading intervention company during undergrad
• Scope of practice for speech language pathologists (SLPs)
• From birth to end of life care
• Different focuses within SLP training programs including Medical-focused programs, School and pediatric-focused programs, Programs with a literacy emphasis
• Sydney’s place of practice: The Listening SLP, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Dyslexia, literacy-based challenges, and deaf and hard of hearing
• Creating equitable access to health information through social media
• Mention of a research grant on writing interventions for deaf and hard of hearing kids
• Phonemic Awareness and its Role in Literacy
• Definition and explanation of Phonemic Awareness
• Hierarchy of phonemic awareness skills
• Word level, syllable level, initial sounds
• Complex tasks like segmenting, blending, and manipulation
• Importance of these skills for later reading ability
• Developmental Stages and Speech Development
• Typical ages for different stages of phonemic awareness
• Starting word play around age two
• Onset and rhyme awareness by ages three to four
• Segmenting, blending, and manipulating sounds by ages four to five
• Importance of developmental readiness for learning to read
• Practical Tips for Parents
• Integrating literacy into daily routines, Examples: Car rides, bath time, cooking
• Concept of wordplay and making learning engaging
• Literacy tips backed by scientific research
• Less effective literacy trick examples: Guessing words from pictures, reliance on visuals
• Speech Disorders and Literacy
• Differentiating speech sound production issues from reading difficulties
• Importance of collaboration with SLPs
• Evaluating intelligibility and language comprehension
• When to Seek Speech Therapy
• Self-assessment questions for parents
• Checking for language processing and comprehension difficulties
• Evaluating speech intelligibility
• Recommendation for early intervention
• Questions to ask potential SLPs
• Experience, therapeutic style, comfort with specific diagnoses
• Importance of honesty and fit
• School-Based Vs. Private Practice for Literacy Intervention
• Differences in literacy support between school-based SLPs and private practitioners
• Roles of reading interventionists in schools
• SLP caseload considerations for not covering literacy extensively
• Expectations for Literacy-Based Speech Therapy Sessions
• General activities in literacy-focused sessions
• Word reading, spelling, sentence reading, teaching spelling rules
• Tailoring sessions based on age and needs
• Differences between play-based approaches for younger children and structured sessions for older students

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Vision Therapy Screening Assessment from HomeschoolOT
• Handwriting Focus Group from HomeschoolOT
• What is Literacy?
• How to Support Literacy Skills in Speech Therapy
• Reading and Writing (Literacy) from ASHA
• Episode 19: Understanding Screen Time Effects on Children’s Development and Relationships
• Episode 33: Dyslexia Demystified: Marianne Sunderland’s Approach and Homeschooling Tips
• Episode 34: Hyperlexia Uncovered: Navigating Challenges and Developing Strengths

Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in working with individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing and literacy. She owns The Listening SLP, which is her private practice and social media brand. Sydney was noted as a Distinguished Early Career Professional in 2020 and an Innovator in 2023 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for her work centered on the equity of health information. Through her social media page, she engages with professionals and parents on the topics of hearing loss and literacy. In 2023, Sydney co-authored a children's book, A Day with Mom, with her mother. The book tells the story of a little girl who is excited to spend the day with her mom on a typical Saturday.

Sydney is actively involved with research related to both clinic

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

Today, we're delving into a topic that's as fascinating as it is essential—hyperlexia. We will explore the unique attributes and challenges of hyperlexic learners, understanding how their remarkable ability to decode words can sometimes mask deeper comprehension struggles.

We'll unpack the strategies and tools that can help these learners thrive, discuss common misconceptions, and share practical advice from experts and parents alike with our guest Dyan Robson, a passionate advocate and parent who knows hyperlexia intimately. Dyan will share her journey, resources, and the importance of embracing hyperlexic learners' interests.

Whether it's understanding higher-order thinking, navigating sensory differences, or leveraging intense fascinations, this episode is packed with insights for educators, parents, and anyone eager to support hyperlexic children.

• Definition and characteristics of Hyperlexia
• Distinction between Hyperlexia, dyslexia and autism
• Challenges Faced by Hyperlexic Learners
• Reading comprehension difficulties
• Higher-order thinking and inferences
• Writing assignment overwhelm
• Social differences and preference for routines
• Identifying signal words
• Practicing inference through games
• Breaking down WH questions
• Leveraging intense interests
• Building background knowledge
• Using closed captions or subtitles
• Sensory differences, common in autistic and hyperlexic learners
• Unusual fears tied to strong memories and emotional experiences
• Intense interests in topics like letters, numbers, and languages
• Interest in the musicality of languages such as the Russian Alphabet
• Hyperlexia-focused resources and research papers
• Hyperlexia therapy and online community resources
• Educational strategies for parents and professionals
• Dyan's journey and website creation
• Educating professionals and advocating for support
• Importance of recognizing and supporting the unique learning style
• Supporting children's interests to develop language skills
• Learning through saturation
• Encouraging bonding through unique interests
• Addressing common characteristics like echolalia and difficulty with wh-questions

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Vision Therapy Screening from Homeschool OT
• Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• Free Hyperlexia Handbook from And Next Comes L
• Free Hyperlexia Quiz from And Next Comes L
• Hyperlexia resources from the Center for Speech and Language Disorders
• Meet the Experts on Hyperlexia
• Download the Hyperlexia: Therapy that Works Manual from CHAT
• Episode 18: Practical Sleep Solutions for Children
• Hyperlexia: Systematic review, neurocognitive modeling, and outcome
• A longitudinal study on language acquisition in monozygotic twins concordant for autism and hyperlexia
• Enhanced interest in letters and numbers in autistic children
• Early Word Reading of Preschoolers with ASD, Both With and Without Hyperlexia, Compared to Typically Developing Preschoolers

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.

• 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

• 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

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

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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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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.

• Homeschooling through crises and maintaining balance.
• Trish's Approach to Peace and Balance
• Importance 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 Issues
• Adapting self-care rituals to cope with changes in mobility.
• Managing sensory overload and its sensations.
• Julie’s Sensory Overload Management
• Learning to advocate for oneself over time.
• Meeting Sensory Needs within a Family Unit
• Julie's solutions for balancing her needs and her children's.
• Using To-Do Lists to Regulate Anxiety
• Sense 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 Illness
• Julie’s use of verbal processing.
• Impact of Family Needs on Trish’s Regulation
• Family's needs for touch and conversation.
• Strategies to stay regulated.
• Coping with Husband’s Health Conditions
• Balancing 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.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for Parents
• Sensory Balanced Homeschool Focus Group
• What is The Polyvagal Theory?
• Homeschooling Through Grief
• Homeschooling Through Trauma
• Online Webinar: Trauma-Sensitive Homeschool
• Episode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents

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.

• Nervous System Dysregulation in Children
• Impact on Behavior including: Unfocused behavior, Memory issues, Emotional irritability, Sensory defensiveness
• Approaching Behaviors without Clinical Labels
• Addressing dysregulated behaviors instead of focusing on labels
• Highlighting bio-individual nature of children’s behavior
• Parental Self-Regulation
• Importance of parental consistency and reinforcement
• Managing critical language and personal triggers
• Transitioning from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state through breathwork
• Environmental changes to create a calmer mealtime atmosphere
• Alternative Interventions over Medication
• Addressing parents’ resistance to psychiatric medication
• Seeking alternative interventions for dysregulation in children with autism
• Early intervention with multiple approaches
• Empowering parents with individualized therapy
• Observing and Understanding Children’s Behavior
• Importance of consistent observation
• Identifying and understanding antecedents before addressing behaviors
• Observing the underlying reasons for children's behavior
• Nutritional and Sensory Factors
• Sensory issues and nutrient deficiencies
• Impact of picky eating on the nervous system
• Introducing a variety of nutritious foods
• Cooking with kids to improve their relationship with food
• Seeking Expert Help
• Conducting brain scans to understand nervous system activity
• Accessing practical solutions and resources on Dr. Roseann’s website and podcast
• Importance of seeking personalized expert support for neurodivergent children

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for Parents
• Sensory Balanced Homeschool Focus Group
• Autism, Meltdowns, and the Struggle to Manage Emotions
• Dr Roseann, Calm Brain, Happy Family

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

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

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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.

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• 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 Children
• Importance 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 Techniques
• Finding 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-regulation
• Modeling 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 Techniques
• Incorporating self-regulation techniques in day-to-day conversations.
• Handling both positive and negative emotions via curiosity and self-awareness.
• Addressing Dysregulated Moments
• Approaches 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 Aggression
• Potential for physical aggression in dysregulated states.
• Importance of channeling calming techniques appropriately.

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Sensory Regulation Tips for Parents
• Sensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• What is co-regulation in relationships?
• 6 Tips to Coregulation in Parenting
• Episode 29: Co-Regulation and Parenting: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections
• Free self-regulation tools for moms
• Sensational Moms Website
• Follow Sensational Moms on Instagram
• Join the Sensational Moms Facebook Group

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

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.