3 | Cooking with Neurodivergent Children & Life Skills | Brian Keene

Cooking with children can be so much more than simply preparing meals. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares how cooking activities can support learning, sensory exploration, executive functioning, confidence, creativity, and family connection for neurodivergent children. Brian explains how cooking naturally creates opportunities for children to practice important life skills while also helping families build positive routines together at home. He discusses how cooking can support picky eaters and sensory exploration through playful food exposure while also strengthening executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, organization, attention, and problem-solving. Throughout the episode, Brian shares practical ideas for making cooking activities fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for children at different ages and ability levels. Families will hear strategies for starting small, supporting safety, using favorite interests creatively, and gradually increasing independence over time. This episode offers realistic and encouraging ways to turn everyday cooking activities into meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and participation. Topics Covered • Cooking as a developmental activity • Picky eating and food exposure • Sensory processing and food exploration • Executive functioning skills • Building life skills and independence • Creating fun family routines • Adapting cooking for different ages • Encouraging creativity and flexibility Memorable Quote "We learn best when we find the learning experience to be enjoyable." About the Host Brian Keene is the host of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy. He is a pediatric occupational therapist who supports neurodivergent children and families throughout Arizona using neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approaches. Pure Hearts Therapy provides home-based occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and family-centered support services for neurodivergent children and families. Resources Mentioned Minecraft-themed cooking ideas Air fryer cooking safety suggestions 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