Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bring on 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was inspired by a lister!Most of us have had this quandary in our learning as professionals - how to think about reflexes holistically, do they even matter and what to do when we see them in treatment?We dive into the neurology of some of the reflexes and discuss them from a Sensory Integrative perspective, why they may or may not be present and how they can impact on functional performance. We love learning as much as you do and if you have questions, send them our way! spiritedconversationspodcast@gmail.comReferences:Shelly Lane and Anita Bundy's - Sensory Integration Theory and Practice 3rd Edition. Show notes will be up soon on our website:spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.comShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We have to give predictability to allow for flexibility, and we have to give rhythm to allow for a-rhythm" - Tracy Murnan Stackhouse 2022This episode Cory highlights how becoming a parent has changed her appreciation for predictability, rhythm and routine. Tracy links these principles to their influence on our nervous systems and whole gang speaks to how predictability, rhythm and routine influence their treatment sessions. No show notes for this episode, just a good discussion between great friends. Website:spiritedconversationspodcast.com SpIRiT Course:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.comShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Episode we continue with our case from episode 3. Michelle walks us through the next surprising steps of the treatment journey and how she followed the child’s lead to new and wonderful places, like ADLs! Tracy highlights Michelle’s use of Dan Seigal’s 4 E’s of cognition and offers many pearls for us to ponder. We hope you enjoy!As always show notes can be found at::spiritedconversationspodcast.comYou can access training for the Spirit course online here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion we talk through the tension we have as therapists to step through our list of activities  for each session and the need of the child to have us adapt in sessions moment-to-moment in order to create the essential ingredients for neurodevelopment to unfold. Enjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode we explore the neurological and developmental concept of imitation. We dive into how it unfolds developmentally in a social context and how it supports the process of praxis. We even get into the concept of ‘perfectionism’ from a sensory integrative framework.As always show notes can be found at::spiritedconversationspodcast.comYou can access training for the Spirit course online here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode continues on from episode 10 in exploring executive functions in treatment. We wander across a few different topics throughout including praxis, complex processing and motor skill development. Show notes for episode 10 continue to be relevant for episode 11. You can access these here:spiritedconversationspodcast.com You can access training for the Spirit course online here: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 11th of January our profession lost a wonderful colleague, who had an incredible influence  on so many lives around the world, particularly those of us in the field of paediatric OT.  Given Tracy and Gen’s beautiful friendship and Gen’s influence on each of us, we are sharing a few stories to celebrate her life. If you want to find out more about Gen, her Sensory Tools website is a good place to start: https://sensorytools.net/blogs/news/about-genevieve-jereb-o-tMusic for this episode by Gen:‘Starfish’ - Jumpin’ Jellybeans ‘Do The Monkey’ - Say G’day‘Push My Blues Away’ - Jumpin’ JellybeansMay there always been a little Gen in our Spirited Conversations.Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wow we've made it to episode 10! This episode brings us another case discussion. We explore how executive functioning (EF) and effortful control (EC) - particularly inhibition, start to emerge in treatment for our young man. Tracy references a mind map  from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) which we've attached in our show notes here: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/basic-01 As always you can access training for the Spirit course online here: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/courses/thespiritofpediatrictherapyEnjoy!Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode takes us further along the path of social emotional development. We dance with the dilemma of knowing when the right time is in treatment to teach a specific social skill strategy. If you have ever thought about how much to challenge a child and how much to follow their lead then this discussion is definitely for you.Hopefully we will have all the bugs in our audio sorted for our next episode but we hope you enjoy regardless!Show notes for this episode can be found here:www.spiritedconversationspodcast.comFor all those interested in taking the SpIRiT course you can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.comShow notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back and taking our conversations into the realms of social-emotional development. If you haven’t heard episode 7 it will be helpful to go back and listen as we reflect on the same case and how treatment moved from regulation into the social-emotional domain. We don’t specifically reference a number of key researchers in our discussion and deeply want to honour and respect the work these wonderful people have contributed to this field. So we have included their names for you here:Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena WiederDr. Edward Tronick Dr. Dan SiegalDr. Daniel Stern  We also make reference to Mattingly and Fleming’s work in realation to clinical reasoning and occupational Therapy. Bon appetite! Show notes on our website (coming soon):spiritedconversationspodcast.com Want to do the SpIRiT Course? You can find it here:https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.