Pediatric Pioneers: A Medbridge Podcast

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Pediatric Pioneers is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in pediatric rehabilitation and equipping rehabilitation professionals with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button!   IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

  1. 3h ago

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 22:

    In this episode, neuro-audiology expert Dr. Sarah Wakefield, AuD, joins host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, to uncover why children with normal peripheral hearing often face hidden battles with auditory processing and decreased sound tolerance conditions. Together, they explore how the brain interprets sound, shifting the narrative away from “bad behavior” to reveal how conditions like misophonia and hyperacusis deeply impact a child’s daily function. You will learn how to spot clinical signs like listening fatigue, discover why standard habits like overusing headphones might backfire, and gain actionable, interdisciplinary strategies to maximize your patients’ functional participation. Tune in to discover how you can collaborate across disciplines to transform your pediatric practice and confidently support your neurodiverse clients. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around clinical auditory processing and decreased sound tolerance conditions in pediatric conditionsApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of auditory processing and decreased sound tolerance conditionsSolve patient case scenarios involving pediatric decreased sound tolerance and auditory processing conditions—such as misophonia and hyperacusis—to minimize the impact on daily activities and maximize functional participationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:02:24) Dr. Wakefield's journey into neuro-audiology(00:08:05) Auditory processing disorders (APD) in pediatric clients(00:10:47) What questions should therapists be asking about APD?(00:13:19) Prevalence and diagnosis of APD(00:18:28) Overlap with other neurodevelopmental disorders(00:21:47) Intervention strategies for APD(00:27:23) Exploring decreased sound tolerance (DST)(00:34:07) Auditory gain and the central auditory nervous system(00:39:55) Interventions for hyperacusis and misophonia(00:43:56) Collaborative approaches in therapy(00:46:30) Screening tools for APD and DST(00:50:17) The efficacy of environmental modifications(00:57:36) Actionable takeaways for therapists Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 2m

  2. May 15

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 21: Social Detectives: How Do We Make Sense of the Social World?

    In this episode, host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, joins Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, founder of the Social Thinking Methodology, to re-examine the foundations of pediatric social learning. Michelle challenges the traditional clinical focus on “eye contact,” advocating instead for “thinking with your eyes” to help clients move from simple observation to true perspective-taking. You’ll learn how to implement dynamic assessments and use “Social Detective” strategies to bridge the gap between a child's internal passions and the external social world. Finally, Michelle reveals how the “guardrails” of screen time contribute to modern social anxiety and why clinicians must help educators see the social mind as the essential fabric for academic and reading comprehension. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around the role of joint attention as a foundational social learning concept and skillApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the development of social attention by teaching clients to “thinking with your eyes” and become “Social Detectives” to make smart guesses about the environmentSolve patient case scenarios involving neurodevelopmental differences such as ASD and ADHD, as well as screen-time-related social delays, by using structured observations and video modeling to improve group participation and perspective-takingTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to Social Thinking and its origins (00:02:48) The development of Social Thinking methodology (00:05:57) Understanding “thinking with your eyes” (00:08:40) The importance of joint attention (00:11:50) Dynamic assessment in social skills (00:18:35) The role of social skills in adult life (00:21:07) The impact of joint attention on learning (00:23:10) Metacognition and social understanding (00:26:30) Recent research on joint attention (00:33:00) Translating Social Thinking into practice (00:35:30) The impact of screen time on social skills (00:40:50) Integrating social skills in therapy sessions (00:46:25) Actionable strategies for therapists (00:53:00) Educating adults on social skills (00:58:18) The future of pediatric therapy Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 2m

  3. Apr 15

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 20: CO-OP™ in Schools: Is This the Key to Improve Classroom Performance?

    Join host Nicole Quint and certified CO-OP™ instructor Dr. Lara Collins Barros as they explore how the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP™) Approach can revolutionize school-based practice. You’ll discover how to shift from traditional fine motor drills to a top-down, evidence-based framework that empowers students to lead their own problem-solving through the Goal-Plan-Do-Check strategy. Dr. Barros shares actionable ways to implement interventions that build student autonomy and ensure skills actually generalize to the classroom and beyond. Tune in to learn how guiding discovery, rather than just giving instructions, can be the missing piece in achieving meaningful participation for your students. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around supporting school participation through top-down, task-oriented interventions like the CO-OP™ ApproachApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address student-chosen goals using the Goal-Plan-Do-Check global cognitive strategy and guided discovery in the school settingSolve patient case scenarios involving common school-based challenges such as handwriting, shoe tying, and desk organizationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to the CO-OP™ model in schools(00:04:04) Understanding the CO-OP™ approach(00:08:47) Implementation of CO-OP™ in school settings(00:11:50) Examples of CO-OP™ application(00:13:17) Interprofessional collaboration in CO-OP™(00:15:50) Supporting participation in CO-OP™(00:19:27) Research and evidence supporting CO-OP™(00:24:55) Identifying suitable candidates for CO-OP™(00:26:35) Empowering students and teachers through collaborative goal setting(00:32:35) Implementing the CO-OP™ approach in therapy sessions(00:40:13) Engaging stakeholders for successful implementation(00:46:16) Actionable takeaways for therapists(00:49:00) The future of school-based pediatric therapyPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    53 min

  4. Mar 13

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 19: Neurodiversity Advocacy: How Can the Therapy Team Move From “Fix” to “Fit”?

    Join host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, and guest Elizabeth Jones, MS, OTR/L, an expert in pediatric advocacy, as they explore a transformative paradigm shift in neurodiversity. You will learn how to move beyond individual “fixes” to design “fits” within school and community systems, treating parent input as vital clinical data. Liz shares how her dual perspective as a therapist and parent can help you leverage “causal advocacy” to create inclusive environments that support participation for all. Discover how to translate your unique expertise into actionable strategies that reduce burnout and ensure neurodivergent children truly thrive in their daily lives. Learning Outcomes Analyze the evidence around the shift from a medical “fix” model to a neuroinclusive “fit” model that prioritizes environmental modifications and participation over individual impairmentApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address advocacy for neurodivergent learners by integrating parent input as clinical data and identifying systemic barriers to accessSolve case scenarios involving neurodivergent learners in school and community settings, focusing on transitions, unstructured times, and inclusive participationTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:01:37) Personal journey into advocacy(00:06:24) Importance of advocacy in pediatric practice(00:07:27) Questions for reflective practice(00:11:25) Translating expertise to the team(00:17:40) Causal vs. case advocacy(00:21:50) Additional research insights on advocacy(00:24:35) Translating research into practice(00:28:38) The role of occupational therapy in schools(00:30:30) Understanding stakeholder perspectives(00:31:52) Actionable takeaways for practitioners(00:38:45) Real-world examples of inclusion challenges(00:46:35) The future of pediatric practice and inclusionPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    51 min

  5. Feb 13

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 18: Executive Function: Does Interoception “Move the Train to Build the Brain?”

    Join host Nicole Quint and Dr. Cara Koscinski, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS, for an insightful exploration into how a “body-first“ lens can revolutionize your approach to executive function. Together, they dive into Dr. Koscinski’s Executive Function Express framework, illustrating how interoception and postural stability serve as the “tracks“ that allow a child’s cognitive “train“ to move forward. You will discover how to move beyond behavior labels to identify the physiological readiness cues and embodied cognition strategies that support participation, even with your most complex patients. Tune in to learn how you can start "moving the train to build the brain" in your practice tomorrow. Learning Objectives Analyze the relationship between interoception, embodied cognition, and executive functionApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably support executive function through an interoceptive lens, starting with creating comfort for readinessSolve patient case scenarios involving state-dependent executive function challenges by identifying interoceptive breakdown points and selecting targeted regulation supportsTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to executive functions and neurodiversity(00:03:30) The executive function express program(00:07:10) Understanding interoception and executive function(00:13:00) The train model: visualizing executive function(00:17:12) Recent research on executive functions(00:21:55) Factors to consider in supporting executive function(00:28:15) Research on the impact of cell phones(00:31:30) Supporting children with varying needs(00:38:25) Different perspectives to consider and address(00:46:10) Three top takeaways for therapists(00:53:47) Parting thoughts and actionable stepsPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    57 min

  6. Jan 15

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 17: Sensory-Based Pediatric Feeding: How Can OT Improve Mealtimes?

    Elizabeth N. Legg, MOT, OTR/L—an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Kidz Connect Therapy—joins host Nicole Quint to explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged areas of childhood development: feeding. Nicole and Liz unpack why picky eating is rarely just “picky” and dig into how sensory, emotional, and relational factors shape a child’s eating experience. You’ll hear key research takeaways and walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies you can use in your own sessions. Whether you’re navigating texture aversions or coaching overwhelmed caregivers, this episode offers fresh insights to support children at the table and beyond. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around pediatric feeding challenges, including the etiology and intervention approaches for picky eatingApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address pediatric feeding challengesSolve patient case scenarios involving picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based feeding challenges through clinical reasoning and caregiver coaching techniquesTimestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to sensory-based pediatric feeding(00:02:57) Understanding the SOS approach to feeding(00:05:56) The importance of sensory processing in feeding(00:09:01) Defining picky eating and problem feeding(00:11:15) The role of early intervention in feeding challenges(00:14:30) Research insights on sensory-based feeding(00:19:12) Child-led interventions and family dynamics(00:22:37) Empowering caregivers in feeding interventions(00:26:09) Translating research into practice(00:31:03) Therapeutic approaches to feeding challenges(00:36:20) Key takeaways for therapists(00:40:12) Success stories and case scenariosPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    49 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 16: Postpartum Recovery: What Powerful Role Can OT Play?

    Dr. Zesarae Bodie, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, CSOT, founder of Intimate Health Solutions and an expert in perinatal and sexual health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore OT’s overlooked role in postpartum physical recovery. Nicole and Zesarae unpack how pediatric therapists, especially those in early intervention, are uniquely positioned to support not only babies but also the birthing parents navigating profound physical transitions. Tune in to discover how your existing skills in activity analysis, environmental modification, and co-occupation can powerfully shift maternal health outcomes without needing a new certification. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence regarding occupational therapy’s role in supporting physical health and addressing daily life challenges during the perinatal periodApply evidence-based, practical strategies to address physical strain and functional limitations across prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum phases, considering biomechanical, respiratory, and musculoskeletal changesSolve patient case scenarios involving occupational therapy interventions for prenatal care (e.g., energy conservation, body mechanics training, home ergonomics) to reduce physical strain during occupational performance Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health(00:02:00) Personal journey into maternal health(00:04:00) The importance of physical recovery(00:06:12) Understanding C-section recovery(00:08:25) Link between maternal and infant health(00:10:30) Language matters in maternal care(00:12:00) Normalizing the conversation around pain(00:15:28) Research insights on maternal health(00:19:20) Integrating maternal health into pediatric therapy(00:21:30) Identifying patients in need(00:24:56) Therapeutic approaches for maternal health(00:30:25) Practical interventions for new mothers(00:39:00) Advocacy for maternal health in therapy(00:47:15) Actionable takeaways for therapists(00:52:40) Case study: supporting a new mother(00:59:04) The future of maternal health advocacyPediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 2m

  8. 11/14/2025

    Pediatric Pioneers Episode 15: Tackling Maternal Mortality and Inequities: What Is OT’s Role?

    Patricia Corbin, OTD, MS, OTR/L, an award-winning early intervention specialist and maternal health advocate, joins host Nicole Quint to unpack occupational therapy’s vital role in addressing the maternal mortality crisis. In this compelling conversation, Nicole and Patricia share personal stories, clinical insights, and a bold call to action for OTPs across all settings. Together, they explore how OT can help tackle inequities, improve health literacy, and support mothers during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Tune in to discover practical ways you can expand your impact and help save lives—starting with the questions you ask. Learning Objectives Analyze the evidence around the occupational therapy practitioner’s role in promoting maternal health outcomes and supporting participation as a member of interprofessional perinatal care teamsApply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortalitySolve patient case scenarios that require addressing health literacy, racial inequities, and social determinants of health to support occupational engagement during the perinatal period Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Introduction to maternal health and preeclampsia(00:02:20) Personal journey with preeclampsia(00:04:43) Understanding preeclampsia(00:06:13) The impact of preeclampsia on mothers(00:11:38) Risk factors for preeclampsia(00:12:35) Disparities in maternal health(00:16:53) The effects of women not being heard in maternal health(00:21:18) Effects of preeclampsia on infant development(00:26:50) The role of occupational therapy practitioners in maternal health(00:32:08) Recent research on preeclampsia(00:40:19) Resource kits for mothers(00:47:50) Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia(00:53:15) Actionable takeaways for practitioners Pediatric Pioneers is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away. To hear more episodes of Pediatric Pioneers, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pediatric-pioneers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠

    1h 1m
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Pediatric Pioneers is a Medbridge podcast breaking down challenging clinical questions in pediatric rehabilitation and equipping rehabilitation professionals with practical takeaways. To get continuing education credit for each episode and bonus resources, search for the episodes on medbridge.com and then complete the accompanying quiz. If you enjoy the show, please hit the follow button!   IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medbridge/

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