Therapod Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Georgie Cooney,Author, Qualified Teacher and Dyslexia Specialist, together they place  emphasizes the impact of the current educational system  on social skills, critical thinking, and emotional well-being. They share personal experiences working with neurodiverse learners and delve into dyslexia as an area of support needed in schools

Listeners will find engaging discussions on the importance of fostering resilience, encouraging exploration, and nurturing questioning skills in children. Banu and Georgie advocate for a balanced approach to technology use, urging parents and educators to create environments that promote active learning and meaningful interactions.

Join them as they tackle pressing issues in education, parenting, and the influence of technology, offering practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives to help navigate the complexities of modern childhood.

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. 

https://www.therapix.io/blog-podcast 

visit our website for more information.

 To contact Georgie-

www.dyslexiaspell.com

Twitter: dyslexiaspell

Facebook: dyslexiaspell

Instagram: dyslexiaspell

Youtube: dyslexiaspell

Thank you for listening!!

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with school psychologist Ryan Hogan. Together they dive into essential strategies for parents preparing for the back-to-school season, particularly for children with special needs. With nearly 20 years of experience in the educational field and personal insights as a parent of a child with profound classic autism, Ryan offers a unique perspective that blends professional expertise with heartfelt parenting advice.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including how to effectively communicate with teachers, the importance of documentation, and tips for advocating for your child's needs. They emphasize the significance of building a partnership with educators to foster a supportive learning environment and share practical steps parents can take to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Tune in to learn how to become an empowered advocate for your child and make the most of the upcoming school year!

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. 

https://www.therapix.io/blog-podcast 

visit our website for more information.

Thank you for listening!!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuro Teachers UK ,a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and an advisory teacher for Gloucestershire County Council.

The podcast dives into the intricacies of behavior and regulation, emphasizing that what often appears as disruptive behavior is frequently a sign of dysregulation. The conversation delves into sharing insights from their extensive training in sensory systems, highlighting the importance of understanding individual sensory needs to foster better learning environments. Together they advocate for meaningful movement as a key strategy to enhance engagement and reduce behavioral challenges, drawing on personal experiences and successful case studies.Listeners can expect to gain practical advice for parents and educators, including techniques to support children’s sensory needs and strategies to create more inclusive and effective learning experiences. 

For more information on our work follow

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. 

https://www.therapix.io/blog-podcast 

visit our website for more information

Catrina Lowri website- https://neuroteachers.com/ 

Thank you for listening!!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with  Dr. Elizabeth Joy Schaefer, Occupational Therapist and the founder of Therapeutic Innovations International LLC. Elizabeth has dedicated her career to developing innovative therapeutic solutions that address complex educational and health challenges on a global scale.Dr Elizabeth shares her insights on child development and the challenges parents face in today's technology-driven society. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding human needs in educational settings, particularly for teenagers navigating social dynamics and mental health issues.

The podcast contains a heartfelt discussion that combines professional expertise with personal anecdotes, especially as Elizabeth and the host reflect on their own parenting experiences. This episode is part of a back-to-school series aimed at providing valuable strategies for parents and educators alike. Tune in for an engaging exploration of fostering connections and supporting children's growth in today's complex world.

For more information on our work follow

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Amy Winter founder of Little Kneaders in Wexford, Ireland. Amy is an emotional regulation therapist and sensory play specialist. She specializes in supporting neurodivergent children and teens facing school anxiety, school refusal, and self-harm, particularly autistic teenage girls dealing with eating disorders. Through Little Kneaders, Amy organizes autism and disability resource fairs, sensory events, and training sessions aimed at fostering inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals. She emphasizes the need for greater support during the transition from primary to secondary school, as many neurodivergent students are undiagnosed and unsupported, leading to significant mental health challenges. Amy advocates for a more nuanced understanding of school refusal, suggesting that it stems from environmental factors rather than a child's 

unwillingness to attend. Her insights aim to equip parents and educators with strategies to create supportive environments for neurodivergent youth, especially as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and social interactions in today's digital age.

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening

To contact Amy directly, go to her website littlekneaders.com or her instagram page little.kneaders

Send us Fan Mail

Julia O’Meara speech and language is joined by Eileen McSweeney, a  social care worker specializing in helping young people navigate school-related challenges. Eileen brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive background in child protection and mental health, focusing on supporting families and schools to address issues of school reluctance and attendance difficulties.Together they  discuss practical strategies for recognizing and addressing school reluctance, the importance of communication between parents and schools, and how to foster a supportive environment for children facing challenges in their educational journey. 

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Emer, occupational therapist who specializes in menopause health. While studying at UCC, she developed an interest in menopause and noticed a lack of support for it in Ireland, which prompted her to set up a private practice called The Menopause OT, which provides holistic, personalized care and treatment plans for all people experiencing challenges during the menopause transition.

Emer is passionate about the important role of occupational therapy in supporting people during menopause. She is committed to expanding her knowledge and expertise in this area. 80% of caregivers are women, and menopause can significantly impact parenting, especially of children with additional needs. 

In this podcast episode, Emer shares simple lifestyle changes that can help manage menopause symptoms, like eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and building sustainable habits. She also discusses how sensory needs may change during menopause. Emer emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause as a time of introspection and change, when women often reconnect with female friends and seek to define their identity beyond being a parent or spouse.

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Georgie Coney , a dedicated and fully qualified teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with over two decades of experience. She is passionate about fostering positive learning environments for all children, with a deep understanding of learners with specific learning difficulties.

As a qualified diagnostic assessor of specific learning difficulties in the UK and a specialist teacher, Georgie brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. She serves as a coordinator and dyslexia tutor at the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and runs her own tutoring business, Dyslexia Span.

Georgie has held various teaching roles, including teacher training for parent partners and education, and has worked as an inclusion manager, SENCO, and learning support coordinator in mainstream and special education settings. She has authored several books on spelling and phonological awareness to aid learners with dyslexia and other challenges.

In addition to her teaching work, Georgie co-hosts the "The Long Way Back" podcast on neurodiversity with Timmy Long. She is committed to supporting learners with dyslexia and other learning differences through her teaching, advising, and advocacy efforts.

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Padraig Danaher, an occupational therapist specializing in infant, child, and parent mental health. Padraig emphasizes the importance of "doing" as mindfulness for mental wellness. He says  that engaging in meaningful activities and movement is crucial for young people's mental health and resilience. Padraig advises parents and caregivers to encourage children to engage in activities they enjoy that involve moving their body, leading by example. He also stresses the importance of gradual skill-building through small, manageable steps and lots of praise. Additionally, he advises delaying the introduction of smartphones as long as possible, as research shows that this can increase anxiety and depressive symptoms. Padraig talks about empowering children to be independent and engaged in the world will serve them better in the long run as they develop into resilient adults. You can contact Padraig on theotcoach.ie

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening!

Send us Fan Mail

Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Dustin, a 22-year-old autistic adult who shares his personal experiences and insights about living with autism. He discusses his late diagnosis at 19 and how it has impacted his life. Dustin highlights the challenges he faced in school, particularly with the structured system, which often led to feelings of overwhelm and frustration. He also talks about his mother's proactive approach in helping him manage his symptoms and how she continues to support him as an adult.

Dustin shares his struggles with emotional regulation, particularly in situations that involve audiovisual stimuli, and how he uses techniques like "flow through life" to manage his daily tasks. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating individual differences in people with autism, rather than trying to fit them into a standardized mold.

Throughout the conversation, Dustin emphasizes the need for more awareness and acceptance of autism, particularly among neurotypical individuals. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others better understand and support autistic individuals in their daily lives

For more information on our work follow-

@therapodpodcast on instagram

@therapod podcast on facebook

Or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for listening