Autism Family Resource

What exactly does occupational therapy help with, and how does it support autistic and neurodivergent children in everyday life? In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene breaks down the role of occupational therapy and explains how OTs support children through play, sensory processing, emotional regulation, daily routines, social participation,...

The new year often brings pressure to set goals, improve routines, and "do better" as parents. But parenting neurodivergent children already requires an incredible amount of flexibility, patience, and emotional energy. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, Brian Keene shares three practical parenting resolutions designed to support both children and caregivers throughout the y...

Sleep impacts nearly every part of a child's development, including attention, emotional regulation, learning, memory, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Yet many neurodivergent children struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking feeling rested. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene discusses how sleep affects child developm...

Holiday shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when parents want gifts that are both fun and supportive for their child's development. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical developmental gift ideas for neurodivergent children across a variety of budgets and interests. Brian breaks his recommendations into four categories:...

Helping a child learn at home can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers, especially when children become frustrated, resistant, distracted, or emotionally overwhelmed during learning activities. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical strategies families can use to create more supportive and effective learning...

Cooking with children can be so much more than simply preparing meals. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares how cooking activities can support learning, sensory exploration, executive functioning, confidence, creativity, and family connection for neurodivergent children. Brian explains how cooking naturally creates opportunities for c...

Caregiver burnout is real, and many parents of neurodivergent children spend so much time supporting everyone else that their own needs slowly move to the bottom of the list. In this solo episode of the Autism Family Toolkit Podcast, occupational therapist Brian Keene shares practical and realistic self-care strategies designed specifically for overwhelmed caregivers and parents. Brian discusses w...

Welcome to the Autism Family Resource Podcast Real Conversations. Practical Support. Neurodiversity-Affirming Parenting Tools. If you're a parent or caregiver who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure if you're doing the "right" thing for your child… you are not alone. Maybe you've been to countless therapy appointments. Maybe you've tried strategies that didn't fit your family. Maybe you're tir...

Welcome to the Autism Family Resource Podcast. This short trailer will give you a quick overview of what the podcast is about and who it is for. Hosted by Brian Keene, pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy , this podcast was created for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children who want practical tools they can use in everyday life. Each episode focuses on top...