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.
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Pediatric Pioneers Episode 23: AI in School Therapy: How Do We Ethically Integrate It Into Our Roles?
Season 1 · Episode 23
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 01:06:16
Join host Nicole Quint, PhD, DrOT, OTR/L, as she sits down with school-based occupational therapy expert and founder of the OT Schoolhouse, Jayson Davies, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA, to explore the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in pediatric practice. In this conversation, they unpack recent clinical research, navigate the critical boundaries of FERPA/HIPAA compliance, and examine how AI can streamline data analysis and documentation without compromising clinical reasoning. Discover how shifting your perspective on AI tools from simple productivity hacks to universal design for learning (UDL) frameworks can maximize student participation and engagement. Tune in to gain practical strategies for collaborating with your interprofessional team, establishing internal district guidelines, and future-proofing your clinical practice against an evolving technological landscape.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence on the adoption, reliability, and current research on the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in school-based therapy practice
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to effectively implement AI tools into clinical workflows while ensuring FERPA/HIPAA compliance and respecting collaborative team boundaries
Solve case scenarios involving the integration of AI as a universal design for learning (UDL) tool to support student IEP goals and outcomes
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:00) Introduction to AI in occupational therapy
(00:02:15) The journey of an OT entrepreneur
(00:05:18) Exploring AI's role in occupational therapy
(00:10:50) Research insights on AI in therapy
(00:14:15) Clinical reasoning and AI integration
(00:19:20) Future directions for AI in therapy
(00:21:30) The narrative of AI in occupational therapy
(00:22:50) Guiding questions for practitioners
(00:35:00) Call to action
(00:37:00) Establishing AI policies in educational settings
(00:42:10) Empowering students with AI tools
(00:46:40) Understanding student perspectives on AI
(00:53:07) Addressing concerns about AI and cheating
(01:01:05) The future of AI in occupational 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.
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 22: Sound Sensitivity: Why Do Kids With Normal Hearing Struggle?
Season 1 · Episode 22
Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 01:02:12
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 conditions
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of auditory processing and decreased sound tolerance conditions
Solve 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 participation
Timestamps
(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
(00:34:07) Auditory gain and the central auditory nervous system
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 21: Social Detectives: How Do We Make Sense of the Social World?
Season 1 · Episode 19
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 01:01:41
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 skill
Apply 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 environment
Solve 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-taking
Timestamps
(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
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 20: CO-OP™ in Schools: Is This the Key to Improve Classroom Performance?
Season 1 · Episode 20
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • Duration 53:02
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™ Approach
Apply 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 setting
Solve patient case scenarios involving common school-based challenges such as handwriting, shoe tying, and desk organization
Timestamps
(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
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 19: Neurodiversity Advocacy: How Can the Therapy Team Move From “Fix” to “Fit”?
Season 1 · Episode 19
Friday, March 13, 2026 • Duration 51:23
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 impairment
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address advocacy for neurodivergent learners by integrating parent input as clinical data and identifying systemic barriers to access
Solve case scenarios involving neurodivergent learners in school and community settings, focusing on transitions, unstructured times, and inclusive participation
Timestamps
(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 inclusion
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 18: Executive Function: Does Interoception “Move the Train to Build the Brain?”
Season 1 · Episode 18
Friday, February 13, 2026 • Duration 57:14
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 function
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably support executive function through an interoceptive lens, starting with creating comfort for readiness
Solve patient case scenarios involving state-dependent executive function challenges by identifying interoceptive breakdown points and selecting targeted regulation supports
Timestamps
(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 steps
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.
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 17: Sensory-Based Pediatric Feeding: How Can OT Improve Mealtimes?
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, January 15, 2026 • Duration 49:06
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 eating
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address pediatric feeding challenges
Solve patient case scenarios involving picky eating, food refusal, and sensory-based feeding challenges through clinical reasoning and caregiver coaching techniques
Timestamps
(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 scenarios
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 16: Postpartum Recovery: What Powerful Role Can OT Play?
Season 1 · Episode 16
Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 01:01:40
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 period
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address physical strain and functional limitations across prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum phases, considering biomechanical, respiratory, and musculoskeletal changes
Solve 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
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 15: Tackling Maternal Mortality and Inequities: What Is OT’s Role?
Season 1 · Episode 15
Friday, November 14, 2025 • Duration 01:00:37
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 teams
Apply evidence-based, occupation-centered strategies to reduce the effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension and address contextual factors contributing to maternal mortality
Solve 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
Pediatric Pioneers Episode 14: Is Maternal Mental Health the Missing Link in Pediatric OT?
Season 1 · Episode 14
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 • Duration 58:28
Teddie Buchner, PhD, OTR/L, QMHP, OT Reg. (AB), an expert in pediatric and maternal mental health, joins host Nicole Quint to explore the hidden connections between maternal mental health and pediatric sensory development. Drawing on clinical experience and original research, Teddie and Nicole dive into how occupational therapists can better support new mothers while fostering healthy co-occupations and sensory integration in infants. Listeners will walk away with evidence-based insights and practical tools to address maternal mental health in everyday pediatric practice. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that reaffirms the OT’s vital role in nurturing the parent–child relationship from the very beginning.
Learning Objectives
Analyze evidence linking pregnancy-related mental health to maternal attachment behaviors and pediatric sensory integration outcomes
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to support maternal mental health and promote occupational development in early parent–child relationships
Solve patient case scenarios involving new mothers facing mental health challenges during their transition into the parenting role
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:04:30) Why ask about maternal mental health?
(00:05:38) Baby blues vs. PMADs: what OTs should know
(00:08:30) Stigma, silence, and the fear of disclosure
(00:10:30) The power of OT in early parenting support
(00:13:50) What to look for in a new mother
(00:17:05) Complex symptoms of postpartum mental illness
(00:22:38) How maternal mental health affects infant development
(00:27:20) What the research says
(00:30:30) Attachment vs. bonding: why the difference matters
(00:35:00) The sensory side of co-occupations
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(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.
(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.
(00:49:00) The future of school-based 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.
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.
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.
(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 advocacy
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.
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.
(00:46:00) The gap between parent reports and observed performance
(00:50:00) Resilience as a protective factor
(00:51:30) Top 3 clinical takeaways
(00:55:00) What’s next in research and advocacy
(00:57:25) Wrap-up
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.
