STEPS Together

Debra Johnson
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  • Parenting

The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed. 

  1. 19 Jun

    The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Child Might Surprise You

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! After a short break from the podcast, I'm back with some exciting news—and a new way of thinking about how we support children. As parents and caregivers, we're often searching for the next strategy, sensory tool, behavior chart, or quick fix that will make things easier. But what if the most powerful way to help your child isn't finding another tool? What if it's investing in yourself? In this episode, I introduce the STEPS Together Community, a place where adults come to learn, grow, and connect. We'll talk about why curiosity is more powerful than quick fixes, how developing your own problem-solving skills can transform challenging moments, and why no parent should have to navigate this journey alone. Because when adults are empowered, children thrive. If you're ready for something more than another checklist or parenting strategy, this episode is for you. Add your name to the list to get all the details and know when doors open on the STEPS Together Community: https://steps-for-development.kit.com/ed0080f90f

    17 min

  2. 13 Feb

    Habits and the Brain: Supporting Neurodiverse Children Through Daily Routines

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Why does something as simple as brushing teeth or getting out the door feel so hard some days? In this episode of STEPS Together, we’re diving into the science of habits and routines — and why they matter so much for our children’s brains, nervous systems, and long-term development. You’ll learn: How habits are formed in the brain (and why they reduce stress and mental overload)Why routines are especially protective for neurodiverse childrenThe connection between executive function, regulation, and daily patternsWhy inconsistency is usually a skills or sensory issue — not a motivation problemPractical ways adults can shape habits while honoring a child’s developmental needsFor children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or executive function challenges, routines aren’t about compliance — they’re about safety, predictability, and conserving brain energy for growth. We’ll explore how to: Reduce friction in daily routinesSupport regulation before expecting follow-throughUse visual and environmental scaffolding effectivelyBuild identity-based habits that strengthen confidence and independenceAt STEPS for Development, we believe routines aren’t about control. They’re about capacity.  They’re about helping children use less energy surviving their day and more energy for growing! If mornings feel chaotic, transitions feel explosive, or you’re tired of wondering why something “should be simple” but isn’t — this episode will help you see habits through a developmental lens and give you practical next steps you can try right away.

    48 min

  3. 29 Jan

    Teaching Flexibility: Helping Kids Who Struggle with Change and Big Feelings

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Change is hard — especially for children who thrive on predictability, routine, and a sense of control. If your child has big reactions to small changes, difficulty shifting plans, or intense feelings when things don’t go as expected, you’re not alone. In this episode of STEPS Together, we explore flexibility as a developmental skill that grows over time with support, safety, and practice — not pressure. You’ll learn what flexibility really is, why many neurodiverse children struggle with it, and how it connects to emotional regulation, executive functioning, and resilience. We’ll talk about: What flexible thinking looks like in daily lifeWhy inflexibility is often linked to anxiety, lagging skills, or nervous system overloadSimple, low-pressure ways to help children practice flexibilityHow modeling flexibility as a caregiver makes a powerful differenceWays to build your own flexibility so you can support your child with confidenceThis episode is filled with relatable examples, practical strategies, and compassionate reframes to help you move from power struggles to partnership. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child handle change, manage big feelings, or become more adaptable over time, this conversation will give you a roadmap grounded in connection and development. Remember — flexibility isn’t about compliance. It’s about building the skills to adapt, recover, and thrive.

    41 min

  4. 16 Jan

    No Resolutions Required: Three Skills for a Hope-Filled New Year

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! The start of a new year often comes with pressure—to set goals, make resolutions, and “do better.” But what if that’s not what you actually need? In this episode, I’m sharing an honest reflection on the ups and downs of the past month, why I needed to pause, and what helped me reconnect with hope and confidence moving forward. Instead of resolutions, I’ve chosen to focus on three essential skills that support growth in real life: resilience, intention, and courage. We’ll explore what each of these skills really means, what they look like in everyday moments—especially when you’re balancing your own needs with the needs of others—and how you can begin building them in simple, sustainable ways. Drawing on insights from Brené Brown and a nervous-system–informed perspective, this conversation is grounded, practical, and compassionate. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the feeling that you should be doing more—even when you’re already doing so much—this episode is for you. You don’t need a new version of yourself to move forward. You just need the right support and a few skills to carry you through. Join me as we take one step at a time—so you can grow your skills, support the child in your life, and move forward with confidence and hope for the future.

    33 min

  5. 26/12/2025

    Finding Joy in the Chaos: 10 Simple Ways to Find Joy in Everyday Moments

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Parenting can feel constant, demanding, and overwhelming—especially when you’re supporting a neurodiverse child. In the midst of routines, meltdowns, therapies, and daily demands, joy can start to feel distant or even unrealistic. In this episode of STEPS Together, we shift the focus from “doing more” to noticing, building, and protecting moments of joy that already fit real life. You’ll hear 10 practical, relationship-based ways to experience more joy with your child—without forcing positivity or ignoring challenges. We talk about: Why joy doesn’t have to be big, loud, or Pinterest-worthyCelebrating micro-wins and small moments of progressEmbedding play, movement, and humor into everyday routinesUsing shared interests and predictable rituals to deepen connectionThe importance of your own joy for framing your mindsetThis episode is an invitation to slow down, soften expectations, and reconnect—with yourself and with your child. Because thriving doesn’t come from perfect days; it grows from small, intentional moments of joy, repeated over time. ✨ Pick one strategy. Try it this week. Notice what shifts.

    21 min

  6. 18/12/2025

    When Regulation Falls Apart: A STEPS Guide to Managing Meltdowns

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! Meltdowns are often misunderstood and when we treat them like misbehavior, everyone ends up more dysregulated. In this episode of STEPS Together, we break down the critical difference between tantrums and meltdowns, why that distinction matters, and what your child’s nervous system is communicating when regulation falls apart. We'll talk about what causes  meltdowns and reframe what it really means to manage a meltdown—not by controlling behavior, but by supporting regulation when your child cannot do it alone. This episode walks you through a clear, repeatable STEPS approach to managing meltdowns, including: How to regulate yourself first when emotions run highWhy reducing demands helps the nervous system resetWhat co-regulation without control looks like in real lifePractical ways to support your child’s nervous system—and your own—in the momentThe importance of Reflect and Repair after the meltdown is over to rebuild safety, connection, and learningThis conversation isn’t about eliminating meltdowns. It’s about understanding them and responding with intention, so you can get through the worst of times and build skills for change.  If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to help and feeling powerless in the moment, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward—one step at a time. Download the PDF Guide with all the STEPS for managing meltdowns!

    44 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    When You Are Doing All The Things...And Nothing Is Changing

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything people tell me to do so why is my child still melting down, acting out, or struggling?” this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, we unpack one of the most frustrating experiences for parents: working incredibly hard, trying every strategy you can find, and still feeling stuck. You’re not failing and your child isn’t either.  We’ll explore the six hidden reasons you feel stuck, including strategy overload, losing sight of your child’s unique needs, expectations that don’t match developmental readiness, the gap between knowing and doing, the impact of your own regulation and confidence, and losing sight of progress in the face of stress.  By the end, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s been getting in the way and a sense of relief that there is a path forward. Less overwhelm, more clarity, and the reassurance that you can move forward.  Tune in to shift from “trying everything” to trying what actually works and start seeing your successes, no matter how small.  As a reminder to help stay on track, download the PDF guide to this episode!

    29 min

  8. 04/12/2025

    Brain Health 101: The Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind! In this episode, I identify the five core pillars of wellness that support a child’s brain health and why they matter far more than most parents realize. Neurodiverse brains often struggle with one or more (sometimes all five!) of these areas; sleep, nutrition, physical activity, social relationships, and stress reduction. Research shows us how each of these areas are vital to brain development and daily function. I’ll break down why each one of these core pillars matters and what you can do as a parent to support your child’s participation in each area. You’ll gain a new perspective, better understanding and walk away with knowledge that you can shift the needle in each of these areas no matter how your child might struggle.

    42 min
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About

The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed. 

Information

  • Creator
    Debra Johnson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 STEPS Together
  • Show Website
    STEPS Together
  • Provider