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Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT

By: Tracy Stackhouse Cory Dundon Michelle Maunder
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About this listen

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

© 2023 Spirited Conversations - Engaging and Elevating Pediatric OT
Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • 32. Unpacking Clinical Language: Eye Control and the Vestibular System
    Dec 10 2025

    In this episode, we’re wrestling with something that comes up all the time in clinic: how do we explain the tricky clinical terms (like ocular control) to parents without losing them? We are continuing on the journey of trying to unpack language, talking about how we translate what we’re seeing in terms of ocular motor functions, vestibular contributions, and somatosensory discrimination into language that actually lands and makes sense for families.

    We unpack how the vestibular system and sensory discrimination play into eye movements, how modulation bumps into these issues, and how neurodevelopmental factors shape what we’re observing. Happy Listening!

    Check out DFX's learning journeys to sign up for our learning journeys community and take any of the courses available to build your clinical reasoning skills --> https://dfxlearningjourneys.thinkific.com/

    Full transcription of our episode is available on our website.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to Translating Clinical Concepts

    00:36 Challenges in Communicating Clinical Terms

    02:26 Navigating Clinical and Medical Spaces

    05:58 Understanding Ocular Motor Function

    08:25 Connecting Sensory Systems to Daily Life

    19:01 Developmental Perspectives on Sensory Integration

    26:19 Integrating Information for Developmental Understanding

    26:59 Vestibular System and Its Functions

    28:39 Motor Control and Its Origins

    30:25 Challenges with AI in Understanding Motor Skills

    37:20 Clinical Reasoning and Interpretation

    38:30 Attachment and Motor Development

    42:03 Connecting Threads in Therapy

    44:19 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

    Connect with us:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT

    Website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/

    Loved this episode and want an easy cost free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • 31. Wonder, Safety, and the Power of Showing Up
    Jul 29 2025

    In this episode, we dive into the complexities of neurodiversity, sensory modulation, and the importance of safety and curiosity in therapy and life. Through some of our personal stories and clinical anecdotes, we explore how embracing individual differences and showing up authentically can foster resilience, learning, and connection.


    Resources & Mentions:

    • Ruth Lanius and Dr. Stephen Porges (on neuroception and sensory matrix)
    • Lois Hickman, OT, and nature-based therapy

    If you enjoyed this episode, check out our Instagram for more resources and Cory’s “Spirit” rap. Keep showing up, stay curious, and embrace your own unique innate qualities!


    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00 — Introduction, no context, just starting

    0:08 — Hosts reflect on being non-professional communicators and podcasting

    0:38 — The experience of listening to yourself on a podcast

    0:55 — Balancing each other's communication styles

    1:27 — Embarrassing travel stories and trusting the process

    2:16 — Resilience and strengths-based language

    4:33 — "Neuro spicy" and personal quirks

    5:43 — Funny story about ADHD realization

    9:13 — Learning from yourself and collective learning

    10:19 — Embracing neurodiversity in the podcast

    11:41 — Recap of last episode and moving into new terminology

    12:47 — Discussion of neuroception and modulation

    14:15 — Sensory matrix and evolving language

    17:02 — Sensory affective dual process

    18:22 — Mobilization and nervous system responses

    21:02 — The importance of safety and curiosity in therapy

    29:23 — The "milk and butter" story: using curiosity and safety in therapy

    36:05 — Reflections on the story and its impact

    39:23 — The importance of following the child's lead in therapy

    43:58 — Wrapping up, next episode preview, and social media plug

    43:26 — Final thoughts and goodbyes


    Connect with us:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT

    Website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/

    Loved this episode and want an easy cost-free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 30. Exploring Shared Language: Modulation and Regulation
    Jul 9 2025

    In this episode, we delve into the complexities of sensory modulation and regulatory systems, discussing how we understand these elements and how they influence therapeutic practice. We explore the polyvagal theory, sensory modulation matrix, and how we can create shared terminology in those spaces. Through real-life examples and theoretical discussions, we bring to light the importance of precise language and shared understanding in clinical settings. The episode highlights the dynamic interplay between sensory processing, state regulation, and adaptive functions, offering insights into how therapists can better support children with diverse needs.

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

    00:17 Celebrating Learning Communities

    01:07 Community Feedback and Growth

    02:30 Discussing Terminology in Therapy

    04:06 Exploring Sensory Issues

    07:27 Precision in Clinical Language

    11:36 Understanding State Dependency

    18:17 Polyvagal Theory and Regulation Models

    22:07 Understanding Sensory Modulation and Regulation

    22:39 The Interplay of Sensory Modulation and Neuroception

    23:27 Linking Sensory Modulation to Treatment Plans

    26:06 The Role of Arousal and Autonomic States

    29:30 Practical Examples of Sensory Modulation

    35:33 Integrating Polyvagal Theory and Regulatory Capacities

    41:36 The Sensory Modulation Matrix

    43:55 Building a Shared Language in Communities

    Connect with us:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedconversations_ot/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spiritedconversationsOT

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spiritedconversations_OT

    Website: https://www.spiritedconversationspodcast.com/

    Loved this episode and want an easy cost-free way to support us? Subscribe to our youtube channel!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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