Therapod Podcast

Banu Rekha Balaji
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The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

  1. Childhood apraxia of speech, screentime and lifestyle

    6D AGO

    Childhood apraxia of speech, screentime and lifestyle

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    49 min

  2. MAY 4

    Why is Teletherapy more than just an Alternative?

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    20 min
  3. The Oral Sensory Motor system and Speech

    APR 27

    The Oral Sensory Motor system and Speech

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    22 min

  4. APR 20

    Moving the spotlight towards FASD

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    34 min

  5. APR 13

    Bridging the Silence: Transforming Hearing Healthcare

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    45 min

  6. APR 6

    The Speech and Language Connection to Mental Health

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    41 min
  7. Beyond Speech: A Holistic Path to Communication

    MAR 30

    Beyond Speech: A Holistic Path to Communication

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore a holistic and parent-centered approach to speech and language therapy with Zainab Millwala, Chennai-based Speech-Language Pathologist who brings a wealth of experience from both India and the US . We dive into how communication is much more than just the spoken word and why we must look at the "roots" of a child’s development to see real progress. Our guest introduces her "Tree Model" of intervention, where the foundation of learning isn't speech, but rather sleep, gut health, and regulation . We discuss the unique challenges of navigating neurodiversity in an Asian context, where the pressure for "performance" and school enrollment often leads parents to focus solely on speech, sometimes missing the vital non-verbal communication their children are already using Key highlights from this conversation include: The Communication Pyramid: Why we must prioritize a medium of communication and regulation before moving up to language and speech Multilingualism as a Strength: Addressing the common fear among the diaspora that speaking a mother tongue will hinder English development. Our guest explains why multilingualism enhances brain development and encourages parents to "presume competence" in their children The Power of Storytelling: How stories serve as a natural, low-pressure tool for increasing attention and intonation without "testing" the child Navigating the Teen Years: A fascinating look at metacognition and helping older neurodiverse children navigate social "lingo" and pragmatics by moving from a "coach" to a "guide" Join us as we discuss why we should perhaps be called "communication therapists" instead of speech pathologists and how we can ensure every child—regardless of their diagnosis—doesn't miss out on the joy of their childhood #SpeechLanguageTherapy #Neurodiversity #Bilingualism #HolisticHealth #TherapodPodcast #ParentTraining #CommunicationFirst

    35 min
  8. The Flexible Seating Revolution: Reimagining the Modern Classroom

    MAR 23

    The Flexible Seating Revolution: Reimagining the Modern Classroom

    Send us Fan Mail “What works for a few children usually works for all. Why have special seats for special children when we can have a range of seats for everyone?” In this inspiring episode of the Therapod Podcast, host Carolyn Gelenter sits down with Heba Al-Jayoosi, the SENCO and Assistant Head at Mayflower Primary School in East London. Heba shares the journey of their "Flexible Seating Revolution"—a radical shift in classroom design that replaces rigid rows with a menu of choices, including rocking chairs, standing desks, and wobble stools. In this episode, we explore: Inclusion by Design: How Mayflower moved away from stigmatizing "special adaptations" to a Universal Design for Learning approach where every child can choose the seating that meets their sensory needs. The Chair Committee: How the project was co-produced with the children themselves, involving a "mammoth" survey of 357 pupils to ensure their voices led the change. Movement as a Tool for Learning: Challenging the myth that choice leads to "silliness," Heba explains how movement actually improves concentration, peer collaboration, and motivation. Normalizing Sensory Support: From "normalized" ear defenders available to all children to a "no rules" approach to seating, learn how removing stigma creates a sense of belonging. Rigor vs. Relationships: How Mayflower became the highest attaining primary school in the UK in 2023 not through rigid control, but by prioritizing emotional safety and the "relational" side of teaching. Whether you are an educator or a parent, this conversation is a powerful reminder that fairness isn't about everyone having the same—it’s about everyone having what they need to thrive. #InclusiveEducation #FlexibleSeating #Neurodiversity #UDL #TherapodPodcast #MayflowerPrimary #SensorySupport #DLD #AutismAwareness #EducationInnovation

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

The Therapod podcast is a valuable resource created by a team of experienced clinicians- Hosted by Banu Balaji, an experienced occupational therapist. Joining us as Co-host this season we have Georgie Cooney, dedicated teacher, author, and dyslexia specialist with years of experience supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.  This podcast aims to provide accessible and practical information for parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children, especially those with additional needs. Banu and her seasoned colleagues share their  insights on various topics such as sensory strategies, communication, neurodevelopmental assessments, and promoting both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. They bring their years of training and experience to the table in a way that makes it accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on  the importance of parents providing timely support and help  when needed and aim to reduce overwhelm and bring joy to parenting. The podcast delves into the evolving challenges of modern parenting, the impact of changing environments on children, the significance of play in learning and development, and the value of balancing structured activities with free play. Through their discussions, therapod highlights the importance of understanding individual needs, fostering positive relationships, and supporting children's growth and well-being in today's complex world.

Information

  • Creator
    Banu Rekha Balaji
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Therapod Podcast
  • Show Website
    Therapod Podcast

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