the OT is IN

By: Sarah Collins
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  • Summary

  • The OT is IN podcast merges the worlds of education and occupational therapy to empower families like yours. Sarah Collins, your host, an occupational therapist and homeschooling parent of 3 ranging in age from elementary to high school. Sarah Collins has experienced occupational therapy by supporting families for over 15 years but also through seeking out support for her own children- so, she's right there in the trenches with you. Though there is not one right way to educate your child, there is a lot to consider when individualizing an education. The goal of this podcast is to explain some of the "why" behind what an occupational therapist is thinking so you can artfully apply it to your own family especially with executive functioning, handwriting, and sensory processing. Each episode will be packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and real-life stories aimed at helping you create a supportive learning environment for your child.
    2024
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Episodes
  • Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support

    Homeschooling During Crisis: Finding Balance with Self-Care and Family Support
    Sep 26 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website --- In this episode, I'm joined by two friends, Trish and Julie to talk about the world of self-care, sensory regulation, and the intricate dynamics of homeschooling during crises. Both have homeschooled through crisis and we are lucky to have them joining us to share their experiences today. Trish will share how she finds peace and balance through nature and faith while navigating her family's needs during her husband's health battles. Julie opens up about her journey with chronic illnesses, sensory overload, and the innovative ways she adapts her self-care rituals to maintain balance. I'll also share how understanding the vagus nerve can enhance our self-regulation practices. In this episode you'll hear about: Homeschooling through crises and maintaining balance.Trish's Approach to Peace and BalanceImportance of spending time in nature.Engaging with her faith as a self-care practice.Role of the vagus nerve in regulating the body's responses.Trish’s intuitive self-care practices.Julie's Struggles with Neurological IssuesAdapting self-care rituals to cope with changes in mobility.Managing sensory overload and its sensations.Julie’s Sensory Overload ManagementLearning to advocate for oneself over time.Meeting Sensory Needs within a Family UnitJulie's solutions for balancing her needs and her children's.Using To-Do Lists to Regulate AnxietySense of control during homeschooling and crises.Completing tasks like going to the DMV during upheaval.Staying calm and maintaining a positive attitude.Crises revealing core values and what truly matters.Julie's Challenges with Invisible Illnesses & difficulty in explaining symptoms.The husband’s role in tracking symptoms using a calendar.My suggestions for children struggling with interoception.Teamwork in Managing IllnessJulie’s use of verbal processing.Impact of Family Needs on Trish’s RegulationFamily's needs for touch and conversation.Strategies to stay regulated.Coping with Husband’s Health ConditionsBalancing family needs during crises.Maintaining structure and support during upheaval.Chronic illnesses and their impact on homeschooling and family life including multiple miscarriages, celiac disease, and neurological issues.Explanation of co-regulation and impact of nervous system reactions.Supportive community's role in thriving despite chronic illness.Transition to survival mode during husband’s brain cancer diagnosis.Homeschool routine centered around family and faith after diagnosis.Emphasize the importance of self-regulation, community support, family balance, and faith during crises. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy? Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Homeschool Focus GroupWhat is The Polyvagal Theory?Homeschooling Through GriefHomeschooling Through Trauma Online Webinar: Trauma-Sensitive HomeschoolEpisode 16: Navigating the Interoceptive Sense: Insights and Strategies for Parents
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    38 mins
  • Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents

    Cultivating Calm: Understanding Nervous System Dysregulation in Children and Practical Solutions for Parents
    Sep 19 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! In this episode, Dr. Roseann and I explore the importance of moving beyond clinical labels to understand under and overstimulation signs such as unfocused behavior, memory issues, and emotional irritability. Dr. Roseann emphasizes the critical role of parental self-regulation in supporting children, discusses her disapproval of psychiatric medication as a frontline treatment, and advocates for alternative, empowering interventions. Join us as we discuss the significance of a holistic, 360-degree approach to identifying and addressing behavioral issues, the power of breathwork, practical solutions for sensory and nutritional challenges, and the essential need for individualized therapy. We also highlight the importance of consistent parental reinforcement and the complexity of catering to neurodivergent children's unique needs. Don't miss this discussion packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for parents and caregivers. In this episode you'll hear about: Nervous System Dysregulation in ChildrenImpact on Behavior including: Unfocused behavior, Memory issues, Emotional irritability, Sensory defensivenessApproaching Behaviors without Clinical LabelsAddressing dysregulated behaviors instead of focusing on labelsHighlighting bio-individual nature of children’s behaviorParental Self-RegulationImportance of parental consistency and reinforcementManaging critical language and personal triggersTransitioning from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state through breathworkEnvironmental changes to create a calmer mealtime atmosphereAlternative Interventions over MedicationAddressing parents’ resistance to psychiatric medicationSeeking alternative interventions for dysregulation in children with autismEarly intervention with multiple approachesEmpowering parents with individualized therapyObserving and Understanding Children’s BehaviorImportance of consistent observationIdentifying and understanding antecedents before addressing behaviorsObserving the underlying reasons for children's behaviorNutritional and Sensory FactorsSensory issues and nutrient deficienciesImpact of picky eating on the nervous systemIntroducing a variety of nutritious foodsCooking with kids to improve their relationship with foodSeeking Expert HelpConducting brain scans to understand nervous system activityAccessing practical solutions and resources on Dr. Roseann’s website and podcastImportance of seeking personalized expert support for neurodivergent children Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Self-Care & Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Homeschool Focus GroupAutism, Meltdowns, and the Struggle to Manage EmotionsDr Roseann, Calm Brain, Happy Family Connect with our Guest, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Dr. Roseann stands as a mental health pioneer, media persona, and the architect of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann, LLC. She's committed to altering mental health perceptions and interventions, offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain. Her BrainBehaviorReset® Program and It’s Gonna be OK!™ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands facing daunting challenges such as PANS/PANDAS, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD/executive functioning, significantly bettering the lives of children and families. Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website
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    35 mins
  • Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents

    Sensory Processing and Co-Regulation: Insights for Parents
    Sep 12 2024
    Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- Whitney Whitten and I talk about the concept of co-regulation, discussing how parents can influence their children's state of regulation through purposeful actions and words. We share many practical tips for self-regulation, like using earplugs to manage overstimulation or engaging in calming oral activities like chewing gum. Whitney also shares valuable resources available from Sensational Moms, highlighting the importance of being a regulated and peaceful presence for children. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance on handling dysregulated moments or a homeschooling mom seeking strategies to balance busy schedules, this episode is packed with insights and tips. --- In this episode you'll hear about: Whitney’s journey as a homeschooling mother of four.Comparison of challenges between traditional school car lines and homeschooling hardships.Planning schedules for homeschooling and the flexibility it demands.Explanation of co-regulation and its importance.Influence of parents on children’s state of regulation.Examples of purposeful actions and words for co-regulation.Self-regulation for Parents and ChildrenImportance of parents being regulated themselves.Tips for recognizing states of regulation and dysregulation.Role of connection and flexible mindset in defining good moments as a parent.Safe Spots and Calming TechniquesFinding safe spots for parents and children when feeling unsafe.Recommendations for dealing with overstimulation or overwhelm: Leaning against a wall, Using earplugs.Oral input techniques: using a straw, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy.Balancing busy schedules while prioritizing needs and being present with children.Importance of self-awareness and adaptability in structuring the homeschool day.Being mindful of optimal alertness patterns for both parent and child.Modeling and Practicing Self-regulationModeling self-regulation to children.Using scripts to communicate the need for a break during stressful situations.Preparing and practicing self-regulation strategies with children.Day-to-Day Integration of Self-Regulation TechniquesIncorporating self-regulation techniques in day-to-day conversations.Handling both positive and negative emotions via curiosity and self-awareness.Addressing Dysregulated MomentsApproaches for handling dysregulated moments in children.Significance of self-compassion and planning for dysregulated instances.Activities for managing dysregulation: Muscle engagement, Breath work.Various ways for mothers to practice self-regulation: Finding a safe place, Engaging in calming physical activities, Handling Physical AggressionPotential for physical aggression in dysregulated states.Importance of channeling calming techniques appropriately. Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Sensory Regulation Tips for ParentsSensory Balanced Focus Group from Homeschool OTWhat is co-regulation in relationships? 6 Tips to Coregulation in ParentingEpisode 29: Co-Regulation and Parenting: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections Free self-regulation tools for momsSensational Moms WebsiteFollow Sensational Moms on InstagramJoin the Sensational Moms Facebook Group Connect with Sarah Collins Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOTJoin the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOTVisit the Homeschool OT Website Connect with our Guest, Whitney Whitten Whitney is a pediatric occupational therapist turned homeschool mom who coaches touched out, talked out homeschool moms dealing with sensory overwhelm. She combines her personal experience and expertise in the nervous system with each moms' own wisdom to help them find connection and fulfillment in motherhood.
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    35 mins

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