4 | Supporting Learning at Home for Neurodivergent Children | Brian Keene

Helping a child learn at home can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers, especially when children become frustrated, resistant, distracted, or emotionally overwhelmed during learning activities. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical strategies families can use to create more supportive and effective learning environments at home. Brian explains how learning is deeply connected to a child's emotional state, sensory needs, interests, motivation, sleep, and overall environment. Using concepts inspired by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, he walks families through a practical "learning needs assessment" to help parents better understand what may be helping or interfering with their child's ability to learn. Throughout the episode, Brian shares examples of how parents can make learning more collaborative, playful, motivating, and sensory-supportive while reducing overwhelm and frustration. This episode offers realistic and encouraging strategies families can begin using immediately during homework, routines, therapy carryover, and everyday life learning opportunities. Topics Covered • Supporting learning at home • Creating positive learning environments • Sensory processing and learning • Sleep, hunger, and emotional regulation • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs • Motivation and child interests • Making learning playful and collaborative • The "just right" level of challenge Memorable Quote "We need to begin to create a learning environment that is fun and 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 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Backward chaining strategy 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