Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

In this episode, we delve into the often cited but widely misunderstood concept of 'Follow the Child's Lead'. Through our personal anecdotes, theoretical explorations, and practical insights, we wonder about the origins of this principle, its application across different disciplines and its pivotal role in treatment and intervention strategies. We unpack the nuances of following a child’s lead versus following a child’s need, and the profound impact of tuning into a child’s developmental trajectory for effective treatment. Join us as we dive deep into how this principle shapes our approaches to therapy and beyond, providing actionable takeaways for professionals and parents alike.  TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Introduction: Exploring Treatment Principles 00:54 Deep Dive into 'Follow the Child's Lead' 02:16 Clinical Perspectives and Personal Stories 03:30 Understanding and Misunderstandings of Following the Child 05:57 Expanding on 'Follow the Child's Lead' with Clinical Insights 32:27 Exploring the Concept of Affordances in Treatment 53:29 Concluding Thoughts on Following the Child's Lead Both DFX and SEED are growing! Please message us if you are interested in joining either of our teams! <3  Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ For information about Regulation 101 contact info@seedpaediatricservices.com  Full transcription of our episode is available on our website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/ Connect with us:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!  

This episode is a detailed conversation about sensory modulation and its application in the field of occupational therapy. It examines various types of behaviours connected to sensory modulation and provides a thorough explanation of how to support individuals dealing with these behaviours. We discuss the intricacies of sensory modulation, particularly sensory over-responsiveness and under-responsiveness, sensory diets, and the impact of arousal and autonomic functions on sensory modulation. Key ideas include distinguishing between positive and negative valence responses, strategies for regulation and recovery, and the role of safety in sensory modulation.  00:00 Introduction and Updates on Training Programs01:14 Addressing Listener Questions: Sensory Modulation and Language02:12 Understanding Sensory Modulation and Behavioural Outcomes04:43 The Complexity of Sensory Modulation and Its Impact on Treatment08:48 The Importance of Differentiating Sensory Modulation Issues09:29 The Role of Neurological Structures in Sensory Modulation10:17 The Influence of Autonomic Functions on Sensory Modulation11:04 Understanding the Behavioural Outcomes of Sensory Modulation11:34 The Importance of Precise Differentiation in Sensory Concepts13:57 The Role of Sensory Modulation in Adaptive Function16:05 The Impact of Sensory Modulation on Treatment18:07 The Role of Safety in Sensory Modulation20:12 The Importance of Understanding Sensory Modulation in Treatment38:10 The Role of Sensory Diets in Treatment43:50 Conclusion: The Future of Sensory Modulation TreatmentFull Transcript Available on our website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/ Don’t forget you can take the Spirit and STEPPSI Course through DFX's learning journeys: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ For other courses on offer through Seed, email us for more information:info@seedpaediatricservices.com

This is our first ever Guest Episode, and who better to talk to than Kim Barthel!!In this episode we continue to discuss interoception and making sense of this in treatment. We had a glitch with our video feed this episode so it’s audio only, but we so very excited to finally share this. Our conversation covers many levels, from trying to understand and discern interoception vs neuroception, to understanding interoceptive processing with clinical practice examples and hopefully offers everyone new insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.Kim is currently touring the world and we’re very excited to say is headed to Australia to offer a number of unmissable live, in-person events. You can check out the full list of possible workshops here: https://www.kimbarthel.ca/event-calendar You can catch and connect with Kim online in a number of places:https://www.facebook.com/KimBarthelOTR/https://www.instagram.com/kimbarthel.ca/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8PsNYNlakx1qx0BCqTg5w?view_as=subscriber Don’t forget you can take the Spirit and STEPPSI Course through DFX's learning journeys: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ For other courses on offer through Seed, follow our link or email us for more information:https://seedot.thinkific.com/courses/regulation-101info@seedpaediatricservices.com 

In this episode we discuss the relationship between interoceptive processing, conscious and subconscious as well as how that relates to the polyvagal theory. We explore how interoception changes in the different states of the nervous system, such as ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states. We also discuss the role of interoception in emotions and feelings, and how it can impact social interactions. Our conversation begins our discussion around the importance of understanding interoceptive processing in clinical practice and hopefully offers insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ Curious about Regulation 101, follow our link or email us for more information:https://seedot.thinkific.com/courses/regulation-101 Timestamps00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and announcement of available training00:03:23 - Discussion on the relationship between interoception and polyvagal theory00:06:19 - Importance of understanding the receptors in interoceptive processing00:08:13 - Interception extends beyond visceral organs to include other receptors00:09:19 - Interception involves both physical sensations and emotional feelings00:12:01 - Context of sensation and social touch00:14:27 - Receptors becoming bristly when not open to receive touch00:21:13 - Neuroceptive function of comfort and safety00:23:26 - Tuning into social cues and internal/external focus00:26:42 - Relationship between state and receptor activation00:28:20 - Stretch receptors and their role in processing interoceptive information00:30:07 - Electrical and chemical changes in interoceptive processing00:31:44 - The role of mismatch and posterior insula in emotion00:33:59 - Shift from subconscious to awareness-based processing00:38:44 - Impact of interoception on mobilization00:41:53 - Tracy discusses the interaction between polyvagal system and interoception00:43:08 - Tracy explains how states impact interoceptive cues and choices00:48:42 - Discussion on the role of attention in interoceptive awareness00:49:52 - The anterior insula's role in drawing attention to interoceptive signals00:50:59 - Individual differences in valence tipping and interoceptive awareness00:54:40 - Treatment considerations for interoceptive cues and shame triggersKey Takeaways:Interoception involves the processing of internal bodily sensations and emotions.Interoceptive processing is influenced by the state of the nervous system, such as the ventral vagal state, sympathetic state, and dorsal vagal state.The quality and function of interoceptive receptors can change depending on the state of the nervous system.Interoceptive cues can signal safety or threat, leading to different physiological and emotional responses.Attentional processes play a role in interoceptive processing, with the ability to shift attention between internal and external cues.Our Favourite Quote from this episode:"The valence-based function of interoception tells us if something is good or bad, and if we want more or less of it." – Tracy M Stackhouse.

Join us as we explore the interplay between feed forward and feedback in the somatosensory system. Learn how this impacts our ability to perform skilled movements and how our brain prepares for the next action. Find out how inhibition plays a crucial role in allowing us to venture forward in novel experiences. Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinicalreasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ Full transcription of our episode is available on ourwebsite.  Timestamps:0:00:00 Introduction and revisiting the topic of praxis0:01:28 Difficulty of replicating human praxis in robots0:02:48 Somatosensory basis of dyspraxia0:05:01 Importance of enhancing somatosensation, movement, and vision0:05:41 The dynamic and solidified body map of the homunculus0:06:25 Purpose of somatosensory processing and sensory integrative processing0:07:49 Treating the whole, not just practicing the end products0:08:12 Understanding the homunculus and its dynamic nature0:10:04 Feed forward and feedback happening simultaneously0:11:35 Interplay between feed forward and feedback happening simultaneously in the brain0:12:22 Peripheral receptors learning in the neural network0:13:03 Neurodevelopmental changes in the peripheral and central nervous system0:13:45 Preparing the body for the next activity0:14:44 Sensitization of peripheral receptors in response to unexpected events0:16:12 Pre-emptive preparation of the brain in eye movement control0:17:19 Interplay between somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems in response to uneven surfaces0:17:50 Importance of somatosensation as a perceptual layer that supports skilfulness0:18:58 The interplay between modulation and discrimination processing in novel experiences0:20:40 Treating the modulation issue to clear the slate for discrimination to become relevant0:21:57 Co-regulation through touch in discrimination processing0:22:25 The spreading activation of the homunculus enriching the body map0:23:10 The nervous system drawing somatosensory information to create inhibition and engagement0:23:41 The somatosensory system as the primary inhibitory system0:24:26 The whole process being somatosensory dependent0:24:42 The valence and tipping in the somatosensory system0:25:21 The role of the social engagement secretary in somatosensory modulation0:27:01 Co-regulation and the importance of a partner in somatosensory experiences0:29:20 The impact of not meeting a child's somatosensory needs on adaptation and efficiency0:29:54 The power of OT observations in shifting perceptions and supporting children's sensory needs0:34:20 The importance of separating modulation from discrimination in clinical reasoning for effective intervention0:34:54 The interplay between modulation, discrimination, cognition, and executive function in treatment. Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OTWebsite: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/ Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us?Subscribe to our youtube channel!

If you've ever wondered what somatosensory processing and breaking down what that really is and how we can observe it in our sessions then this episode is certainly for you!-Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/Full transcription of our episode is available on our website. Timestamps:00:03:21 - Exploring Modulation Challenges in Somatosensory Processing00:05:27 - Discussion of Somatosensory Receptors and Interoception00:07:26 - Discussion on the Vestibular Labyrinth as a Proprioceptor00:10:08 - Conversation on Somatosensation and Perception-Action Processing00:11:46 - Exploring the Role of Somatosensory Modulation in Skill-Based Actions00:14:41 - Discussion of Vestibular Processing in Relation to proprioceptive modulation00:19:45 - Exploring the Effects of Phasic and Tonic Movement on Proprioceptive Input00:21:59 - Exploring the Perception-Action Cycle: How Proprioception and Phasic Receptors Impact Motor Action00:24:00 - Modulation of Tactile, Proprioceptive, and Vestibular Inputs00:25:41- Discussion on Tactile and Proprioceptive Processing in Clinical Observations00:31:07 - Exploring the Role of Tactile and Proprioceptive Systems in Motor Functioning00:32:58 - Exploring the Role of Proprioception and Affordances in Tactile Development00:36:28 - Discussion on Motor Skill Development in Infants00:40:57 - Discussion on Sensory Motor Development in Toddlers00:42:04 - Discussion of Praxis Categories for Treatment Planning00:47:44 - Discussion of Praxis Difficulties and Bilateral Motor CoordinationOther episodes you'll enjoy:4. Sensory Discrimination for Skilfulnesshttps://youtu.be/X3xMJbZkbyM Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OTWebsite: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!

This episode is our first attempt to discuss some of the vestibular based contributions to why some children just never. stop. moving. In comparison to others, who seem to fear movement. We attempt to explore how both of scenarios are related to weakened vestibular processing. This is a part one episode, as we've only just scratched the surface of this topic.-In this episode, Tracy, Cory and Michelle cover the following:1. The importance and power of the vestibular system and its role in neurological functions, sensory integration and higher cognitive capacities.2. Some ways to identify and assess vestibular processing issues in a child and the challenges of testing for this.3. The importance of understanding the purpose of vestibular activation and how to effectively treat it in children.Resources:Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/Full transcription of our episode is available on our website. Other episodes you'll enjoy:17. Vestibular Based Treatmenthttps://youtu.be/jFHatI5lmyUConnect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OTWebsite: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!Chapter Summaries:[00:00:36]We are going to talk about vestibular integration. When a child seems to be not registering the information from movement, how do we describe it? How do we talk about it?[00:06:17]Tracy: If you can help the sensory systems integrate with the vestibular system in a better way then that's likely to have improved impact on their function and development. The thing that changes all the time is the individual presentation of the behaviors that reflect the challenges with those underlying systems.[00:16:55]Tracy: If the person gets super activated by movement and then they might have a little bit of sympathetic activation. In the vestibular apparatus, as you move through space, you should have the fluidity and freedom of movement. But if you're not able to integrate and take in the details of space movement, that is more discrimination.[00:21:36]Cory: What's the difference between kids that have a hard time processing vestibular information and those that move all the time? Tracy: Focusing the conversation on that adaptive response is always a pivot point. And those kids are easier to treat because the treatment goes faster.[00:31:04]When things really come together for little developing kids, all of this circuitry just is sort of almost automatic. Sometimes we have to go a little bit slow to go fast. But if we remember to follow their lead, we can stick with them.[00:37:50]There is an indication that with prolonged Nystagmus that some of this treatment may have less efficacy. Most of the time, it's about discerning the relationship between the integrative partners. And the vestibular processing can change pretty drastically as the processing overall changes.