Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

Tracy Stackhouse, Cory Dundon, Michelle Maunder
  • 5.0 (24)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We are on a mission to build the collective knowledge of paediatric occupational therapists and fellow human beings alike. Most of us are drawn this field because we love children and we believe in the infinite possibility of childhood. But. Once we enter practice, there is often a feeling of being  overwhelmed by all there is to know in order to be effective. This podcast was conceived to include you in our SpIRiTed conversations. These discussions have kept us engaged and had an unmeasurable impact on us as therapists. We want to share our regular clinical conversations with others, not knowing all the answers, but allowing each of us to have the space to think and put the pieces together.  Tracy’s ability to make clinical reasoning and neuroscience accessible to all is incredibly powerful and worth sharing. ‘Show Notes can be found at www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 11H AGO

    34. From Sensory Surplus to Praxis: a developmental approach

    What does it really mean for sensory integration to be a developmental theorym and how does that change the way we see the children in front of us? In this episode, we pick up right where Episode 33 left off. Tracy opens with a powerful quote from the Sensory Integration Theory and Praxis textbook that bridges sensory discrimination and executive functioning, and the conversation takes off from there. We explore how Praxis doesn't arrive all at once but interacts with a child's changing developmental competence, from the six-month-old reaching for a toy, all the way to the basketball player executing a perfect shot. Tracy shares a rich clinical story of a little boy with Fragile X syndrome whose play shifted dramatically, not because he was taught new skills, but because his motivational system was met exactly where it was. And we get into genuinely fascinating territory around sensory surplus, neurodivergence, and what it means when a child needs to spend far longer making sense of perceptual qualities before they can move into representational play. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & recap of Episode 33 01:43 Tracy's quote from Sensory Integration Theory and Praxis (2nd ed., 2002) 03:00 Sensory integration as a developmental theory — the spiralling continuum 07:17 What does "developmental theory" really mean here? 08:14 The embodied experience of a six-month-old becoming a reacher 10:34 Praxis elaborating from affordances — the basketball example 12:33 The interrupted development of Episode 33's little cherub 14:22 "Praxis interacts with the changing developmental competence of the child" 18:00 Connecting to executive functioning — planning and inhibitory control 20:06 Sledging, dysregulation, and the autonomic nervous system 20:33 Affect is the glue — Stanley Greenspan 21:48 Clinical story: the boy with Fragile X and the red cars 26:33 Attunement, pacing, and knowing when to stretch 29:00 How you find the affect inside a child's category interest 30:03 Sensory discrimination as the foundation of executive function shifting 31:20 Executive functions are embodied before they are cognitive 33:27 Visual discrimination and cognitive flexibility 35:00 Stuck in developmental stages — integration dependency 37:26 From concrete/literal to representational thinking 38:42 The million repetitions problem — and why play partners get tired 41:00 Filling the perceptual cup 42:04 Wired to Feel — autism as a condition of sensory surplus 44:00 Motivational bias, executive function, and the "not done yet" feeling 45:26 Affect as the glue in pathway building 47:12 Meeting children exactly where they are 49:14 DIR, honeypots, and what it means to really be with a child in play 49:55 Did affect unlock self-other connection? 53:15 Pulling it together for parents — the relief of knowing this is the work 54:52 We don't teach shoe-tying to 2-year-olds — developmental readiness Resources mentioned: Sensory Integration Theory and Praxis, 2nd ed. (2002) — Anzaloni & Murray Children Adapt — Gilfoyle, Grady & Moore Wired to Feel: Autism as a Condition of Sensory Surplus — Sweezy & Bergenfeld (2025) DIR/Floortime — Stanley Greenspan Early Start Denver Model — Sally Rogers SPIRIT Model — Tracy Stackhouse, Developmental FX The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model — Jan Winhall If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a colleague and take a moment to leave a review — it genuinely helps more people find us. Check out DFX's learning journeys to sign up for our learning journeys community and take any of the courses available to build your clinical reasoning skills -->  https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/ 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  2. FEB 2

    33. Another look at Praxis: Stories from the OT Clinic

    In this episode, we dive deep into the clinical reasoning behind a case study of Cory's involving a 3.5-year-old boy. We do our best to link the experiences of this little boys daily challenges, such as dressing, social interactions, and emotional regulation, and unpack them through the lens of sensory integration and praxis. We explore the vital difference between "high route" and "low route" brain processing of sensations and affect, and how we can use playful, relational interactions to bridge the gap. We also discuss the intersection of sensory integrative knowledge and Polyvagal Theory. With another aha moment in how the foundation of safety becomes a way we can facilitate sensory discrimination to emerge for motor planning and skill development. Check out DFX's learning journeys to sign up for our learning journeys community and take any of the courses available to build your clinical reasoning skills --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/   Full transcription of our episode is available on our website.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Case Study: Functional challenges 02:52 Observations in Daycare 04:39 Therapeutic Approach and Techniques 07:04 Progress and Insights 09:15 Discussion on Sensory Integration and Praxis 19:17 Practical Applications and Tools 26:22 Playful Beginnings: Exploring Interaction 26:48 Progress and Social Development 29:23 Understanding Sensory Discrimination 32:28 Trusting Theories in Practice 33:19 Praxis in Action: Another Case Study 36:42 Reflecting on Clinical Observations 43:01 Developmental Pathways and Testing 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    32. Unpacking Clinical Language: Eye Control and the Vestibular System

    In this episode, we’re wrestling with something that comes up all the time in clinic: how do we explain the tricky clinical terms (like ocular control) to parents without losing them? We are continuing on the journey of trying to unpack language, talking about how we translate what we’re seeing in terms of ocular motor functions, vestibular contributions, and somatosensory discrimination into language that actually lands and makes sense for families.   We unpack how the vestibular system and sensory discrimination play into eye movements, how modulation bumps into these issues, and how neurodevelopmental factors shape what we’re observing. Happy Listening!   Check out DFX's learning journeys to sign up for our learning journeys community and take any of the courses available to build your clinical reasoning skills  --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/   Full transcription of our episode is available on our website.    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Translating Clinical Concepts 00:36 Challenges in Communicating Clinical Terms 02:26 Navigating Clinical and Medical Spaces 05:58 Understanding Ocular Motor Function 08:25 Connecting Sensory Systems to Daily Life 19:01 Developmental Perspectives on Sensory Integration 26:19 Integrating Information for Developmental Understanding 26:59 Vestibular System and Its Functions 28:39 Motor Control and Its Origins 30:25 Challenges with AI in Understanding Motor Skills 37:20 Clinical Reasoning and Interpretation 38:30 Attachment and Motor Development 42:03 Connecting Threads in Therapy 44:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions   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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  4. 07/29/2025

    31. Wonder, Safety, and the Power of Showing Up

    In this episode, we dive into the complexities of neurodiversity, sensory modulation, and the importance of safety and curiosity in therapy and life. Through some of our personal stories and clinical anecdotes, we explore how embracing individual differences and showing up authentically can foster resilience, learning, and connection. Resources & Mentions: Ruth Lanius and Dr. Stephen Porges (on neuroception and sensory matrix)Lois Hickman, OT, and nature-based therapyIf you enjoyed this episode, check out our Instagram for more resources and Cory’s “Spirit” rap. Keep showing up, stay curious, and embrace your own unique innate qualities! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Introduction, no context, just starting 0:08 — Hosts reflect on being non-professional communicators and podcasting 0:38 — The experience of listening to yourself on a podcast 0:55 — Balancing each other's communication styles 1:27 — Embarrassing travel stories and trusting the process 2:16 — Resilience and strengths-based language 4:33 — "Neuro spicy" and personal quirks 5:43 — Funny story about ADHD realization 9:13 — Learning from yourself and collective learning 10:19 — Embracing neurodiversity in the podcast 11:41 — Recap of last episode and moving into new terminology 12:47 — Discussion of neuroception and modulation 14:15 — Sensory matrix and evolving language 17:02 — Sensory affective dual process 18:22 — Mobilization and nervous system responses 21:02 — The importance of safety and curiosity in therapy 29:23 — The "milk and butter" story: using curiosity and safety in therapy 36:05 — Reflections on the story and its impact 39:23 — The importance of following the child's lead in therapy 43:58 — Wrapping up, next episode preview, and social media plug 43:26 — Final thoughts and goodbyes 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  5. 07/09/2025

    30. Exploring Shared Language: Modulation and Regulation

    In this episode, we delve into the complexities of sensory modulation and regulatory systems, discussing how we understand these elements and how they influence therapeutic practice. We explore the polyvagal theory, sensory modulation matrix, and how we can create shared terminology in those spaces. Through real-life examples and theoretical discussions, we bring to light the importance of precise language and shared understanding in clinical settings. The episode highlights the dynamic interplay between sensory processing, state regulation, and adaptive functions, offering insights into how therapists can better support children with diverse needs. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 00:17 Celebrating Learning Communities 01:07 Community Feedback and Growth 02:30 Discussing Terminology in Therapy 04:06 Exploring Sensory Issues 07:27 Precision in Clinical Language 11:36 Understanding State Dependency 18:17 Polyvagal Theory and Regulation Models 22:07 Understanding Sensory Modulation and Regulation 22:39 The Interplay of Sensory Modulation and Neuroception 23:27 Linking Sensory Modulation to Treatment Plans 26:06 The Role of Arousal and Autonomic States 29:30 Practical Examples of Sensory Modulation 35:33 Integrating Polyvagal Theory and Regulatory Capacities 41:36 The Sensory Modulation Matrix 43:55 Building a Shared Language in Communities 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  6. 04/07/2025

    29. When Science Meets Therapy: the art of co-regulation

    In this episode, we dive into a fascinating discussion about the intersection of scientific research and therapeutic practice. Tracy shares a heartfelt experience of hosting scientists at the Developmental FX clinic, where they observed therapy sessions for individuals with Fragile X syndrome, autism, and other developmental disorders. The conversation highlights the importance of integrated models of care, the subtle yet profound impact of high-quality therapy, and the critical role of co-regulation. We also reflect on the teachings of Dr. Ayers, the challenges and rewards of being a therapist, and the significance of collaborative partnerships in advancing child development. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:15 A Day at Developmental FX 05:17 The Nuances of Therapy 10:51 Challenges and Reflections 17:24 The Importance of Co-Regulation 22:15 Translating Theory into Practice 34:07 Celebrating the Team's Work 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  7. 10/17/2024

    28. Therapeutic Power of Playfulness

    In this insightful episode, we explore the transformative role of play and playfulness in paediatric occupational therapy from multiple perspectives. From real-life case studies to theoretical discussions on the STEPPSI model and polyvagal theory, we uncover how play enhances child development and therapy. Learn about the challenges and triumphs therapists face in incorporating fun into clinical practice, and discover strategies for balancing playful engagement with therapeutic goals. Through stories, research, and practical tips, we highlight the profound impact of playful interactions and social dynamics in fostering growth and emotional regulation in children. 00:00 Exploring Play in Child Development 01:16 The Origins and Evolution of STEP SI 05:24 Personal Journeys into Pediatric Occupational Therapy 08:05 The Vulnerability and Joy of Play 10:03 Balancing Playfulness and Professionalism 20:55 Clinical Reasoning in Play-Based Therapy 25:18 Playfulness vs. Play: Definitions and Applications 28:45 Case Study: Attuned Play in Therapy 33:19 Struggles with Play and Skill Development 34:28 Letting Go of the Agenda 35:30 A Breakthrough in Play 38:22 The Importance of Play in Therapy 39:28 Navigating Play and Regulation 41:31 Personal Reflections on Play 45:20 Autonomic Nervous System in Play 47:15 Grandchildren and Play Dynamics 53:06 Therapeutic Strategies in Play 59:14 Concluding Thoughts on Play 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m

  8. 07/25/2024

    27. Ayres Just Right Challenge & Adaptive Response

    In this episode, we dive into the principles of adaptive responses and just right challenges as laid out by Jean Ayres in sensory integration therapy. We share our experiences and discuss the application of these principles in clinical practice. You’ll hear us talk about the developmental nature of this approach, the role of neuroplasticity, and the importance of individualized treatment. Through our conversation we highlight the significant impact of understanding and using these principles can have on children's functional abilities and overall quality of life. 00:00 Introduction and Excitement About the Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders 00:43 A Funny Story About a Lost Book 05:32 Discussing Adaptive Response and Just Right Challenge 06:55 Reading and Analysing Jean Ayres' Work 14:31 The Importance of Developmental Sequences in Therapy 23:48 Understanding Executive Functions and Developmental Insights 25:00 The Profound Concept of Developmental Approach 25:31 Adaptive Responses and Internal Motivation 27:15 The Just Right Challenge in Therapy 28:43 The Importance of the Spirit Tool 29:58 Tailoring Therapy to Individual Needs 31:44 Trusting the Developmental Process 32:44 Real-Life Success Stories 37:42 Applying Developmental Principles Across Domains 43:03 The Role of Neuroplasticity in Therapy 50:10 Quirky Stories and Insights 53:58 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections   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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

We are on a mission to build the collective knowledge of paediatric occupational therapists and fellow human beings alike. Most of us are drawn this field because we love children and we believe in the infinite possibility of childhood. But. Once we enter practice, there is often a feeling of being  overwhelmed by all there is to know in order to be effective. This podcast was conceived to include you in our SpIRiTed conversations. These discussions have kept us engaged and had an unmeasurable impact on us as therapists. We want to share our regular clinical conversations with others, not knowing all the answers, but allowing each of us to have the space to think and put the pieces together.  Tracy’s ability to make clinical reasoning and neuroscience accessible to all is incredibly powerful and worth sharing. ‘Show Notes can be found at www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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