Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

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 

This episode we discuss the importance of the somatosensory system in forming our sense of self through our relationships and how it shapes neurodevelopment. We explore how individuals who have not experienced secure attachment early in life may struggle with somatosensory amplification and somatization later on. We chat about the role of touch in creating a sense of safety and connection, and how sensory integrative processing can impact overall wellness. If you’re curious about the need to balance and respect boundaries while providing positive somatosensory experiences for individuals with neurodiversity this episode is for you. Hopefully, like we did, you get a deeper appreciation of the power of touch in building empathy, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ Timestamps00:00Importance of somatosensory system in attachment relationships and development02:40Impact of insecure attachment on somatosensory amplification and somatization07:00Neurodevelopment as a window into wellness and decline10:00Phantom limb experiences from missing relational experiences12:30Importance of sensory integrative processing and Dr. Ayres' work16:00Importance of touch in building empathy and connections19:00Enhancing somatosensory experiences in therapy23:00Balancing respect for individual boundaries and supporting adaptive function26:00Challenges of touch in vulnerable populations and the need for boundaries30:00Importance of psychoeducation and consent in touch interactions 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!

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.

Have a listen as we reflect with Tracy on the 2022 PVI Gathering & Unyte Safe and Sound Summit. We discuss many things Polyvagal (big thanks to Dr. Stephen Porges!). Our journey takes us most deeply into co-regulation and some new ways of integrating this concept with Tracy's insights!The Summit is currently still available for online access (live recordings). So to anticipate that for all those who want to know you can find it here:https://web.cvent.com/event/836a907a-9b07-4503-8069-934a100e49db/summaryFull disclosure we do not get any kick backs from directing you to the site. SEED and DFX are both looking for Occupational Therapists to join our teams! Get in touch -> SEEDhttps://www.instagram.com/seedpaediatric/ https://www.facebook.com/seedpaediatricserviceshttps://www.seedpaediatricservices.comDFXhttps://developmentalfx.org/https://www.instagram.com/developmentalfx/https://www.facebook.com/developmentalfx/?fref=tsShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com

Join us for this episode as Tracy describes the treatment process for a young woman with gravitational insecurity. Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com