In this insightful and engaging episode, host Kassie Allison and guest Traci Swink, MD delve into the intricate dynamics of stress, resilience, and nervous system regulation within families, particularly during challenging times. They explore how various stressors, including environmental and social factors, can impact both children and adults, and why some individuals are more susceptible to stress due to early developmental influences and unique nervous system wiring.

The discussion highlights the importance of co-regulation, relational safety, and understanding individual differences in managing stress. Traci introduces the concept of body budgets and provides practical strategies for caregivers to support both their own and their children's nervous systems. Additionally, Traci shares a real-life example of how tailored interventions in a daycare setting helped a child navigate his stress, illustrating the principles of neuro-relational care in action. 

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison explores how families and clinicians can navigate the unique challenges the holiday season brings for neurodivergent children. Drawing on perspectives from both parents and professionals, Kassie discusses the increased stress, sensory demands, and shifting routines that can make this time of year especially overwhelming.

Listeners will learn practical strategies for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, creating flexible routines, developing exit plans, and supporting children around food and social pressures. The episode also highlights ways to build new, meaningful traditions that honor each child’s individual needs. A warm and thoughtful conversation to help families approach the holidays with confidence, compassion, and connection.

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.