The Integration Station

For our final podcast of the year, we're joined Dr. Subashni Maharaj, a neonatal paediatrician specialising in developmental, behavioural, and learning impairments.  Subashni’s goal is to equip families with the skills and self-assurance required to support their kids through every stage of life all while she tries to strike a balance between running her clinic at the Ashford Hospital in Adelaide...

Michael walks us through an audience question about ADHD and impulsivity and how you can manage it using a few simple tricks!  References Stop, Think, Do - Lindy Peterson https://www.stopthinkdo.com/  Motivation Assessment Scale Template: https://www.carepatron.com/files/motivation-assessment-scale.pdf  ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood th...

Michael and Eleanor unpack how you can support an ASD client who only engages in repetitive play, and ways you can join them to foster connection for your toolkit.  Plus, do you have a friend who's always asking you what OT's actually do? We've got the exact way you can frame it so they understand the whole picture about the profession.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned somet...

Are playgrounds too safe?  Michael and Eleanor unpack why risky play is so beneficial for your young person, plus we tell you everything you need to know as a new grad looking to apply for jobs next year.  00:00 Intro  01:45 Therapy Activity of The Week  07:45 Regulation Activity of The Week  10:58 The Benefits of Risky Play  29:35 Job Advice for New Grads If you liked something we talked about, o...

Michael and Eleanor clarify what the "reasonable expectations of parents" guidelines for parents accessing the NDIS to help distinguish what the NDIS will likely fund versus what is considered a normal part of parenting.  Michael and Eleanor clarify what the "reasonable expectations of parents" guidelines for parents accessing the NDIS to help distinguish what the NDIS will likely fund versus what...

Imagine an environment where everything is always changing, the educators are different, and the transitions are tricky.  This week, Eleanor & Michael unpack how we can support a young person to navigate out-of-school hours care (OSH), plus we discuss some audience feedback on the limitations of "Just Right" language.    If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listeni...

We're not removalists, we're OT's!  And that means we're going to teach you how to find the fun in moving house and how you can best support your young person in doing so.  Michael and Eleanor cover the importance of maintaining routines amidst the chaos, how to emotionally support your young person, and how to give them control by getting them involved in the process!    If you liked something we...

Today is R U OK Day.  Michael and Eleanor walk you through how to ask R U OK with the people who are closest to you, the power of pausing while holding space, and how sharing a hug can help make someone's day infinitely better.  If this episode brings anything up for you or if you need crisis support, here is a list of resources/services that can help:  Lifeline 13 14 13  Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636...

Eleanor and Micheal unpack Engine Charts vs Zones of Regulation, what they are, and how you can use them therapeutically in the clinic.  Eleanor brought her engine chart to show you how she models hers with her clients, and tell you how to help start these conversations with the young people you're working with.  Plus, we provide a few alternatives to chew toys for someone who might seek oral inpu...

This week Michael and Eleanor unpack a question about managing tricky moments during transition time and what that looks like for a young person, adn they unpack what it's like to be on the receiving end of someone saying, "your job must be so rewarding."  Plus, all the regular segments to help you find the fun in learning how to support the young people in your life.    If you liked something we...

This week, we're unpacking the Thriving Kids Program announcement, workshopping how you can manage difficult conversations when someone separates the person from the diagnosis, and managing clients with low muscle tone.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people who...

Michael and Eleanor unpack Pathological Demand Avoidance and Oppositional Defiance Disorder and, walk you through the differences, how to manage the challenges, and useful resources to help build your toolkit.  Resources:  Helping Autistic Teens to Manage Their Anxiety - Dr. Theresa Kidd - https://www.kiddclinic.com.au/dr-theresa-kidds-book Yellow Lady Bugs -https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/ Refr...

Michael shares his top strategies for communicating with neurodivergent young people - insights that go beyond the therapy room.  Whether you're a health professional, educator, student, AHA or just want to foster more inclusive conversations in everyday life, this podcast is for you.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends...

How do you respond to a young person who says, “If I could change one thing about myself, I’d take away my autism?” This week on The Integration Station, Michael shares an emotional moment with a young client, and how another young person offered his own strategies to help reframe that feeling, plus all your regular segments.    If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from...

This week, Michael and Eleanor answer your questions about bedtime routines for sensory avoidant profiles and activities for high emotions and provide fun ways to incorporate deep breathing activities for moments of high emotion.  Plus all of our regular segments and with a laugh along the way.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with yo...

This week,  Michael and Eleanor delve into the fascinating and complex topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential implications on the future of reading, writing, and occupational therapy.  We also unpack practical applications of AI in clinical practice, emphasising the need for consent, privacy, and maintaining professional responsibility with AI integration in the clinical space as...

This week, Michael and Eleanor explain The PINCH Method. It's a way to help an ADHD brain stay engaged and motivated by creating interest-based motivation in a task. Research has shown that when tasks are infused with emotional relevance or immediate payoff, people with ADHD perform significantly better when novelty, urgency, and rewards are motivating factors. And we also unpack the Cascading Eff...

How important is rapport to delivering outcomes for clients?  Michael and Eleanor provide the evidence as to why it's so important in the clinic, plus we fire off some rapid fire regulation activities for the home and school and walk you through what ATAR you need to get into OT.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends, &nb...

This week, we cross to Twin Falls, Idaho and chat with parent coach and sensory integration Occupational Therapist Ivan Hardcastle.  We cover how to use sensory integration with families and in the school setting, as well as how to coregulate and manage yourself as a parent and a professional.  00:00 Intro 03:31 Therapy Activity of The Week  09:26 Regulation Strategy of The Week  14:09 What drew y...

This week, we dust off the backpack, polish up our shoes, and go back to grade 11 as we answer a student who asked if we could help them finish their Stage 2 Child Studies assignment. The questions were so insightful, we thought we'd answer them in full on the podcast.  Here's what we'll be tackling this week:  What role does play-based therapy have in helping children on the autism spectrum build...

Is your child a dandelion or an orchid?  This week Eleanor unpacks the child development theory that helps you understand what your child might need to thrive.  Plus we unpack why a young person may not want to follow instructions unless they are in control, and if your young person can be tired and regulated at the same time.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from...

Welcome to the episode about all about Primitive Reflexes.    This week, Michael and Eleanor cover what primitive reflexes are, why they matter, and how to work on them in therapy.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people who know about occupational therapy, the be...

This week, Michael and Eleanor take a parent focus and unpack what to do when you have one parent who understands the process of OT and the other doesn't and how you can proactively manage expectations while working towards a goal that everyone can understand.  We also cover what are reasonable expectations for caring for your young person according to the NDIS guidelines and what that might look...

This week on the Integration Station, Michael takes us back to basics. We unpack what occupational therapy really is.  He'll be covering:  - Purpose of Pediatric Occupational Therapy - Common Areas of Focus - Developmental Approaches - Sensory Integration (SI) Therapy - Cognitive Approaches - Motor Learning and Neurodevelopmental Approaches - How Therapy is Delivered - Funding and Access - Example...

This week, Michael and Eleanor return to the Q&A format, answering all of your question submissions.  This week we're back in the classroom to provide some tips for regulation in the classroom and unpack how riding a bike can dysregulate or overstimulate a young person and why.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends, &nbsp...