22 | DMI Therapy for Developmental Delays | Becca Stoddard

Description In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Becca Stoddard, pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Breakthrough Therapy, about Dynamic Movement Intervention, also known as DMI Therapy. Becca explains how DMI uses hands-on support, gravity, sensory input, and repetition to help children build new motor patterns and work toward gross motor milestones such as head control, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. This conversation is especially helpful for parents who have concerns about low tone, delayed gross motor skills, coordination, balance, or overall strength during play and daily movement. Becca also shares practical ways families can support gross motor development at home, including playground play, core-strength activities, tummy time, tall kneeling, and changing play positions. Brian and Becca also discuss how gross motor delays may show up in some autistic children, even though motor delays are not part of autism's diagnostic criteria. Topics Covered • What DMI Therapy is • How DMI supports gross motor development • Low tone, core strength, balance, and coordination • Gross motor delays in some autistic children • How parents can support movement at home • When to reach out for a therapy screening • Helpful developmental milestone resources Memorable Quote "Our brains want us to be vertical. They want us to be upright." About the Guest Becca Stoddard is a pediatric occupational therapist and owner of Breakthrough Therapy. She has experience in outpatient pediatrics, outpatient neurological care, and inpatient rehabilitation. Becca provides DMI intensive therapy and ongoing weekly DMI therapy for children working toward motor milestones. Resources Mentioned Pathways.org https://pathways.org Breakthrough Therapy https://www.breakthrough-therapy.com Instagram @breakthrough_therapy_DMI About the Host Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. Pure Hearts Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming, home-based pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and parent support services in Arizona. Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956 Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com