Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT Tracy Stackhouse, Cory Dundon, Michelle Maunder

In this episode, we delve into the often cited but widely misunderstood concept of 'Follow the Child's Lead'. Through our personal anecdotes, theoretical explorations, and practical insights, we wonder about the origins of this principle, its application across different disciplines and its pivotal role in treatment and intervention strategies. We unpack the nuances of following a child’s lead versus following a child’s need, and the profound impact of tuning into a child’s developmental trajectory for effective treatment. Join us as we dive deep into how this principle shapes our approaches to therapy and beyond, providing actionable takeaways for professionals and parents alike. 
 
TIMESTAMPS:  
00:00 Introduction: Exploring Treatment Principles 
00:54 Deep Dive into 'Follow the Child's Lead' 
02:16 Clinical Perspectives and Personal Stories 
03:30 Understanding and Misunderstandings of Following the Child 
05:57 Expanding on 'Follow the Child's Lead' with Clinical Insights 
32:27 Exploring the Concept of Affordances in Treatment 
53:29 Concluding Thoughts on Following the Child's Lead 
Both DFX and SEED are growing! Please message us if you are interested in joining either of our teams!  https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ 
For information about Regulation 101 contact info@seedpaediatricservices.com  
Full transcription of our episode is available on our website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/ 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT 
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This episode is a detailed conversation about sensory modulation and its application in the field of occupational therapy. It examines various types of behaviours connected to sensory modulation and provides a thorough explanation of how to support individuals dealing with these behaviours. We discuss the intricacies of sensory modulation, particularly sensory over-responsiveness and under-responsiveness, sensory diets, and the impact of arousal and autonomic functions on sensory modulation. Key ideas include distinguishing between positive and negative valence responses, strategies for regulation and recovery, and the role of safety in sensory modulation. 
 
00:00 Introduction and Updates on Training Programs
01:14 Addressing Listener Questions: Sensory Modulation and Language
02:12 Understanding Sensory Modulation and Behavioural Outcomes
04:43 The Complexity of Sensory Modulation and Its Impact on Treatment
08:48 The Importance of Differentiating Sensory Modulation Issues
09:29 The Role of Neurological Structures in Sensory Modulation
10:17 The Influence of Autonomic Functions on Sensory Modulation
11:04 Understanding the Behavioural Outcomes of Sensory Modulation
11:34 The Importance of Precise Differentiation in Sensory Concepts
13:57 The Role of Sensory Modulation in Adaptive Function
16:05 The Impact of Sensory Modulation on Treatment
18:07 The Role of Safety in Sensory Modulation
20:12 The Importance of Understanding Sensory Modulation in Treatment
38:10 The Role of Sensory Diets in Treatment
43:50 Conclusion: The Future of Sensory Modulation Treatment
Full Transcript Available on our website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/
Don’t forget you can take the Spirit and STEPPSI Course through DFX's learning journeys: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/
 
For other courses on offer through Seed, email us for more information:
info@seedpaediatricservices.com

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This is our first ever Guest Episode, and who better to talk to than Kim Barthel!!
In this episode we continue to discuss interoception and making sense of this in treatment. We had a glitch with our video feed this episode so it’s audio only, but we so very excited to finally share this. Our conversation covers many levels, from trying to understand and discern interoception vs neuroception, to understanding interoceptive processing with clinical practice examples and hopefully offers everyone new insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.
Kim is currently touring the world and we’re very excited to say is headed to Australia to offer a number of unmissable live, in-person events. You can check out the full list of possible workshops here: https://www.kimbarthel.ca/event-calendar
 You can catch and connect with Kim online in a number of places:
https://www.facebook.com/KimBarthelOTR/
https://www.instagram.com/kimbarthel.ca/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8PsNYNlakx1qx0BCqTg5w?view_as=subscriber
 
Don’t forget you can take the Spirit and STEPPSI Course through DFX's learning journeys: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/
 
For other courses on offer through Seed, follow our link or email us for more information:
https://seedot.thinkific.com/courses/regulation-101
info@seedpaediatricservices.com
 


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In this episode we discuss the relationship between interoceptive processing, conscious and subconscious as well as how that relates to the polyvagal theory. We explore how interoception changes in the different states of the nervous system, such as ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states. We also discuss the role of interoception in emotions and feelings, and how it can impact social interactions. Our conversation begins our discussion around the importance of understanding interoceptive processing in clinical practice and hopefully offers insights into how we can support individuals with different interoceptive needs.
Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy: https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/
 
Curious about Regulation 101, follow our link or email us for more information:
https://seedot.thinkific.com/courses/regulation-101
 
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and announcement of available training
00:03:23 - Discussion on the relationship between interoception and polyvagal theory
00:06:19 - Importance of understanding the receptors in interoceptive processing
00:08:13 - Interception extends beyond visceral organs to include other receptors
00:09:19 - Interception involves both physical sensations and emotional feelings
00:12:01 - Context of sensation and social touch
00:14:27 - Receptors becoming bristly when not open to receive touch
00:21:13 - Neuroceptive function of comfort and safety
00:23:26 - Tuning into social cues and internal/external focus
00:26:42 - Relationship between state and receptor activation
00:28:20 - Stretch receptors and their role in processing interoceptive information
00:30:07 - Electrical and chemical changes in interoceptive processing
00:31:44 - The role of mismatch and posterior insula in emotion
00:33:59 - Shift from subconscious to awareness-based processing
00:38:44 - Impact of interoception on mobilization
00:41:53 - Tracy discusses the interaction between polyvagal system and interoception
00:43:08 - Tracy explains how states impact interoceptive cues and choices
00:48:42 - Discussion on the role of attention in interoceptive awareness
00:49:52 - The anterior insula's role in drawing attention to interoceptive signals
00:50:59 - Individual differences in valence tipping and interoceptive awareness
00:54:40 - Treatment considerations for interoceptive cues and shame triggers
Key Takeaways:
Interoception involves the processing of internal bodily sensations and emotions.Interoceptive processing is influenced by the state of the nervous system, such as the ventral vagal state, sympathetic state, and dorsal vagal state.The quality and function of interoceptive receptors can change depending on the state of the nervous system.Interoceptive cues can signal safety or threat, leading to different physiological and emotional responses.Attentional processes play a role in interoceptive processing, with the ability to shift attention between internal and external cues.
Our Favourite Quote from this episode:
"The valence-based function of interoception tells us if something is good or bad, and if we want more or less of it." – Tracy M Stackhouse.

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This episode we discuss the importance of the somatosensory system in forming our sense of self through our relationships and how it shapes neurodevelopment. We explore how individuals who have not experienced secure attachment early in life may struggle with somatosensory amplification and somatization later on. We chat about the role of touch in creating a sense of safety and connection, and how sensory integrative processing can impact overall wellness. If you’re curious about the need to balance and respect boundaries while providing positive somatosensory experiences for individuals with neurodiversity this episode is for you. Hopefully, like we did, you get a deeper appreciation of the power of touch in building empathy, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.
Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/
 
Timestamps
00:00
Importance of somatosensory system in attachment relationships and development
02:40
Impact of insecure attachment on somatosensory amplification and somatization
07:00
Neurodevelopment as a window into wellness and decline
10:00
Phantom limb experiences from missing relational experiences
12:30
Importance of sensory integrative processing and Dr. Ayres' work
16:00
Importance of touch in building empathy and connections
19:00
Enhancing somatosensory experiences in therapy
23:00
Balancing respect for individual boundaries and supporting adaptive function
26:00
Challenges of touch in vulnerable populations and the need for boundaries
30:00
Importance of psychoeducation and consent in touch interactions
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT
Website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/
 
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Join us as we explore the interplay between feed forward and feedback in the somatosensory system. Learn how this impacts our ability to perform skilled movements and how our brain prepares for the next action. Find out how inhibition plays a crucial role in allowing us to venture forward in novel experiences.
 
Check out DFX's learning journeys to build your clinical
reasoning skills with Tracy --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/
 
Full transcription of our episode is available on our
website. 
 
Timestamps:
0:00:00 Introduction and revisiting the topic of praxis
0:01:28 Difficulty of replicating human praxis in robots
0:02:48 Somatosensory basis of dyspraxia
0:05:01 Importance of enhancing somatosensation, movement, and vision
0:05:41 The dynamic and solidified body map of the homunculus
0:06:25 Purpose of somatosensory processing and sensory integrative processing
0:07:49 Treating the whole, not just practicing the end products
0:08:12 Understanding the homunculus and its dynamic nature
0:10:04 Feed forward and feedback happening simultaneously
0:11:35 Interplay between feed forward and feedback happening simultaneously in the brain
0:12:22 Peripheral receptors learning in the neural network
0:13:03 Neurodevelopmental changes in the peripheral and central nervous system
0:13:45 Preparing the body for the next activity
0:14:44 Sensitization of peripheral receptors in response to unexpected events
0:16:12 Pre-emptive preparation of the brain in eye movement control
0:17:19 Interplay between somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems in response to uneven surfaces
0:17:50 Importance of somatosensation as a perceptual layer that supports skilfulness
0:18:58 The interplay between modulation and discrimination processing in novel experiences
0:20:40 Treating the modulation issue to clear the slate for discrimination to become relevant
0:21:57 Co-regulation through touch in discrimination processing
0:22:25 The spreading activation of the homunculus enriching the body map
0:23:10 The nervous system drawing somatosensory information to create inhibition and engagement
0:23:41 The somatosensory system as the primary inhibitory system
0:24:26 The whole process being somatosensory dependent
0:24:42 The valence and tipping in the somatosensory system
0:25:21 The role of the social engagement secretary in somatosensory modulation
0:27:01 Co-regulation and the importance of a partner in somatosensory experiences
0:29:20 The impact of not meeting a child's somatosensory needs on adaptation and efficiency
0:29:54 The power of OT observations in shifting perceptions and supporting children's sensory needs
0:34:20 The importance of separating modulation from discrimination in clinical reasoning for effective intervention
0:34:54 The interplay between modulation, discrimination, cognition, and executive function in treatment.
 
Connect with us: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT
Website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/
 
Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us?
Subscribe to our youtube channel!

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