Ideas at Play: An Occupational Therapy (OT) Podcast

Send us a Text or VoicemailIf you've ever debated pencil grips or the perfect grasp pattern in an IEP meeting, this episode is for you. We take a tour of the handwriting literature — pulling from OT, education, ergonomics, and hand therapy — to find out what actually moves the needle in handwriting intervention. Learn with us as we dig into why force matters more than grip position, what the research says about weighted and adapted pencils, and why grasp patterns are way less important than we were trained to believe. Plus, we land on the nine key ingredients that the literature says actually make a difference — rooted in motor learning theory and ready to use in your next session.  **Get the additional handwriting resources at this linkWe share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original articles too.Schneider, M. K., Myers, C. T., Morgan-Daniel, J., & Shechtman, O. (2023). A scoping review of grasp and handwriting performance in school-age children. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 43(4), 430–445. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2022.2151392 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailIf you work with older kids, you know the feeling — suddenly your caseload has a teenager and the stakes feel higher, the clock feels shorter, and the parents feel more anxious than ever. Good news: the research has some clear direction on what actually moves the needle for autistic teens heading into adulthood. Spoiler — it might not be what you think. This week, we dig into the MAPSS program and come away with practical tools you can use in any setting.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Kirby, A. V., Feldman, K. J. C., Himle, M. B., Diener, M. L., Wright, C. A., & Hoffman, J. M. (2021). Pilot test of the Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success (MAPSS) intervention: Supporting parents of autistic youth. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(3), 7503180070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.045815 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailCerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of low vision in children and one of the most underidentified conditions in pediatric practice. This week, we are getting into the research about CVI, sharing a free tool for collaborating with parents, and discussing 4 evidence-based interventions you can start weaving into your sessions. One of them is the most surprising and effective low-tech treatment idea we have come across in a long time.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Weden, K., DeCarlo, D. K., & Barstow, E. (2023). A scoping review of intervention for pediatric cerebral visual impairment: Calling all pediatric occupational therapists. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 37(3), 326–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2023.2172761Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailFeeding therapy doesn’t have to feel like a power struggle. In this episode, we explore how shifting from pressure to partnership can improve food intake and family vibes. We discuss new research on responsive feeding for children with G-tubes and share how coaching caregivers, honoring child cues, and creating a positive mealtime environment can lead to meaningful change—without focusing on every tiny feeding skill. Real research, real strategies, and ideas you can start using right away.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Foster, L., Lawson, L. M., & Moreland, H. (2025). Impact of a responsive feeding intervention on children and caregivers: A nonrandomized, repeated-measures study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(5), 7905205060. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWe're celebrating episode 60 by going inside our Ideas at Work pilot group. Real therapists, real sessions, real problem-solving. We troubleshoot a tough emotional regulation session, share how one therapist used a basketball intervention, and break down how to write airtight documentation when your funding source wants to put you in a box (hint - this is where the key ingredients and mechanism of action come into play). This is evidence-based practice in the wild — messy, creative, and it works!Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailMost OTs in early intervention think they're coaching, BUT the research says otherwise. In this episode, we discuss a scoping review on caregiver coaching in early intervention — the five key ingredients, why the model can be hard to do in real life, and five action steps you can take into someone's living room on a Thursday morning. Turns out coaching is a skill, not a vibe. Let's get better at it.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Seruya, F. M., Feit, E., Tirado, A., Ottomanelli, D., & Celio, M. (2022). Caregiver coaching in early intervention: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(4), 7604205070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049143Williams, C. S., & Sawyer, G. E. (2023). Going beyond "I'm a coach": Adopting a caregiver coaching framework in EI. Young Exceptional Children, 27(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1177/10962506231153660Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailMost of us teach zippers the same way—repeat, repeat, repeat—and hope it clicks. But what if there’s a better way? In this episode, we break down a simple, creative approach to teaching zippering skills that combines OT and speech strategies to help kids learn faster. We review a pilot study using storytelling, targeted vocabulary, and a themed zipper vest—and then show you how to apply it in real sessions using child-led language, special interests, and easy take-home supports. If zipper goals feel stuck, this episode will give you a fresh, practical way to move them forward.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Silverman, F., & Knight, C. (2019). Facilitating zippering skills in preschoolers: An interprofessional pilot study using a pretest–posttest design. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(4 Suppl. 1), 7311515317p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO6026 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailSensory activity schedules—often called sensory diets—are used every day in school-based therapy, but how strong is the evidence behind them? In this episode, we review a recent systematic review that examined whether sensory activity schedules improve classroom participation for students with sensory processing differences. We unpack what the research found about its effect on school performance and share six practical ingredients therapists can use to build more effective sensory activity schedules. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Latifi, K., Patterson, K., Rider, J. V., & Lau, C. (2026). Impact of sensory activity schedules on school performance of students with sensory processing differences: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(1), 8001185060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051334Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEvidence-based OT for autism can feel overwhelming—but what if you had a clear menu of strategies to choose from? In this episode, we break down a study that identified 20 treatment components pediatric OTs use with autistic children and organized them into six major categories. Learn how this framework can guide your therapy sessions and strengthen your documentation.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Crasta, J. E., Martis, J., Kromalic, M., Jarrott, S., Wengerd, L., & Darragh, A. (2024). Characterizing Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children on the Autism Spectrum. The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 78(5), 7805205210. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050734 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailLet’s be honest: even the most playful, passionate OTs/OTAs can hit a wall. Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long week — it’s a predictable response to specific job demands. In this episode, we unpack what research says actually drives burnout in OT practice — from workload and role ambiguity to the hidden strain of always being “on.” Then we walk through practical, research-based strategies — including job crafting — to help you prevent burnout, buffer growing stress, and recover if you’re already feeling fried. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Lynner, B., Stoa, R., Fisher, G., Del Pozo, E., & Lizerbram, R. (2025). Feel the burn, heal the burn: Job crafting and burnout among occupational therapy professionals. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 7901205080. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050731Additional article: Cohen, C., Pignata, S., Bezak, E., et al. (2023). Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 13, e071203. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEmotional regulation is often treated as a behavior problem — but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? In this episode, we unpack what emotional regulation really is, why it’s so complex, and how executive function, coping skills, co-regulation, and environmental supports all play a role. We’ll move beyond surface-level strategies and explore what the research actually says about improving regulation in meaningful, sustainable ways. This will shift how you think about “big feelings” — and how to support them with big, evidence-informed strategies.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Let us know which emotional regulation tool you want to hear more about next! Restoy, D., Oriol-Escudé, M., Alonzo-Castillo, T., Magán-Maganto, M., Canal-Bedia, R., Díez-Villoria, E., Gisbert-Gustemps, L., Setién-Ramos, I., Martínez-Ramírez, M., Ramos-Quiroga, J. A., & Lugo-Marín, J. (2024). Emotion regulation and emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis of evaluation and intervention studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 109, 102410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102410Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhy can a child complete every step of dressing… but still put the shirt on backward? In this episode of Ideas at Play, we explore a simple, research-backed occupational therapy strategy that improved clothing orientation using one small visual cue (yes — it involves duct tape). We break down why dressing orientation can be so tricky, how this approach compares to other OT and ABA interventions, and how motor learning can support independence. If backward clothes are a sticking point in your OT sessions, this episode offers a practical, low-cost strategy you can try tomorrow.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Foster, H. G., Elliott, T.-C. C., & Ayres, K. M. (2023). Using a tag as a stimulus prompt to increase correct dressing orientation. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 48(4), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/15407969231205849Cahill, S. M., & Beisbier, S. (2020). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for children and youth ages 5–21 years. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 7404397010p1–7404397010p48. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.744001Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailDrumming might not be the first intervention that comes to mind—but the evidence suggests it deserves a closer look for regulation, connection, and mental health for autistic individuals. We unpack what therapeutic drumming actually looks like (spoiler: no musical talent required), why a simple structure matters, and how rhythm can bring motor, sensory, and social skills together in one joyful intervention. If you’re curious about evidence-based strategies that feel meaningful, energizing, and genuinely fun—for both you and your clients—this episode is worth a listen. 🥁We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Friedman, Z. L., Ochoa, J., Prisco, D., & Seruya, F. M. (2023). Connected rhythm: A scoping review of therapeutic drumming as an intervention for autistic individuals. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 11(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2133Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailSensory tools are a staple in pediatric OT—but not all of them are doing what we think they are. In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at the evidence behind sensory-based interventions, from weighted vests and fidgets to caregiver coaching and environmental modifications. Drawing from a recent systematic review, we discuss what actually supports participation, what shows mixed results, and how to make data-driven decisions without losing sight of  day-to-day practice realities. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Piller, A., McHugh Conlin, J., Glennon, T. J., Andelin, L., Teng, K., & Tarver, T. (2025). Systematic review of sensory-based interventions for children and youth (2015–2024). Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13, 1720179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1720179 Get the OT Evidence Checklist mentioned in the episode  here Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEpisode 50 is all about YOU! Michele and Lacy tackle the questions that keep pediatric occupational therapists thinking, problem-solving, and sometimes scratching their heads. We dive into recommending OT service minutes with evidence (not guesswork) explore how AI can make your OT life easier while keeping therapy person-centered, and share prep hacks that save time without skimping on quality. Plus, we get real about finding mentorship and continuing education to fit you. It’s practical, honest, and full of those “aha!” moments that keep ideas—and your OT sessions—fresh and fun.Articles/Resources mentioned:Listen to episode 20 with Dr. Iona Novak and learn more about the READ Model in this article.   Novak, I., Te Velde, A., Hines, A., Stanton, E., McNamara, M., Paton, M. C. B., Finch-Edmondson, M., & Morgan, C. (2021). Rehabilitation evidence-based decision-making: The READ model. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2, 726410. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2021.726410Listen to episode 40 with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck and read about the development of the Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) at https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.019430Thank you to our sponsor OccupationalTherapy.com!  Use the code PLAY25 to support the show and get a free month of continuing education access when you sign up today at our podcast link  https://fas.st/t/Fe79v8vUStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailFolinic acid has been showing up everywhere in conversations about autism—but what does the research actually tell us, and why should occupational therapists pay attention? In this episode of Ideas at Play, we break down a high-quality randomized controlled trial on folinic acid and translate the findings into practical, OT-relevant insights. We unpack the brain-based “why,” highlight what the study found (including changes related to autism characteristics and language), and talk about how this information fits into real-world practice. As always, we center participation, functional outcomes, and collaboration with families and medical teams. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Families should always consult their physician before starting or changing supplements or medications.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Panda, P. K., Sharawat, I. K., Saha, S., Gupta, D., Palayullakandi, A., & Meena, K. (2024). Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Pediatrics, 183(11), 4827–4835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-024-05762-6Update 2/4/26: The article we featured by Panda et al. (2024) was retracted on 1/29/26.  It was discovered that the authors handled the data inappropriately and the journal lost confidence in the findings.  Despite this, there is still solid evidence supporting the use of folinic acid with autistic children.  Here are a few additional articles that support the information provided in this episode.   Additional Citations:Hoxha, B., Hoxha, M., Domi, E., Gervasoni, J., Persichilli, S., Malaj, V., & Zappacosta, B. (2021). Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Cells, 10(8), 1976. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10081976 Rossignol, D. A., & Frye, R. E. (2021). Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies and Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(11), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11111141Sener, E. F., Oztop, D. B., & Ozkul, Y. (2014). MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in autism spectrum disorders. Genetics Research International, 2014, Article 698574. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/698574Bobrowski-Khoury, N., Ramaekers, V. T., Sequeira, J. M., & Quadros, E. V. (2021). Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorders: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(8), Article 710. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080710Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or Voicemail Everyone agrees that collaboration with teachers matters in school-based OT practice, yet many occupational therapists struggle to make it work in real life. In this episode, we go beyond polite check-ins and quick info-sharing to unpack what effective interprofessional collaboration really looks like. We unpack a qualitative study and the key ingredients that make collaboration work: protected time and space, trust and power-sharing, and turning shared ideas into real classroom action. This conversation reframes collaboration as something you build together, not just talk about.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Quigley, D., & Smith, M. (2022). Achieving effective interprofessional practice between speech and language therapists and teachers: An epistemological perspective. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 38(2), 126–150. https://doi.org/10.1177/02656590211064544Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailStruggling to find practical interventions for kids with ADHD that actually improve executive function and/or mental health? This episode breaks down a Canadian study comparing two 10-minute interventions—exercise and mindfulness meditation—and their immediate effects on inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. We explain what worked best, why it works (hello, default mode network and prefrontal cortex activation), and how occupational therapists can implement these strategies in therapy sessions or as home programs. These interventions are easy to use as preparatory activities before challenging tasks, during transitions, or as part of a bottom-up OT approach to executive function deficits. Plus, Lacy shares creative ways to use different types of dice to add fun and modify activities in your therapy sessions.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Bigelow, H., Gottlieb, M. D., Ogrodnik, M., Graham, J. D., & Fenesi, B. (2021). The differential impact of acute exercise and mindfulness meditation on executive functioning and psycho-emotional well-being in children and youth with ADHD. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 660845. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660845KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; executive function; ADHD; intervention; exercise; mindful meditationStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the occupational therapy way: with OT scaffolding techniques, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. We explore why some previous research falls short, what this new "OT Zones of Regulation" approach achieved (hello, goal attainment!), and how occupational therapists can bridge that frustrating gap between clinic success and home carryover. Plus, Michele also spills about her biggest career regret involving salary negotiation.👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission by the author. Thank you Dr. Peters!We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too. Peters, B. C., Gabriels, R., Schmid, A. A., et al. (2024). Occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts: A feasibility study. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 44(4), 597-609. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241246549Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2023). A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailTired of Googling for interventions that actually work? We dive into the mother of all systematic reviews covering 129 studies and 52 occupational therapy interventions across nine decades of pediatric OT research. Discover which interventions landed in the green zone (do these!), which fell into the red (avoid!), and why parent collaboration and occupation-based approaches consistently outperform bottom-up methods. Michele and Lacy discuss this evidence-based, color-coded roadmap that you can apply in your therapy sessions tomorrow. Plus they answer a listener question about the differences between sensory integration, sensory processing, sensory stimulation, and sensory desensitization.  ***In episode 20, Lacy and Michele interview one of the authors of this article, Dr. Iona Novak. She shares new intervention updates and trends she has seen since this publication.  We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Novak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273.Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailMichele and Lacy recap the AOTA Children & Youth Conference where they presented on sleep interventions, hard conversations with families, and community-based fieldwork. They share the hottest topics in pediatric OT—parent collaboration, mental health strategies, handwriting, and more—plus the conversations and products that made this conference memorable.Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or Voicemail Reflex integration is one of the hottest topics in pediatric OT right now—but is it evidence-based? In this episode, we examine the research on the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®) method and uncover critical gaps that every therapist needs to know about. From inconsistent intervention methods to assessment measures missing statistical verification, to a stunning finding about retained primitive reflexes in typical preschool and elementary children (present in 93-100%). We break down what the evidence actually shows. We'll also give you a practical framework for evaluating any controversial practice and help you make informed decisions that balance research, clinical reasoning, and family values. This is the honest, thorough analysis you've been looking for. Get the OT Practice Checklist here to evaluate the evidence for and "red flags" against an intervention method/practice.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Berg, L. A., Brown, D., Kroll, K., Pfaff, C., & Cleveland, L. (2022). The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®): A Scoping Review. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 10(4), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1927   KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; reflex integration; primitive reflexes; MNRI method; reflex integration therapyStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailSex is an occupation, but how do we (or should we) address this in pediatric OT practice? This episode discusses why avoiding this topic is an occupational injustice and what we can do about it. We talk about the research and cover everything from sensory considerations in relationships to teaching boundaries and safety. If you work with adolescents or young adults, this episode will give you the framework, practical tools, and confidence to start supporting clients and caregivers in this critical—and often overlooked—area of daily life.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Urban, T. M., & Douglas, R. R. (2024). Occupational Therapists' Role in Sexual Education for Teens and Young Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2093KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; sex education; autism; teensStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailHoliday shopping with purpose starts here! This week we're sharing our favorite gift ideas for therapists, kids, and everyone on your list. Discover directories of disabled-owned businesses for fun new ideas, then hear about our favorite therapy products like light-up pop tubes, bubble tongs, and the bow-and-arrow set. We're also highlighting self-care essentials every therapist needs—from anxiety-reducing playlists to washable clinic rugs. Whether you're filling stockings or treating yourself, these are genuine recommendations from two OTs who love using great products. Check the newsletter (sign-up below) for links to everything we mentioned!Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailRunning in circles, flapping arms, spinning with ribbons—Heather Kuhaneck, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, explains why joining in play with kids creates the connection that makes therapy possible. As editor of Case-Smith’s Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents, co-creator of the Sensory Processing Measure, and program director at Southern Connecticut State University, Heather knows play and sensory integration inside out. She shares research-backed strategies for using imitation to spark connection, introduces her Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) tool for collaborating with teachers, and how to make the most of boring playgrounds. You'll hear unforgettable "nailed it" and "failed it" moments—first words emerging on swings, basketball victories with dad, and one critical safety lesson. This conversation will change how you approach play with autistic children in any setting.KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; play; autism; sensory integration; Heather KuhaneckStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat do early career occupational therapists really prioritize when choosing their first OT job? Spoiler alert: salary ranks 9th out of 16 factors. In this episode, we break down a fascinating Canadian study that surveyed early career occupational therapists about what actually matters in their job search—and the findings might surprise you. We reveal the top intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving OT employment decisions, why 60% of new grad occupational therapists have jobs lined up before graduation, and how OT priorities shift between your first job and your second (or third!) job. Occupational therapy students will learn what to look for in job searches, OT employers will discover how to attract top talent, and experienced therapists can reflect on whether their current position aligns with what truly matters to them.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Lui S, Boniface J, Boniface G, Drynan D. Employment Decisions of Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2024;92(2):76-84. doi:10.1177/00084174241274742KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; new grad OT; early career OT; employmentStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWant an OT intervention that tackles motor skills AND social communication? This week we're unpacking seated play intervention for autistic children—exactly what it looks like, why it works, and how occupational therapists can use these key ingredients in practice. We explore research revealing surprising BOT-2 results, the power of structured repetition, and whether telehealth matches face-to-face therapy effectiveness. Plus, Michele shares a vulnerable "Failed It" about balancing relationship-building with skill development. This episode delivers actionable, research-backed strategies for school-based and outpatient OTs—the research article even includes incredibly detailed supplemental materials that walk you through the intervention step-by-step.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Su, W. C., Cleffi, C., Srinivasan, S., & Bhat, A. (2023). Telehealth Versus Face-to-Face Fine Motor and Social Communication Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Efficacy, Fidelity, Acceptability, and Feasibility. The American journal of occupational therapy, 77(6), 7706205130.  https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050282KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; play; motor skills; social connection; telehealthStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailInteroception is everywhere in pediatric occupational therapy—but does the evidence support what OTPs are doing? We dig into a 2025 scoping review revealing the surprising truth: most research is preliminary and thin. We break down 3  intervention curricula (Kelly Mahler is leading the charge), explain why your brain's insula is the "Inside Out" dashboard for body sensations and emotions, and get real about the assessment gap leaving occupational therapists flying blind. Michele shares her honest experience with interoception interventions and we tackle the burning question: should OTPs use approaches with this little evidence? Spoiler: maybe, but only if you're measuring progress closely. If you've wondered whether to jump on the interoception bandwagon or you're already using it in your occupational therapy practice, this episode is your reality check.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.Clark, E., Brown, T., & Yu, M.-L. (2025). Interoception and its application to paediatric occupational therapy: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(1), e12997. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12997  KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; interoception; interoception intervention; interoception assessment; sensory processingStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailAn occupational therapist came into Michele's office complaining that parents weren't following through with home programs—sound familiar? The problem isn't the parents; it's how we're setting them up from day one. This episode flips that script with evidence from a 2024 scoping review on what actually drives caregiver home program adherence. You'll learn OT strategies to create programs that fit into real family life, train parents effectively (hint: it's not a five-page handout), and build the relationships that make collaboration actually work. Plus, Lacy shares a pediatric OT dentistry program, Nailed It!We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original articles too.Wingrat, J., Price, C., & Wright, T. (2024). Facilitators of and Barriers to Caregiver Adherence to Home Therapy Recommendations for Infants and Children With Neuromotor and Neuromuscular Diagnoses: A Scoping Review. The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 78(5), 7805205070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050567*Update Nov. 7, 2025* Author Jennifer Wingrat was excited to hear her work featured on the podcast and shared the link to her new article that was just published called Caregiver Perceptions of and Confidence in Training in Home Programs for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury:  https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/7UM3ZJWCB5TXEGIR3PFF/full?target=10.1080/01942638.2025.2583372KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; home program; family collaborationStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat if you could peek inside a child's brain and actually SEE therapy working? That's exactly what researchers did with CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance)—and the results are amazing! Join Lacy and Michele as they break down the 12-week protocol and the 7 surprisingly simple cognitive strategies (you're probably already using some!) that help kids meet THEIR goals for play/leisure, academics, and daily self-care activities. From verbal cues to body positioning, learn how OTs teach children to problem-solve their own challenges. Plus, brain imaging reveals CO-OP literally rewiring neural connections.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original articles too.Schwartz, S. P., Northrup, S. R. K., Izadi-Najafabadi, S., & Zwicker, J. G. (2020). CO-OP for children with DCD: Goals addressed and strategies used. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(4), 278–286. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008417420941980Polatajko, H. J., Mandich, A. D., Missiuna, C., Miller, L. T., Macnab, J. J., Malloy-Miller, T., & Kinsella, E. A. (2001). Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP): Part III—the protocol in brief. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 20(2–3), 107–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/J006v20n02_07 Izadi-Najafabadi, S., Rinat, S., & Zwicker, J. G. (2022). Brain functional connectivity in children with developmental coordination disorder following rehabilitation intervention. Pediatric Research, 91(6), 1459–1468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-021-01517-3KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; CO-OP; cognitive strategies; DCD; brain changesStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailCan sensory integration really work in schools, or are we just wasting instructional time? This week we're reviewing a study that finally gives us answers. Three students, 17.5 hours of intervention, and results that impressed both teachers and researchers. Michele and Lacy break down this single-subject design study using Ayres SI and weekly teacher consultation with outcome measures sensitive enough to show real change. You'll learn the exact intervention protocol, hear what teachers actually said about pulling kids from class, and discover why this feasibility study matters for your practice.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Whiting, C. C., Schoen, S. A., & Niemeyer, L. (2023). A sensory integration intervention in the school setting to support performance and participation: A multiple-baseline study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(2), 7702205060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050135Another article referenced:Whiting, C. C., Schoen, S. A., Bundy, A., Lane, S. J., Mailloux, Z., Roley, S. S., May-Benson, T. A., & Schaaf, R. C. (2025). Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® in school-based practice: A call to action. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 7901347020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050971KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school based; sensory integration; Ayres SI; single subject designStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat if the biggest barrier to children's play isn't the kids—it's us? We are thrilled to chat with our special guest, Dr. Anita Bundy—the world-renowned OT behind some of the most transformative play research out there.  She explains why kids actually need to take risks in play, how she facilitates risk-reframing conversations, and why American kids have way less play than their Norwegian counterparts. You'll hear stories about autistic kids finding their people through tire forts and pool noodle creations, Anita’s “Failed It” story (yes, she keeps it real!), and discover the game-changing difference between using play as a tool versus treating it as the main event.Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat do old tires, crates, pool noodles, and hay bales have in common? They're the secret ingredients that revolutionized recess for hundreds of kids in Dr. Anita Bundy's groundbreaking Sydney Playground Project. In this episode, we get into the occupational therapy research that proved when you add "junk" to a playground and let kids take risks, magic happens. Kids moved more, played harder, and got creative in ways that fancy equipment could never achieve. This study is changing how OTs and schools think about recess, shares why risky play isn't actually dangerous, and gives you everything you need to bring loose parts play to your occupational therapy practice (it’s super simple!). And, don't miss Michele's therapy dog hide-and-seek ‘Nailed It’ and Lacy's cringe-worthy confession about turning test items into goals.  Next week, Dr. Anita Bundy will join us on the podcast!👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission from the author.  Thank you Dr. Peters!We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too.Bundy, A., Engelen, L., Wyver, S., Tranter, P., Ragen, J., Bauman, A., Baur, L., Schiller, W., Simpson, J. M., Niehues, A. N., Perry, G., Jessup, G., & Naughton, G. (2017). Sydney Playground Project: A cluster-randomized trial to increase physical activity, play, and social skills. Journal of School Health, 87(10), 751-759. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12550Hodges, V. C., Centeio, E. E., & Morgan, C. F. (2022). The benefits of school recess: A systematic review. Journal of School Health, 92(10), 959-967. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13230KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school-based OT; playground; recess; loose parts play; risky playStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhat happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the occupational therapy way: with OT scaffolding techniques, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. We explore why some previous research falls short, what this new "OT Zones of Regulation" approach achieved (hello, goal attainment!), and how occupational therapists can bridge that frustrating gap between clinic success and home carryover. Plus, Michele also spills about her biggest career regret involving salary negotiation.👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission by the author. Thank you Dr. Peters!We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too. Peters, B. C., Gabriels, R., Schmid, A. A., et al. (2024). Occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts: A feasibility study. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 44(4), 597-609. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241246549Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2023). A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; Zones of Regulation; self-regulation; emotionsStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or Voicemail70% of autistic individuals have at least one mental health condition, but here's the kicker—the very hospitals meant to help them might be making everything worse. Picture this: you're already in crisis, then you're hit with buzzing fluorescent lights, scratchy bedsheets, and the smell of industrial cleaning solutions. For autistic teens, it's a recipe for prolonged stays and increased meltdowns. But what if we actually asked them what would help? That's exactly what UK researchers did, and their findings will change how OTPs think about every clinical space. From the surprising impact of curved walls on the vestibular system to the "spiky sensory profiles" - this episode discusses surprisingly simple occupational therapy interventions that could transform care overnight.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Williams, G., Corbyn, J., & Hart, A. (2023). Improving the sensory environments of mental health in-patient facilities for autistic children and young people. Child Care in Practice, 29(1), 35–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2126437KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; mental health; hospital; sensory; sensory supports; sensory friendly; neurodiversityStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or Voicemail95% of kids with neurodevelopmental disorders struggle with sleep—but there's an OT intervention that gives families an extra hour of sleep per night! In this episode, we discuss an occupational therapy study from Argentina that used telehealth and coaching to transform bedtime battles. This isn't the typical "try melatonin" approach—it's a comprehensive 5-step program addressing everything from parent self-care to zeitgeber (yes - that’s a real term and it’s amazing). Michele breaks down this intensive OT intervention, delivering significant improvements in bedtime resistance, sleep onset, and duration. We're sharing exactly how occupational therapists can implement these strategies and highlight the freely available assessment tools and day-by-day protocols. If you've ever had a parent desperately ask for sleep help, this episode is your new secret weapon.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Leive, L., Melfi, D., Lipovetzky, J., Cukier, S., Abelenda, J., & Morrison, R. (2024). Program to Support Child Sleep from the Occupational Therapy Perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programa de Acompañamiento del Sueño en la Infancia con Terapia Ocupacional durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Archivos argentinos de pediatria, 122(1), e202303029. https://doi.org/10.5546/aap.2023-03029.engKEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; sleep disorders; sleep intervention; sleep strategies; coaching; telehealth; neurodevelopmental disordersStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailMany of our families know that sinking feeling when mealtime becomes a battlefield—tears, tantrums, and the stress of watching a child refuse meal after meal. But what is the best way to help? This week, we dive into a brand-new scoping review on responsive feeding for pediatric feeding disorders—an approach that's finally putting words to what many OTPs have been doing intuitively. We'll break down the two key pillars: environmental supports (consistent meal schedules, intentional positioning, and sensory-minded food preparation) and strengthening caregiver-child relationships through coaching and education. While this approach might sound familiar to OTs—focusing on child autonomy, self-regulation, and trust-building—the research is just catching up to validate what works. This episode will give you concrete occupational therapy strategies to transform mealtimes from stressful battles into opportunities for connection and growth.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Mattner, M. R., Guzman, A. L., Moore, E., Fortuna, J., & Cantwell-Jurkovic, L. (2025). Responsive feeding therapy for children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD): A scoping review. Appetite, 214, 108211. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.kumc.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.appet.2025.108211 Foster, L., Lawson, L. M., & Moreland, H. (2025). Impact of a Responsive Feeding Intervention on Children and Caregivers: A Nonrandomized, Repeated-Measures Study. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(5), 7905205060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051100 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; responsive feeding; pediatric feeding disorder; feeding therapyStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailDrowning in long therapy wait lists? Researchers found that group DIR Floortime (4 kids, 2 therapists) produced the same outcomes as individual occupational therapy sessions for autistic toddlers—AND slashed wait times from 108 to 52 days! We break down what worked, the challenges (parent participation was tricky), and what the therapists thought about it. Plus Michele's epic "Failed It" moment with bleeding lips and Lacy's activity up & down-grading breakthrough. If you're looking to serve more kids faster without sacrificing quality, this episode delivers a solution that you could try tomorrow.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Hirschmann, S., Magnezi, R., Bassan, H., & Tal, O. (2023). Group versus individual occupational therapy for toddlers with autism as a means to improve access to public health-care services. Randomised controlled pilot study. Australian occupational therapy journal, 70(4), 434–445. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12865KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; group therapy; autism; DIRFloortime; early interventionStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEver feel like you are in over your head? You're not alone—new research shows 84% of occupational therapy practitioners and students secretly battle impostor syndrome. From OT students to seasoned therapists, despite being well qualified, we're all wondering if we actually know what we're doing! In this episode, we break down the study that puts numbers to what we feel and reveal who may be hit hardest by these "Am I good enough?" thoughts. Then, Michele & Lacy share their strategies to move past impostor syndrome. Whether you're an OTA doubting your skills, an occupational therapy student feeling overwhelmed, or a veteran OT questioning yourself, we've got real cognitive and behavioral tools you can use starting today. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Prisco, D., & Walsh, S. (2025). A Survey-Based Quantification of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2344KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; impostor syndrome; impostor phenomenon; professional growthStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailMichele presents research that offers a completely different perspective on OT handwriting intervention. While previous episodes emphasized task-specific training (doing writing to improve writing), this study suggests that students receiving specialized resistance exercises—putty, rubber bands, clips—significantly outperformed control groups on handwriting legibility. We discuss the mechanisms behind these results and share practical strengthening activities OTPs can use in their sessions or use as home (or car) programs. We explore this alternative viewpoint, discuss the conflicting evidence, and let you decide how this fits into your OT practice. Plus, hear about Lacy's McDonald's shoe-tying success story and the Yuka nutrition app that's perfect for OT feeding interventions.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Kumar, M. A., & Nagalakshmi, P. (2023). Effectiveness of specialized resisted strengthening activities to improve handwriting legibility in autism spectrum disorder: a quasi-experimental study. The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(2), 57-60.KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; handwriting; writing; strengthening; fine motor; autism; ASD; school-based; interventionStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEp 24 - In our final Summer of Play episode, we're uncovering the rich history and complex science that makes play genuinely unique in pediatric OT practice. Journey from Piaget and Vygotsky's foundational theories to Mary Reilly's revolutionary work for occupational therapy. We'll break down the National Institute of Play's eight distinct categories - from attunement and rough-and-tumble play to imaginative storytelling - revealing why recognizing these differences can shape your pediatric occupational therapy sessions. Plus, discover your own play personality through their quiz and learn whether you're an explorer, collector, competitor, or one of five other types to understand play in your life (and hear Michele and Lacy’s quiz results).Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEp 23 - Ready to turn your occupational therapy sessions into playgrounds of learning? In this episode of our Summer of Play Series, we explore using play as both the vehicle AND the destination in pediatric OT. We'll discuss 5 manualized occupational therapy interventions that facilitate play for kids (and OTPs!) and 6 other evidence-based strategies for many diagnoses and practice settings. Discover how LEGO bricks build friendships, why getting down on the floor is a powerful OT clinical tool, and learn the key ingredients that transform ordinary activities into genuine play experiences. Whether you're an occupational therapy practitioner justifying play goals to insurance or wanting more authentic play in your sessions, this episode arms you with evidence-based strategies to help kids develop through what they do best – PLAY! We share our own ideas and several compiled in the Royal College’s OT & Play Practice Guideline (2023)  Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEp 22 -  Think you know how to assess play? We break down the surprising gap between how important play is for EVERY PART of child development and how this occupation is often overlooked in OT/OTA education programs and practice. You'll discover the  4-part definition of play, the top 3 play assessments every pediatric occupational therapy practitioner should know, and learn simple ways to incorporate play observation into your OT evaluations. Find the assessments discussed in this episode and more in the textbook Play in Occupational Therapy for Children, 2nd Ed. by Parham & Fazio. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEp 21 - Summer just got a whole lot more fun! 🌞 Michele and Lacy kick off their Summer of Play series with 10 fun, evidence-based therapy activities. From DIY food trucks and table tennis for executive function to water balloons for social play to messy mud & shaving cream toy washes, these aren't just fun activities—they're strategic summertime interventions that your therapy kids will want to do again. Build your toolkit of seasonal strategies that work across all pediatric occupational therapy settings and ability levels. Time to trade your worn-out activities for some serious summer fun!Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailStop guessing and start knowing which occupational therapy interventions actually work. World-renowned OT researcher Professor Iona Novak discusses her revolutionary Traffic Light System that rates occupational therapy interventions with simple green, yellow, and red color coding. Learn why starting with client goals (not assessments) delivers faster outcomes, discover which interventions are moving from yellow to green (including stem cell research!), and discover her READ framework for evidence-based OT decision making. From her childhood friendship with Louisa, who had cerebral palsy, to her systematic review of ALL pediatric occupational therapy interventions (that we previously discussed on our podcast in episode 13), Professor Novak shares research-backed strategies that will transform your OT practice. This isn't just another evidence-based talk—it's your roadmap to interventions that deliver real results.Learn more about Iona Novak's workNovak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273.    (Listen to Lacy & Michele discussing this article in episode 13)Novak, I., Morgan, C., Fahey, M., Finch-Edmondson, M., Galea, C., Hines, A., ... & Badawi, N. (2020). State of the evidence traffic lights 2019: systematic review of interventions for preventing and treating children with cerebral palsy. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 20, 1-21.Novak, I., Te Velde, A., Hines, A., Stanton, E., Mc Namara, M., Paton, M. C., ... & Morgan, C. (2021). Rehabilitation evidence-based decision-making: the READ model. Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 2, 726410.KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence-based practice; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; cerebral palsy; CP; systematic reviewStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailYou've heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a thousand prompts? When it comes to helping autistic kids master daily living skills like brushing teeth, washing hands, and tying shoes, the visual support debate is real: static pictures or dynamic videos? Occupational therapists Michele and Lacy discuss research that puts these two visual strategies head-to-head, revealing insights about which kids thrive with which approach. Spoiler alert: it's not a simple winner! Plus, get the scoop on Boom Whackers (yes, that's a real thing), safety tips for teaching knife skills in OT sessions, and how Michele's pool therapy days changed after multiple "code brown" incidents.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Benson, J. D., Cartwright, A., Szucs, K. A., Smitsky, D., Chippich, E., & Roebuck, L. (2024). Effectiveness of video prompting versus picture prompting in improving daily living skills of autistic children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(3), 7803205030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050514KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; picture schedule; video prompts; ADLs; Activities of Daily Living; autism; intervention; visual supportsStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailWhen you think of therapy in the swimming pool, swim lessons probably come to mind. However, occupational therapy practitioners use water for so many life skills! This week, Michele dives into research from Spain that reveals how aquatic therapy can be beneficial for autistic children in OT settings. The results? Better school performance, improved social competence, and happier kids overall. Plus, Michele shares her own terrifying pool story of a little girl who loved staying under the water for a long time and the treatment strategy to ensure her safety.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Güeita-Rodríguez, J., Ogonowska-Slodownik, A., Morgulec-Adamowicz, N., Martín-Prades, M. L., Cuenca-Zaldívar, J. N., & Palacios-Ceña, D. (2021). Effects of aquatic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder on social competence and quality of life: A mixed methods study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(6), 3126. Effects of Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Social Competence and Quality of Life: A Mixed Methods StudyKEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; aquatics; swim; social skills; quality of life; aquatic therapyStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailReady for an ADHD intervention that tackles the root problem of time management? This Swedish research hands occupational therapy practitioners a comprehensive protocol that includes both remediation and compensation strategies for time processing difficulties. We unpack the three core components of time processing ability and explore a manualized program blending environmental modifications with daily skill-building sessions. Plus, Lacy shares a Failed It story about shoes that went missing, and Michele explains a fantastic Nailed It experience with her strategy for diffusing a power struggle during an OT evaluation. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Wennberg, B., Janeslätt, G., Gustafsson, P. A., & Kjellberg, A. (2019). Occupational performance goals and outcomes of time-related interventions for children with ADHD. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28(2), 158–170. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2020.1820570 Researchers and occupational therapists Dr. Gunnel Janeslätt and Dr. Birgitta Wennberg from the Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Sweden, were pleased that their research was featured on this podcast and wanted to share that the OT intervention program "More Control of Time" is now a manual-based OT intervention method and they offer training to OT practitioners. They also emphasized that it is also important to assess the level of time-processing and daily time management to design the intervention, adding time assistive products. More information about the assessment Kit for assessing time processing ability (KaTid) can be found on the website www.katid.eu (personal communication, June 6, 2025).Here are other related articles:Ahlström, S. W., & Almqvist, L. (2023). The experiences and the meaning of using MyTime in the preschool context from the perspective of children in need of special support, 5–6 years of age. Child: Care, Health and Development, 49, 1096–1103. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13121Ahlström, S. W., Janeslätt, G., & Almqvist, L. (2022). Feasibility of an intervention to facilitate time and everyday functioning in preschoolers. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29(4), 337–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1981434 Janeslätt, G., Ahlström, S. W., & Granlund, M. (2019). Intervention in time-processing ability, daily time management and autonomy in children with intellectual disabilities aged 10–17 years – A cluster randomised trial. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66, 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12547Wallin Ahlström, S., Janeslätt, G., Gustavsson, C., Harder, M., & Almqvist, L. (2024). Intervention in time processing ability and everyday functioning for preschool children in need of special support: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2403363 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailAs occupational therapy practitioners, we spend our careers working in teams—yet most of us learned to hate group work in OT/OTA school. Sound familiar? We're breaking down brand-new research from the Journal of OT Education that studied how to build better teams to avoid group disasters. Whether you're an OT/OTA student dreading your next group project, an educator trying to build the best groups for an assignment, a new grad navigating clinic dynamics, or an experienced occupational therapy practitioner leading interdisciplinary teams, you'll discover evidence-based strategies to use tomorrow. Plus, get tips on how to practice and use therapeutic use of self in the process.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Scheidler, B., Layne, K., Gillard, M., & Doucet, B. M. (2025). Intentional Grouping: Impacts on Cognitive and Social Presence in a Hybrid Classroom. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9(2), 10.KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence-based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; group projects; intentional grouping; therapeutic use of selfStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play  

Send us a Text or VoicemailEver wonder what your pediatric OT clients will say about you when they grow up? In this episode, Lacy & Michele explore qualitative research where autistic adults share what they wish their childhood occupational therapists had known. Their insights challenge us to embrace neurodiversity by accepting (rather than “fixing”) autism, adapting environments instead of forcing compliance, and prioritizing client autonomy. These perspectives offer occupational therapy practitioners a roadmap to more effective, ethical, and empowering therapy approaches. Plus, Lacy shares a hilarious Failed It and Michele discovers a new pop-tube.We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.Sterman J, Gustafson E, Eisenmenger L, Hamm L, Edwards J. Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth. OTJR. 2022;43(2):237-244. doi:10.1177/15394492221103850KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence based practice; OT; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; Autism; neurodiversity; qualitative researchStay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play