In this episode, host Kassie Allison talks with Dr. Josh Feder, a child and family psychiatrist and Profectum Faculty member, about the complex topic of medication use in autism and neurodiversity. They discuss common reasons people are prescribed medications, the importance of addressing environmental and sensory factors first, and how naturalistic, developmental, and parent-mediated strategies can often reduce the need for prescriptions. Dr. Feder walks listeners through his “algorithm for care,” starting with understanding the child’s intent, sensory and motor needs, communication, and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Dr. Feder emphasizes a thoughtful, relationship-based approach to care—one that explores all possible supports before turning to medication.

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison and Dr. Taiisha Calbert-Foster, a school psychologist, discuss comprehensive strategies to support students in the academic setting. They delve into the processes of 504 plans, IEPs, and student and parent rights. The conversation covers how to identify and address different student needs through classroom monitoring, building-level referrals, and comprehensive assessments, and what parents can do to advocate for their children's educational needs.

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison delves deep into a variety of feeding issues with guest experts Karen Dilfer, an occupational therapist, and Savannah Sunvold, a speech-language pathologist. Both guests provide insights on feeding therapy assessment and intervention practices. Karen shares her experience as a 'Get Permission' clinician, emphasizing a child-led, parent-supported approach. Savannah discusses medically complex eaters, and issues like aspiration, swallow studies, and feeding tubes. The episode concludes with resources and support recommendations for families dealing with feeding issues.

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison explores the significance of play in children's development with guests Rachel Ottley and Rebecca Berg. Rachel and Kassie discuss how play encompasses various developmental aspects such as motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. The episode also highlights different play types, addressing misconceptions and offering strategies for therapists and parents to foster playful interactions. Additionally, Rebecca Berg shares her family's unique tradition of 'Dino-vember,' showcasing how whimsical practices can nurture creativity and family bonding. The conversation underscores the fundamental role of play in fostering joy, safety, developmental progress, and meaningful connection between children and caregivers.

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host and pediatric occupational therapist Kassie Allison teams up with developmental experts Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E and Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP to explore what aggression really is, what it reveals about a child’s internal state, and how caregivers and professionals can respond effectively. We discuss prevention strategies, how to support children in the heat of the moment, and ways to help repair and recover afterward. Emphasizing that aggression is often a response to sensory overload, dysregulation, and misperceived threat, we highlight the importance of creating felt safety, practicing empathy, and using co-regulation. This episode offers practical guidance to support children through challenging behaviors by focusing on connection, self-regulation, and safety.

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison continues her rich conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson about the powerful role of hope in supporting children with developmental differences. Together, they explore how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral challenges and the importance of clinicians acting as detectives when a child’s behavior shifts unexpectedly.

Kassie and Dr. Robinson share their thoughtful, relationship-centered approaches to intake and assessment. Both clinicians highlight how their processes were developed over years of experience, with a shared foundation: deeply understanding the child and giving the family hope.

Filled with real-world examples and grounded insights, this episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone supporting children. At its core is a shared message: when we slow down, listen deeply, and build strong relationships, we lay the foundation for clarity, hope, and lasting impact.

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison has a conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson, a pediatrician with over 51 years of experience. Dr. Robinson shares her inspiring journey in developmental medicine, emphasizing the crucial role of hope in autism treatment. She reflects on discovering the DIR model through Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder in the 1990s, a time when autism was considered untreatable. Drawing from her background in medicine—where she witnessed groundbreaking advancements like the dramatic improvement in leukemia survival rates—Dr. Robinson discusses her comprehensive approach to autism diagnosis and care. She highlights the importance of building trust with families while fostering hope. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the power of persistence, innovation, and compassion in developmental medicine.

In this inspiring episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison welcomes a very special guest—Rosemary White, a renowned occupational therapist, senior faculty member at Profectum, and a leading expert in the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) model. 

Kassie, an OT herself, shares her admiration for Rosemary’s work and how it has profoundly influenced her own practice. Together, they dive into Rosemary’s journey from her early days as an OT in Australia to becoming a key figure in developmental intervention. Rosemary shares powerful insights on the importance of observation, the integration of sensory processing with emotional development, and how DIR has shaped her approach to fostering meaningful connections with children and families.

You’ll hear heartfelt stories about real-life therapy moments, including how play evolves over time, the role of affective interactions, and why videotaping sessions can be a game-changer for both therapists and parents. Kassie and Rosemary also reflect on the challenges and rewards of developmental work, the dynamic nature of growth, and the invaluable partnership between professionals and caregivers.

Whether you’re an OT, a parent, or simply curious about human development, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical strategies, and heartfelt reflections that will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to the developmental journey.

Tune in to discover how observation, connection, and curiosity can transform the way we support growth—one interaction at a time.

In this very first episode of Profectum’s new podcast, Kassie Allison introduces herself and shares her passion for development through the DIR® model. An Occupational Therapist, mentor, educator, and parent, Kassie brings over 20 years of experience to the conversation as she talks about her journey, her neurodiverse household, and what listeners can expect from the podcast.

We’ll dive into the foundations of development, explore DIR® and Profectum, and discuss how understanding development can benefit individuals across the lifespan! From potty training to sensory processing to communication, this podcast is a resource for parents, professionals, and anyone curious about development.

Get ready for engaging discussions, expert insights, and practical strategies to support growth and connection as we get Tuned into Development.