Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ideas at Play: An Occupational Therapy (OT) Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 39 What New OTs Really Want in a Job | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:39:12 | |
What do early career occupational therapists really prioritize when choosing their first OT job? Spoiler alert: salary ranks 9th out of 16 factors. In this episode, we break down a fascinating Canadian study that surveyed early career occupational therapists about what actually matters in their job search—and the findings might surprise you. We reveal the top intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving OT employment decisions, why 60% of new grad occupational therapists have jobs lined up before graduation, and how OT priorities shift between your first job and your second (or third!) job. Occupational therapy students will learn what to look for in job searches, OT employers will discover how to attract top talent, and experienced therapists can reflect on whether their current position aligns with what truly matters to them. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Lui S, Boniface J, Boniface G, Drynan D. Employment Decisions of Newly Graduated Occupational Therapists. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2024;92(2):76-84. doi:10.1177/00084174241274742 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; new grad OT; early career OT; employment Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 38 Building Motor Skills & Social Communication with Autistic Kids | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:37:02 | |
Want an OT intervention that tackles motor skills AND social communication? This week we're unpacking seated play intervention for autistic children—exactly what it looks like, why it works, and how occupational therapists can use these key ingredients in practice. We explore research revealing surprising BOT-2 results, the power of structured repetition, and whether telehealth matches face-to-face therapy effectiveness. Plus, Michele shares a vulnerable "Failed It" about balancing relationship-building with skill development. This episode delivers actionable, research-backed strategies for school-based and outpatient OTs—the research article even includes incredibly detailed supplemental materials that walk you through the intervention step-by-step. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Su, W. C., Cleffi, C., Srinivasan, S., & Bhat, A. (2023). Telehealth Versus Face-to-Face Fine Motor and Social Communication Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Efficacy, Fidelity, Acceptability, and Feasibility. The American journal of occupational therapy, 77(6), 7706205130. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050282 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; play; motor skills; social connection; telehealth Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 29 A Sleep Intervention with Dreamy Outcomes | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:36:41 | |
95% of kids with neurodevelopmental disorders struggle with sleep—but there's an OT intervention that gives families an extra hour of sleep per night! In this episode, we discuss an occupational therapy study from Argentina that used telehealth and coaching to transform bedtime battles. This isn't the typical "try melatonin" approach—it's a comprehensive 5-step program addressing everything from parent self-care to zeitgeber (yes - that’s a real term and it’s amazing). Michele breaks down this intensive OT intervention, delivering significant improvements in bedtime resistance, sleep onset, and duration. We're sharing exactly how occupational therapists can implement these strategies and highlight the freely available assessment tools and day-by-day protocols. If you've ever had a parent desperately ask for sleep help, this episode is your new secret weapon. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Leive, L., Melfi, D., Lipovetzky, J., Cukier, S., Abelenda, J., & Morrison, R. (2024). Program to Support Child Sleep from the Occupational Therapy Perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programa de Acompañamiento del Sueño en la Infancia con Terapia Ocupacional durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Archivos argentinos de pediatria, 122(1), e202303029. https://doi.org/10.5546/aap.2023-03029.eng KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; sleep disorders; sleep intervention; sleep strategies; coaching; telehealth; neurodevelopmental disorders Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 28 Responsive Feeding (and how OTPs are using this approach) | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:35:12 | |
Many of our families know that sinking feeling when mealtime becomes a battlefield—tears, tantrums, and the stress of watching a child refuse meal after meal. But what is the best way to help? This week, we dive into a brand-new scoping review on responsive feeding for pediatric feeding disorders—an approach that's finally putting words to what many OTPs have been doing intuitively. We'll break down the two key pillars: environmental supports (consistent meal schedules, intentional positioning, and sensory-minded food preparation) and strengthening caregiver-child relationships through coaching and education. While this approach might sound familiar to OTs—focusing on child autonomy, self-regulation, and trust-building—the research is just catching up to validate what works. This episode will give you concrete occupational therapy strategies to transform mealtimes from stressful battles into opportunities for connection and growth. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Mattner, M. R., Guzman, A. L., Moore, E., Fortuna, J., & Cantwell-Jurkovic, L. (2025). Responsive feeding therapy for children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD): A scoping review. Appetite, 214, 108211. Advance online publication. https://doi-org.kumc.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.appet.2025.108211 Foster, L., Lawson, L. M., & Moreland, H. (2025). Impact of a Responsive Feeding Intervention on Children and Caregivers: A Nonrandomized, Repeated-Measures Study. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(5), 7905205060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051100 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; responsive feeding; pediatric feeding disorder; feeding therapy Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 27 Group vs. Individual OT for Autistic Toddlers | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:34:14 | |
Drowning in long therapy wait lists? Researchers found that group DIR Floortime (4 kids, 2 therapists) produced the same outcomes as individual occupational therapy sessions for autistic toddlers—AND slashed wait times from 108 to 52 days! We break down what worked, the challenges (parent participation was tricky), and what the therapists thought about it. Plus Michele's epic "Failed It" moment with bleeding lips and Lacy's activity up & down-grading breakthrough. If you're looking to serve more kids faster without sacrificing quality, this episode delivers a solution that you could try tomorrow. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Hirschmann, S., Magnezi, R., Bassan, H., & Tal, O. (2023). Group versus individual occupational therapy for toddlers with autism as a means to improve access to public health-care services. Randomised controlled pilot study. Australian occupational therapy journal, 70(4), 434–445. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12865 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; group therapy; autism; DIRFloortime; early intervention Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 26 Have Impostor Syndrome? (Here’s what to do) | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:32:05 | |
Ever feel like you are in over your head? You're not alone—new research shows 84% of occupational therapy practitioners and students secretly battle impostor syndrome. From OT students to seasoned therapists, despite being well qualified, we're all wondering if we actually know what we're doing! In this episode, we break down the study that puts numbers to what we feel and reveal who may be hit hardest by these "Am I good enough?" thoughts. Then, Michele & Lacy share their strategies to move past impostor syndrome. Whether you're an OTA doubting your skills, an occupational therapy student feeling overwhelmed, or a veteran OT questioning yourself, we've got real cognitive and behavioral tools you can use starting today. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Prisco, D., & Walsh, S. (2025). A Survey-Based Quantification of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13(2), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2344 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; impostor syndrome; impostor phenomenon; professional growth Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 25 Hand Strengthening for Handwriting | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:24:48 | |
Michele presents research that offers a completely different perspective on OT handwriting intervention. While previous episodes emphasized task-specific training (doing writing to improve writing), this study suggests that students receiving specialized resistance exercises—putty, rubber bands, clips—significantly outperformed control groups on handwriting legibility. We discuss the mechanisms behind these results and share practical strengthening activities OTPs can use in their sessions or use as home (or car) programs. We explore this alternative viewpoint, discuss the conflicting evidence, and let you decide how this fits into your OT practice. Plus, hear about Lacy's McDonald's shoe-tying success story and the Yuka nutrition app that's perfect for OT feeding interventions. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Kumar, M. A., & Nagalakshmi, P. (2023). Effectiveness of specialized resisted strengthening activities to improve handwriting legibility in autism spectrum disorder: a quasi-experimental study. The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(2), 57-60. KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; handwriting; writing; strengthening; fine motor; autism; ASD; school-based; intervention Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Summer of Play Series: Play Personalities | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:28:25 | |
Ep 24 - In our final Summer of Play episode, we're uncovering the rich history and complex science that makes play genuinely unique in pediatric OT practice. Journey from Piaget and Vygotsky's foundational theories to Mary Reilly's revolutionary work for occupational therapy. We'll break down the National Institute of Play's eight distinct categories - from attunement and rough-and-tumble play to imaginative storytelling - revealing why recognizing these differences can shape your pediatric occupational therapy sessions. Plus, discover your own play personality through their quiz and learn whether you're an explorer, collector, competitor, or one of five other types to understand play in your life (and hear Michele and Lacy’s quiz results). Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Summer of Play Series: Interventions for Play | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:31:35 | |
Ep 23 - Ready to turn your occupational therapy sessions into playgrounds of learning? In this episode of our Summer of Play Series, we explore using play as both the vehicle AND the destination in pediatric OT. We'll discuss 5 manualized occupational therapy interventions that facilitate play for kids (and OTPs!) and 6 other evidence-based strategies for many diagnoses and practice settings. Discover how LEGO bricks build friendships, why getting down on the floor is a powerful OT clinical tool, and learn the key ingredients that transform ordinary activities into genuine play experiences. Whether you're an occupational therapy practitioner justifying play goals to insurance or wanting more authentic play in your sessions, this episode arms you with evidence-based strategies to help kids develop through what they do best – PLAY! We share our own ideas and several compiled in the Royal College’s OT & Play Practice Guideline (2023) Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Summer of Play Series: Assessing Play | 16 Jul 2025 | 00:28:50 | |
Ep 22 - Think you know how to assess play? We break down the surprising gap between how important play is for EVERY PART of child development and how this occupation is often overlooked in OT/OTA education programs and practice. You'll discover the 4-part definition of play, the top 3 play assessments every pediatric occupational therapy practitioner should know, and learn simple ways to incorporate play observation into your OT evaluations. Find the assessments discussed in this episode and more in the textbook Play in Occupational Therapy for Children, 2nd Ed. by Parham & Fazio. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Summer of Play Series: 10 Fun Summer Therapy Ideas | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:27:56 | |
Ep 21 - Summer just got a whole lot more fun! 🌞 Michele and Lacy kick off their Summer of Play series with 10 fun, evidence-based therapy activities. From DIY food trucks and table tennis for executive function to water balloons for social play to messy mud & shaving cream toy washes, these aren't just fun activities—they're strategic summertime interventions that your therapy kids will want to do again. Build your toolkit of seasonal strategies that work across all pediatric occupational therapy settings and ability levels. Time to trade your worn-out activities for some serious summer fun! Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 20 Do What Works! (with guest Dr. Iona Novak) | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:48:22 | |
Stop guessing and start knowing which occupational therapy interventions actually work. World-renowned OT researcher Professor Iona Novak discusses her revolutionary Traffic Light System that rates occupational therapy interventions with simple green, yellow, and red color coding. Learn why starting with client goals (not assessments) delivers faster outcomes, discover which interventions are moving from yellow to green (including stem cell research!), and discover her READ framework for evidence-based OT decision making. From her childhood friendship with Louisa, who had cerebral palsy, to her systematic review of ALL pediatric occupational therapy interventions (that we previously discussed on our podcast in episode 13), Professor Novak shares research-backed strategies that will transform your OT practice. This isn't just another evidence-based talk—it's your roadmap to interventions that deliver real results. Learn more about Iona Novak's work Novak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273. (Listen to Lacy & Michele discussing this article in episode 13) KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence-based practice; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; cerebral palsy; CP; systematic review Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 37 Is Interoception Worth the Hype? A Deep Dive into the Evidence | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:35:03 | |
Interoception is everywhere in pediatric occupational therapy—but does the evidence support what OTPs are doing? We dig into a 2025 scoping review revealing the surprising truth: most research is preliminary and thin. We break down 3 intervention curricula (Kelly Mahler is leading the charge), explain why your brain's insula is the "Inside Out" dashboard for body sensations and emotions, and get real about the assessment gap leaving occupational therapists flying blind. Michele shares her honest experience with interoception interventions and we tackle the burning question: should OTPs use approaches with this little evidence? Spoiler: maybe, but only if you're measuring progress closely. If you've wondered whether to jump on the interoception bandwagon or you're already using it in your occupational therapy practice, this episode is your reality check. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Clark, E., Brown, T., & Yu, M.-L. (2025). Interoception and its application to paediatric occupational therapy: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 72(1), e12997. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12997 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; interoception; interoception intervention; interoception assessment; sensory processing Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 19 Pictures vs. Videos: Choosing the Right Visual Support for ADL Goals | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:36:14 | |
You've heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a thousand prompts? When it comes to helping autistic kids master daily living skills like brushing teeth, washing hands, and tying shoes, the visual support debate is real: static pictures or dynamic videos? Occupational therapists Michele and Lacy discuss research that puts these two visual strategies head-to-head, revealing insights about which kids thrive with which approach. Spoiler alert: it's not a simple winner! Plus, get the scoop on Boom Whackers (yes, that's a real thing), safety tips for teaching knife skills in OT sessions, and how Michele's pool therapy days changed after multiple "code brown" incidents. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Benson, J. D., Cartwright, A., Szucs, K. A., Smitsky, D., Chippich, E., & Roebuck, L. (2024). Effectiveness of video prompting versus picture prompting in improving daily living skills of autistic children. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(3), 7803205030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050514 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; picture schedule; video prompts; ADLs; Activities of Daily Living; autism; intervention; visual supports Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 18 Aquatic Therapy: Using the Pool for More Than Swim Lessons | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:38:11 | |
When you think of therapy in the swimming pool, swim lessons probably come to mind. However, occupational therapy practitioners use water for so many life skills! This week, Michele dives into research from Spain that reveals how aquatic therapy can be beneficial for autistic children in OT settings. The results? Better school performance, improved social competence, and happier kids overall. Plus, Michele shares her own terrifying pool story of a little girl who loved staying under the water for a long time and the treatment strategy to ensure her safety. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Güeita-Rodríguez, J., Ogonowska-Slodownik, A., Morgulec-Adamowicz, N., Martín-Prades, M. L., Cuenca-Zaldívar, J. N., & Palacios-Ceña, D. (2021). Effects of aquatic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder on social competence and quality of life: A mixed methods study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(6), 3126. Effects of Aquatic Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Social Competence and Quality of Life: A Mixed Methods Study KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; aquatics; swim; social skills; quality of life; aquatic therapy Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 17 Time Management Treatment Ideas for ADHD | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:38:24 | |
Ready for an ADHD intervention that tackles the root problem of time management? This Swedish research hands occupational therapy practitioners a comprehensive protocol that includes both remediation and compensation strategies for time processing difficulties. We unpack the three core components of time processing ability and explore a manualized program blending environmental modifications with daily skill-building sessions. Plus, Lacy shares a Failed It story about shoes that went missing, and Michele explains a fantastic Nailed It experience with her strategy for diffusing a power struggle during an OT evaluation. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Wennberg, B., Janeslätt, G., Gustafsson, P. A., & Kjellberg, A. (2019). Occupational performance goals and outcomes of time-related interventions for children with ADHD. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 28(2), 158–170. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2020.1820570 Researchers and occupational therapists Dr. Gunnel Janeslätt and Dr. Birgitta Wennberg from the Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Sweden, were pleased that their research was featured on this podcast and wanted to share that the OT intervention program "More Control of Time" is now a manual-based OT intervention method and they offer training to OT practitioners. They also emphasized that it is also important to assess the level of time-processing and daily time management to design the intervention, adding time assistive products. More information about the assessment Kit for assessing time processing ability (KaTid) can be found on the website www.katid.eu (personal communication, June 6, 2025). Here are other related articles: Ahlström, S. W., & Almqvist, L. (2023). The experiences and the meaning of using MyTime in the preschool context from the perspective of children in need of special support, 5–6 years of age. Child: Care, Health and Development, 49, 1096–1103. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13121 Ahlström, S. W., Janeslätt, G., & Almqvist, L. (2022). Feasibility of an intervention to facilitate time and everyday functioning in preschoolers. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29(4), 337–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1981434 Janeslätt, G., Ahlström, S. W., & Granlund, M. (2019). Intervention in time-processing ability, daily time management and autonomy in children with intellectual disabilities aged 10–17 years – A cluster randomised trial. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66, 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12547 Wallin Ahlström, S., Janeslätt, G., Gustavsson, C., Harder, M., & Almqvist, L. (2024). Intervention in time processing ability and everyday functioning for preschool children in need of special support: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2403363 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; activities of dailing living; ADHD; COPM; time-assistive devices; ADHD interventions; time management; executive function Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 16 From Student Projects to Group Therapy: How to Build Better Teams | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:45:28 | |
As occupational therapy practitioners, we spend our careers working in teams—yet most of us learned to hate group work in OT/OTA school. Sound familiar? We're breaking down brand-new research from the Journal of OT Education that studied how to build better teams to avoid group disasters. Whether you're an OT/OTA student dreading your next group project, an educator trying to build the best groups for an assignment, a new grad navigating clinic dynamics, or an experienced occupational therapy practitioner leading interdisciplinary teams, you'll discover evidence-based strategies to use tomorrow. Plus, get tips on how to practice and use therapeutic use of self in the process. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence-based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; group projects; intentional grouping; therapeutic use of self Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 15 Accept, Adapt & Advocate: Autistic Adults Share Insights for OTPs | 28 May 2025 | 00:36:28 | |
Ever wonder what your pediatric OT clients will say about you when they grow up? In this episode, Lacy & Michele explore qualitative research where autistic adults share what they wish their childhood occupational therapists had known. Their insights challenge us to embrace neurodiversity by accepting (rather than “fixing”) autism, adapting environments instead of forcing compliance, and prioritizing client autonomy. These perspectives offer occupational therapy practitioners a roadmap to more effective, ethical, and empowering therapy approaches. Plus, Lacy shares a hilarious Failed It and Michele discovers a new pop-tube. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Sterman J, Gustafson E, Eisenmenger L, Hamm L, Edwards J. Autistic Adult Perspectives on Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children and Youth. OTJR. 2022;43(2):237-244. doi:10.1177/15394492221103850 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence based practice; OT; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; Autism; neurodiversity; qualitative research Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 14 Role of OT and Co-Occupation in the NICU (and why it matters!) | 21 May 2025 | 00:43:19 | |
Step into the NICU where beeping monitors meet tiny fighters and discover how sensory connections are changing the game for premature infants. We unpack the SENSE program that's putting occupational therapists at the forefront of preemie care, revealing why those first touches, sounds, and movements matter more than you think. Join Lacy and Michele as they take a deep dive into co-occupation. Whether you're a clinician seeking evidence-based strategies or simply fascinated by early development, you'll discover why co-occupation isn't just a clinical term—it's the powerful connection that shapes developing brains and strengthens families during their most challenging early moments together. Plus, learn about post-rotary nystagmus from a listener's question and hear why bubble tongs are such a versatile and fun therapy tool. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Richter, M., Angell, A., Kellner, P., Smith, J., & Pineda, R. (2024). Infant and Parent Outcomes Related to NICU-Based Co-occupational Engagement. OTJR : occupation, participation and health, 44(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492231160690 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; NICU; co-occupation; SENSE program Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 13 The Ultimate Evidence Guide: What 52 Pediatric OT Interventions & 90 Years of Research Reveal | 14 May 2025 | 00:39:47 | |
Tired of Googling for interventions that actually work? We dive into the mother of all systematic reviews covering 129 studies and 52 occupational therapy interventions across nine decades of pediatric OT research. Discover which interventions landed in the green zone (do these!), which fell into the red (avoid!), and why parent collaboration and occupation-based approaches consistently outperform bottom-up methods. Michele and Lacy discuss this evidence-based, color-coded roadmap that you can apply in your therapy sessions tomorrow. Plus they answer a listener question about the differences between sensory integration, sensory processing, sensory stimulation, and sensory desensitization. ***In episode 20, Lacy and Michele interview one of the authors of this article, Dr.Iona Novak. She shares new intervention updates and trends she has seen since this publication. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Novak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273. KEYWORDS - Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; intervention; systematic review Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 12 Shooting for Better Sleep: How Playing Basketball Improves Sleep & Executive Function | 07 May 2025 | 00:38:24 | |
Could better sleep for autistic children be as simple as shooting some hoops? In this episode, occupational therapists, Michele Alaniz and Lacy Wright, dive into fascinating research showing how a structured basketball intervention significantly improves sleep quality and executive function in children with autism. Learn how this intervention increases melatonin and boosts BDNF, enhancing neuroplasticity while being incredibly fun. Perfect for OT practitioners looking for innovative, effective approaches that can be implemented in clinics, schools, or home settings. Game-changing therapy doesn't get more playful than this! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Tse, C. Y. A., Lee, H. P., Chan, K. S. K., Edgar, V. B., Wilkinson-Smith, A., & Lai, W. H. E. (2019). Examining the impact of physical activity on sleep quality and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 23(7), 1699–1710. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318823910 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; executive function; sleep improvement; basketball therapy; autism intervention; inclusive sports; OT in action Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 11 Handwriting & OT: Guiding Principles for Today and the Future (with AI) | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:40:36 | |
Up to 10% of children have difficulty with handwriting, yet only 12% of teachers feel adequately trained to teach it. This week, we break down the six evidence-based principles (plus one essential bonus) that should guide all handwriting instruction and occupational therapy intervention. We examine why focusing on the occupation of writing outperforms a sensory-motor approach, how immediate feedback accelerates progress, and why explicit instruction matters so much. Plus, get a glimpse into how AI technologies like Kaligo and Psymark are revolutionizing how OTs, teachers, and families can collaborate to support children's handwriting development in the digital age. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Bonneton-Botté, N., Miramand, L., Bailly, R., & Pons, C. (2023). Teaching and Rehabilitation of Handwriting for Children in the Digital Age: Issues and Challenges. Children, 10(7), 1096. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071096 The article comes from this special issue on motor learning, handwriting, and dysgraphia. Check it out! https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children/special_issues/9F3723N2SM KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school based; handwriting; writing; penmanship; dysgraphia Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 10 Tubes & Tables: Supporting Mealtime with Medically Fragile Kids (special guest episode) | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:54:16 | |
What happens when a child isn't able eat? In this milestone 10th episode, Michele and Lacy explore the complex world of pediatric occupational therapy and feeding with medically fragile children and our guest, Yovana Harris, BA, COTA/L. She shares both "Nailed It" and "Failed It" experiences, explains her “just give them the food” feeding philosophy, and gives a shout-out to her favorite OT feeding resources. Learn why building trust with parents becomes the foundation for effective OT intervention and how finding moments of joy at mealtime can be life-changing, even when full oral feeding isn't always possible. With remarkable candor, she discusses her journey supporting families through their most vulnerable times while also taking care of herself to avoid burnout. This episode provides valuable insights for any pediatric occupational therapist working with families through feeding challenges or with medically fragile children. KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; feeding; eating; medically fragile Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 36 Home Programs That Actually Work | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:38:06 | |
An occupational therapist came into Michele's office complaining that parents weren't following through with home programs—sound familiar? The problem isn't the parents; it's how we're setting them up from day one. This episode flips that script with evidence from a 2024 scoping review on what actually drives caregiver home program adherence. You'll learn OT strategies to create programs that fit into real family life, train parents effectively (hint: it's not a five-page handout), and build the relationships that make collaboration actually work. Plus, Lacy shares a pediatric OT dentistry program, Nailed It! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original articles too. Wingrat, J., Price, C., & Wright, T. (2024). Facilitators of and Barriers to Caregiver Adherence to Home Therapy Recommendations for Infants and Children With Neuromotor and Neuromuscular Diagnoses: A Scoping Review. The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 78(5), 7805205070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050567 *Update Nov. 7, 2025* Author Jennifer Wingrat was excited to hear her work featured on the podcast and shared the link to her new article that was just published called Caregiver Perceptions of and Confidence in Training in Home Programs for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/7UM3ZJWCB5TXEGIR3PFF/full?target=10.1080/01942638.2025.2583372 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; home program; family collaboration Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 9 VR and Pediatric Brain Injury (3 Takeaways to Apply Across OT Settings) | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
Ever wonder how virtual reality could change your pediatric occupational therapy practice? Michele and Lacy dive into a randomized control trial where VR helped kids with brain injuries make progress in just four weeks of OT intervention! Hear about 3 game-changing elements occupational therapists can implement: instant feedback, kids actually wanting to do more repetitions in therapy, and automatic adjustments for that perfect "just right challenge" every OT strives for. No fancy equipment? No problem - these main ideas work in many OT settings. You'll also hear about a creative occupational therapy "Nailed It!" moment where a high schooler went from frustrating handwriting goals to playing guitar with adaptive equipment! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Choi, J. Y., Yi, S. H., Ao, L., Tang, X., Xu, X., Shim, D., Yoo, B., Park, E. S., & Rha, D. W. (2021). Virtual reality rehabilitation in children with brain injury: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 63(4), 480–487. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14762 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; virtual reality; brain injury; cerebral palsy; CP Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 8 Ayres SI in Brazil: 3 Tools to Boost Your OT Practice | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:36:59 | |
Did you know that up to 16% of children have sensory processing challenges that impact their daily lives? In this evidence-packed episode, pediatric occupational therapists Michele and Lacy break down a groundbreaking randomized control trial from Brazil on Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) that every peds OT needs to know about. Discover three practical tools that will transform your OT practice: data-driven decision making, the ASI fidelity measure, and goal attainment scaling. Plus, find out why golden retrievers and toddlers don't always mix in therapy sessions! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Omairi, C., Mailloux, Z., Antoniuk, S. A., & Schaaf, R. (2022). Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A randomized controlled trial in Brazil. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(4). KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; sensory integration; ASI Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 7 Parent-Powered Potty Training: The 4-Step Coaching Model in Telehealth | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:34:50 | |
Forget everything you thought you knew about toilet training—this evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy approach is changing the game. In this episode, we dive into a hybrid telehealth intervention that transformed toilet training success rates through occupation-based coaching strategies that every peds OT should know. Learn the 4-step framework that empowers parents to become the experts in their child's potty training journey, showing significant improvement in just 12 weeks! We'll break down practical occupational therapy ideas that therapists are using to guide families through this challenging milestone and reveal which resources parents actually use (spoiler: it's not the handouts!). Whether you're an OT in early intervention or an outpatient setting, this episode delivers evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy solutions that respect each family's unique dynamics. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Little, L. M., Wallisch, A., Dunn, W., & Tomchek, S. (2023). A Telehealth Delivered Toilet Training Intervention for Children with Autism. OTJR : occupation, participation and health, 43(3), 390–398. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492231159903 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; telehealth; toilet training; autism Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 6 The Surprising #1 Reason OT Students Fail Fieldwork (And How You Can Help) | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:36:54 | |
Struggling OT Fieldwork students? The shocking truth is that occupational therapy knowledge isn't what makes or breaks fieldwork success—it's professional behaviors! Join pediatric occupational therapists, Michele and Lacy, as they unpack evidence-based strategies for fieldwork in this must-listen episode. From communication skills to time management, discover the essential professional behaviors that make or break fieldwork experiences and learn practical tools that transform OT education. Whether you're a peds OT seeking fresh ideas, a fieldwork educator, or a student preparing for practice, this episode delivers actionable insights to ensure fieldwork success. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; fieldwork; professional behaviors: sensory integration Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 5 Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3: Top School-Based OT Interventions That Work | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:30:41 | |
Overwhelmed by your school-based OT caseload? Join Drs. Michele Alaniz and Lacy Wright as they discuss three decades of research into actionable, tiered interventions that deliver measurable results. Learn why the most successful school-based OTs are shifting from traditional pull-out services to classroom-embedded support, dramatically reducing waitlists while expanding their influence. This episode unpacks game-changing approaches at every tier with concrete, research-supported strategies, specific intervention dosage guidelines, and methods to convert teachers into enthusiastic collaborators. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Lynch, H., Moore, A., O’Connor, D., & Boyle, B. (2023). Evidence for implementing tiered approaches in school-based occupational therapy in elementary schools: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(1), 7701205110. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050027 Keywords: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school-based; workload; tiered intervention Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 4 Beyond the Messy Desk: Assessing Executive Function in Adolescents | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:31:55 | |
Think a messy backpack or desk is just carelessness? We don’t think so. This episode cracks open the complex world of executive function in school, showing therapists how the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity assessment can unlock insights into how adolescents may be struggling to think, plan, organize, and navigate their world. Plus - Lacy and Michele answer a listener's question, exposing a sensory-based myth found on Instagram. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Tamm, L., Hamik, E. M., Zoromski, A. K., & Duncan, A. (2024). Use of the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity to assess executive function in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78, 7801205040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050295 Keywords: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; executive function; assessment; autism Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 3 Scoring Success: Quality Sports Participation for Kids with Autism | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:35:13 | |
How can we make sports truly meaningful for children with autism? In this episode, pediatric OTs Dr. Michele Alaniz and Dr. Lacy Wright break down a comprehensive framework for quality participation in sports. Explore research-backed strategies for creating the perfect balance of challenge, autonomy, and social connection in sports programs. The hosts share their recent practice stories in "Nailed It or Failed It," introduce you to an inspiring autistic artist in Kansas, and reveal the story of their cross-country friendship and professional journey. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Streatch, E., Bruno, N., & Latimer-Cheung, A. E. (2022). Investigating strategies used to foster quality participation in recreational sport programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and their perceived importance. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 40(1), 86-104.
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 2 Play that Works: Engaging & Effective OT Motor Interventions for Kids with CP | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:29:28 | |
What if you could help children with cerebral palsy make significant motor gains with half the therapy hours while keeping both parents and kids engaged? Pediatric occupational therapists Dr. Michele Alaniz and Dr. Lacy Wright dive into the OT research comparing constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual intensive training, revealing which approach might have the long-term edge for your pediatric therapy practice. Along the way, you'll hear Michele's inspiring OT story about a former client who now rides mountain bikes after successfully using constraint-induced movement therapy, discover practical pediatric occupational therapy strategies to overcome initial child resistance and laugh at Lacy's epic "Failed It" implementing the Zones of Regulation. This episode delivers evidence-based strategies to transform your interventions and elevate your pediatric therapy outcomes when working with kids with CP. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Liang, K.-J., Chen, H.-L., Huang, C.-W., & Wang, T.-N. (2023). Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy versus bimanual intensive training on motor and psychosocial outcomes in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A randomized trial. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77, 7704205030. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050104
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 1 Play With Purpose: An OT Motor Skill Intervention for Autism | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:18:50 | |
Did you know that over 80% of children with autism are at risk for motor impairment (Bhat, 2022)? Today, we're diving into new research that's changing how we approach motor development in autism. You'll learn five evidence-based steps you can implement immediately in your practice, including a surprising twist on video modeling that goes beyond just visual learning. Whether you're an OT or PT, this episode will transform how you think about motor-based intervention. Join Dr. Michele Alaniz and Dr. Lacy Wright as we explore ideas that will impact your therapy sessions. Bhat, A. (2022). Multidimensional motor performance in children with autism mostly remains stable with age and predicts social communication delay, language delay, functional delay, and repetitive behavior severity after accounting for intellectual disability or cognitive delay: A SPARK dataset analysis. Autism Research, 16, 208 - 229. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2870. Jin, Y. R., Sung, Y. S., Koh, C. L., Chu, S. Y., Yang, H. C., & Lin, L. Y. (2023). Efficacy of Motor Interventions on Functional Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(6), 7706205020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050283
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Welcome to Ideas at Play! | 08 Feb 2025 | 00:01:02 | |
Welcome to Ideas at Play, your go to podcast for practical and engaging insights into pediatric occupational therapy. We're your hosts, Michele Alaniz, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, and Lacy Wright OTD, OTR/L, BCP - two OTs with a passion for breaking down research and helping you apply it to your practice in meaningful ways.
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 35 CO-OP for Improving Motor Skills | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:36:45 | |
What if you could peek inside a child's brain and actually SEE therapy working? That's exactly what researchers did with CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance)—and the results are amazing! Join Lacy and Michele as they break down the 12-week protocol and the 7 surprisingly simple cognitive strategies (you're probably already using some!) that help kids meet THEIR goals for play/leisure, academics, and daily self-care activities. From verbal cues to body positioning, learn how OTs teach children to problem-solve their own challenges. Plus, brain imaging reveals CO-OP literally rewiring neural connections. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original articles too. Schwartz, S. P., Northrup, S. R. K., Izadi-Najafabadi, S., & Zwicker, J. G. (2020). CO-OP for children with DCD: Goals addressed and strategies used. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(4), 278–286. https://doi.org/10.1177/0008417420941980 Polatajko, H. J., Mandich, A. D., Missiuna, C., Miller, L. T., Macnab, J. J., Malloy-Miller, T., & Kinsella, E. A. (2001). Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP): Part III—the protocol in brief. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 20(2–3), 107–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/J006v20n02_07 Izadi-Najafabadi, S., Rinat, S., & Zwicker, J. G. (2022). Brain functional connectivity in children with developmental coordination disorder following rehabilitation intervention. Pediatric Research, 91(6), 1459–1468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-021-01517-3 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; CO-OP; cognitive strategies; DCD; brain changes Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 34 Sensory Integration in Schools | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
Can sensory integration really work in schools, or are we just wasting instructional time? This week we're reviewing a study that finally gives us answers. Three students, 17.5 hours of intervention, and results that impressed both teachers and researchers. Michele and Lacy break down this single-subject design study using Ayres SI and weekly teacher consultation with outcome measures sensitive enough to show real change. You'll learn the exact intervention protocol, hear what teachers actually said about pulling kids from class, and discover why this feasibility study matters for your practice. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Whiting, C. C., Schoen, S. A., & Niemeyer, L. (2023). A sensory integration intervention in the school setting to support performance and participation: A multiple-baseline study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(2), 7702205060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050135 Another article referenced: Whiting, C. C., Schoen, S. A., Bundy, A., Lane, S. J., Mailloux, Z., Roley, S. S., May-Benson, T. A., & Schaaf, R. C. (2025). Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® in school-based practice: A call to action. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 7901347020. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050971 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school based; sensory integration; Ayres SI; single subject design Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 33 Play as Occupation with guest Dr. Anita Bundy | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:48:24 | |
What if the biggest barrier to children's play isn't the kids—it's us? We are thrilled to chat with our special guest, Dr. Anita Bundy—the world-renowned OT behind some of the most transformative play research out there. She explains why kids actually need to take risks in play, how she facilitates risk-reframing conversations, and why American kids have way less play than their Norwegian counterparts. You'll hear stories about autistic kids finding their people through tire forts and pool noodle creations, Anita’s “Failed It” story (yes, she keeps it real!), and discover the game-changing difference between using play as a tool versus treating it as the main event. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 32 Sydney Playground Project | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:34:29 | |
What do old tires, crates, pool noodles, and hay bales have in common? They're the secret ingredients that revolutionized recess for hundreds of kids in Dr. Anita Bundy's groundbreaking Sydney Playground Project. In this episode, we get into the occupational therapy research that proved when you add "junk" to a playground and let kids take risks, magic happens. Kids moved more, played harder, and got creative in ways that fancy equipment could never achieve. This study is changing how OTs and schools think about recess, shares why risky play isn't actually dangerous, and gives you everything you need to bring loose parts play to your occupational therapy practice (it’s super simple!). And, don't miss Michele's therapy dog hide-and-seek ‘Nailed It’ and Lacy's cringe-worthy confession about turning test items into goals. Next week, Dr. Anita Bundy will join us on the podcast! 👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission from the author. Thank you Dr. Peters! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too. Bundy, A., Engelen, L., Wyver, S., Tranter, P., Ragen, J., Bauman, A., Baur, L., Schiller, W., Simpson, J. M., Niehues, A. N., Perry, G., Jessup, G., & Naughton, G. (2017). Sydney Playground Project: A cluster-randomized trial to increase physical activity, play, and social skills. Journal of School Health, 87(10), 751-759. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12550 Hodges, V. C., Centeio, E. E., & Morgan, C. F. (2022). The benefits of school recess: A systematic review. Journal of School Health, 92(10), 959-967. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13230 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school-based OT; playground; recess; loose parts play; risky play Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 31 Zones of Regulation: the Good, the Bad, and the OT Way | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:40:52 | |
What happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the occupational therapy way: with OT scaffolding techniques, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. We explore why some previous research falls short, what this new "OT Zones of Regulation" approach achieved (hello, goal attainment!), and how occupational therapists can bridge that frustrating gap between clinic success and home carryover. Plus, Michele also spills about her biggest career regret involving salary negotiation. 👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission by the author. Thank you Dr. Peters! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too. Peters, B. C., Gabriels, R., Schmid, A. A., et al. (2024). Occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts: A feasibility study. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 44(4), 597-609. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241246549 Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2023). A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; Zones of Regulation; self-regulation; emotions Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 30 Making Hospitals Sensory-Friendly | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:36:06 | |
70% of autistic individuals have at least one mental health condition, but here's the kicker—the very hospitals meant to help them might be making everything worse. Picture this: you're already in crisis, then you're hit with buzzing fluorescent lights, scratchy bedsheets, and the smell of industrial cleaning solutions. For autistic teens, it's a recipe for prolonged stays and increased meltdowns. But what if we actually asked them what would help? That's exactly what UK researchers did, and their findings will change how OTPs think about every clinical space. From the surprising impact of curved walls on the vestibular system to the "spiky sensory profiles" - this episode discusses surprisingly simple occupational therapy interventions that could transform care overnight. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too. Williams, G., Corbyn, J., & Hart, A. (2023). Improving the sensory environments of mental health in-patient facilities for autistic children and young people. Child Care in Practice, 29(1), 35–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2126437 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; autism; mental health; hospital; sensory; sensory supports; sensory friendly; neurodiversity Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 40 Let's Talk Ayres SI, Autism, & Play with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:38:19 | |
Running in circles, flapping arms, spinning with ribbons—Heather Kuhaneck, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, explains why joining in play with kids creates the connection that makes therapy possible. As editor of Case-Smith’s Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents, co-creator of the Sensory Processing Measure, and program director at Southern Connecticut State University, Heather knows play and sensory integration inside out. She shares research-backed strategies for using imitation to spark connection, introduces her Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) tool for collaborating with teachers, and how to make the most of boring playgrounds. You'll hear unforgettable "nailed it" and "failed it" moments—first words emerging on swings, basketball victories with dad, and one critical safety lesson. This conversation will change how you approach play with autistic children in any setting. KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; play; autism; sensory integration; Heather Kuhaneck Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 41 The Thankful Therapist's Gift Guide (OT Style) | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:31:41 | |
Holiday shopping with purpose starts here! This week we're sharing our favorite gift ideas for therapists, kids, and everyone on your list. Discover directories of disabled-owned businesses for fun new ideas, then hear about our favorite therapy products like light-up pop tubes, bubble tongs, and the bow-and-arrow set. We're also highlighting self-care essentials every therapist needs—from anxiety-reducing playlists to washable clinic rugs. Whether you're filling stockings or treating yourself, these are genuine recommendations from two OTs who love using great products. Check the newsletter (sign-up below) for links to everything we mentioned! Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 42 Sexual Education and OT's Role | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:36:40 | |
Sex is an occupation, but how do we (or should we) address this in pediatric OT practice? This episode discusses why avoiding this topic is an occupational injustice and what we can do about it. We talk about the research and cover everything from sensory considerations in relationships to teaching boundaries and safety. If you work with adolescents or young adults, this episode will give you the framework, practical tools, and confidence to start supporting clients and caregivers in this critical—and often overlooked—area of daily life. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Urban, T. M., & Douglas, R. R. (2024). Occupational Therapists' Role in Sexual Education for Teens and Young Adults Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 12(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2093 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; sex education; autism; teens Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 43 Reflex Integration: What the Evidence Shows | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:37:34 | |
Reflex integration is one of the hottest topics in pediatric OT right now—but is it evidence-based? In this episode, we examine the research on the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®) method and uncover critical gaps that every therapist needs to know about. From inconsistent intervention methods to assessment measures missing statistical verification, to a stunning finding about retained primitive reflexes in typical preschool and elementary children (present in 93-100%). We break down what the evidence actually shows. We'll also give you a practical framework for evaluating any controversial practice and help you make informed decisions that balance research, clinical reasoning, and family values. This is the honest, thorough analysis you've been looking for. Get the OT Practice Checklist here to evaluate the evidence for and "red flags" against an intervention method/practice. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Berg, L. A., Brown, D., Kroll, K., Pfaff, C., & Cleveland, L. (2022). The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®): A Scoping Review. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 10(4), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1927 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; reflex integration; primitive reflexes; MNRI method; reflex integration therapy Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 44 AOTA Children & Youth Conference Recap | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:28:10 | |
Michele and Lacy recap the AOTA Children & Youth Conference where they presented on sleep interventions, hard conversations with families, and community-based fieldwork. They share the hottest topics in pediatric OT—parent collaboration, mental health strategies, handwriting, and more—plus the conversations and products that made this conference memorable. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 45 The Ultimate Evidence Guide: What 52 Pediatric OT Interventions & 90 Years of Research Reveal (Encore) | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:41:50 | |
Tired of Googling for interventions that actually work? We dive into the mother of all systematic reviews covering 129 studies and 52 occupational therapy interventions across nine decades of pediatric OT research. Discover which interventions landed in the green zone (do these!), which fell into the red (avoid!), and why parent collaboration and occupation-based approaches consistently outperform bottom-up methods. Michele and Lacy discuss this evidence-based, color-coded roadmap that you can apply in your therapy sessions tomorrow. Plus they answer a listener question about the differences between sensory integration, sensory processing, sensory stimulation, and sensory desensitization. ***In episode 20, Lacy and Michele interview one of the authors of this article, Dr. Iona Novak. She shares new intervention updates and trends she has seen since this publication. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Novak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 46 Zones of Regulation: the Good, the Bad, and the OT Way (Encore) | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:42:10 | |
What happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the occupational therapy way: with OT scaffolding techniques, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. We explore why some previous research falls short, what this new "OT Zones of Regulation" approach achieved (hello, goal attainment!), and how occupational therapists can bridge that frustrating gap between clinic success and home carryover. Plus, Michele also spills about her biggest career regret involving salary negotiation. 👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission by the author. Thank you Dr. Peters! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too. Peters, B. C., Gabriels, R., Schmid, A. A., et al. (2024). Occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts: A feasibility study. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 44(4), 597-609. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241246549 Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2023). A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 47 10-Minute Executive Function Interventions for ADHD | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:38:23 | |
Struggling to find practical interventions for kids with ADHD that actually improve executive function and/or mental health? This episode breaks down a Canadian study comparing two 10-minute interventions—exercise and mindfulness meditation—and their immediate effects on inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. We explain what worked best, why it works (hello, default mode network and prefrontal cortex activation), and how occupational therapists can implement these strategies in therapy sessions or as home programs. These interventions are easy to use as preparatory activities before challenging tasks, during transitions, or as part of a bottom-up OT approach to executive function deficits. Plus, Lacy shares creative ways to use different types of dice to add fun and modify activities in your therapy sessions. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Bigelow, H., Gottlieb, M. D., Ogrodnik, M., Graham, J. D., & Fenesi, B. (2021). The differential impact of acute exercise and mindfulness meditation on executive functioning and psycho-emotional well-being in children and youth with ADHD. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 660845. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660845 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; executive function; ADHD; intervention; exercise; mindful meditation Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 48 Effective Collaboration With Teachers | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:35:23 | |
Everyone agrees that collaboration with teachers matters in school-based OT practice, yet many occupational therapists struggle to make it work in real life. In this episode, we go beyond polite check-ins and quick info-sharing to unpack what effective interprofessional collaboration really looks like. We unpack a qualitative study and the key ingredients that make collaboration work: protected time and space, trust and power-sharing, and turning shared ideas into real classroom action. This conversation reframes collaboration as something you build together, not just talk about. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Quigley, D., & Smith, M. (2022). Achieving effective interprofessional practice between speech and language therapists and teachers: An epistemological perspective. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 38(2), 126–150. https://doi.org/10.1177/02656590211064544 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||
| Ep. 49 Folinic Acid and Autism: Translating the Research for Occupational Therapy | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:35:34 | |
Folinic acid has been showing up everywhere in conversations about autism—but what does the research actually tell us, and why should occupational therapists pay attention? In this episode of Ideas at Play, we break down a high-quality randomized controlled trial on folinic acid and translate the findings into practical, OT-relevant insights. We unpack the brain-based “why,” highlight what the study found (including changes related to autism characteristics and language), and talk about how this information fits into real-world practice. As always, we center participation, functional outcomes, and collaboration with families and medical teams. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Families should always consult their physician before starting or changing supplements or medications. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Panda, P. K., Sharawat, I. K., Saha, S., Gupta, D., Palayullakandi, A., & Meena, K. (2024). Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Pediatrics, 183(11), 4827–4835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-024-05762-6 Update 2/4/26: The article we featured by Panda et al. (2024) was retracted on 1/29/26. It was discovered that the authors handled the data inappropriately and the journal lost confidence in the findings. Despite this, there is still solid evidence supporting the use of folinic acid with autistic children. Here are a few additional articles that support the information provided in this episode. Additional Citations: Hoxha, B., Hoxha, M., Domi, E., Gervasoni, J., Persichilli, S., Malaj, V., & Zappacosta, B. (2021). Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Cells, 10(8), 1976. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10081976 Rossignol, D. A., & Frye, R. E. (2021). Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies and Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(11), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11111141 Sener, E. F., Oztop, D. B., & Ozkul, Y. (2014). MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in autism spectrum disorders. Genetics Research International, 2014, Article 698574. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/698574 Bobrowski-Khoury, N., Ramaekers, V. T., Sequeira, J. M., & Quadros, E. V. (2021). Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorders: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(8), Article 710. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080710 Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play | |||