Quiet the Noise with the Guttmann Sisters

This episode explores the underlying causes of reading and writing difficulties, with a focus on the relationship between literacy challenges and visual problems. The hosts discuss the importance of motivation, the role of the visual and vestibular systems, and the impact of early developmental milestones on literacy skills. They also explore dyslexia and the necessity of addressing multiple senso...

Explore the world of high sensitivity with our insightful discussions. Discover how this unique trait, often misunderstood as a weakness, can be a superpower. Learn about the strengths of highly sensitive individuals, including empathy and emotional intelligence, and gain practical strategies for navigating relationships and environments. Join us in appreciating and supporting the valuable contrib...

Occupational therapists Amy and Evelyn Gutman explore baby development and early anxiety prevention in this episode. They challenge the myth that young children simply "grow out of" anxiety, pointing out that disorders are increasingly diagnosed in children as young as four. The hosts explain “physiological anxiety”—early signs like sleep issues, separation anxiety, and GI problems—which stem from...

This podcast delves into children's reading and writing challenges, emphasizing the importance of sensory systems in literacy development. Amy and Evelyn Gutman address common misconceptions about reading difficulties, particularly the overlooked roles of vestibular and proprioceptive systems. They encourages parents and educators to assess children's sensory and motor skills, offers pract...

Explore the vital concepts of self-regulation and co-regulation in this episode of "Quiet the Noise" with hosts Amy and Evelyn Gutman. Discover how self-regulation, which begins developing in infants, is crucial for managing emotions and behaviors, especially under stress. Learn about the role of caregivers and parents in shaping these skills, the impact of language on emotional processing, and pr...

In this episode, Amy and Evelyn Gutman delve into the complexities of autism, offering practical insights and suggestions for understanding the unique experiences of individuals on the spectrum. With a focus on sensory processing, routine, and communication, the hosts aim to shift perspectives and foster compassion, highlighting the potential for individuals with autism to thrive. Join them for an...

"From Chaos to Clarity" explores the Amy's tumultuous week filled with personal and professional hurdles while managing a business development initiative with her sister Evelyn. The discussion highlights the challenges of logistical issues and household responsibilities, emphasizing that achieving control can be more important than seeking calmness. Through personal anecdotes, Amy and Evelyn illus...

Amy and Evelyn discuss misophonia and hyperacusis, which involve a heightened sensitivity to sounds. Misophonia triggers strong emotional or psychological responses to specific sounds, leading to physical discomfort and aggressive behaviors, while hyperacusis causes general sounds to be perceived as louder than normal. These conditions can coexist and significantly impact daily life. The episode e...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of neurodiversity, highlighting the diverse ways our brains interpret learning and behavior. From diagnosed to undiagnosed individuals, recognizing and respecting unique brain profiles is crucial. Embracing neurodiversity not only fosters personal growth and productivity but also encourages a positive shift towards appreciating and celebrating differences...

The podcast episode titled "Anxiety Dissected" discusses the topic of anxiety and its various components. Amy and Evelyn acknowledge that anxiety is a hot topic in today's society and that it has medical, psychological, and cognitive components. They explain how anxiety can manifest as feelings of being overwhelmed, difficulty achieving goals, and problems with executive functioning...

This podcast explores the ongoing debate between sensory and behavioral issues in therapy and education. It highlights the challenges faced by parents, teachers, and therapists in differentiating between the two. The importance of understanding the physiological aspects of behavior, including sensory issues, trauma, and developmental milestones, is emphasized. Tailoring interventions based on indi...

Amy and Evelyn discuss the topic of mouthing habits, focusing on pacifiers, pens, and nails. They explain the importance of oral stimulation for a baby's development and the impact of persistent mouthing habits on older children and adults. They provide insights into the factors contributing to mouthing habits and emphasize the need to address the underlying source of the habit. Amy and Evelyn...

The podcast episode discusses the topic of self-regulation and its development throughout different stages of life. Amy and Evelyn explain that babies are not born with the ability to regulate themselves and that self-regulation is a skill that needs to be learned. They introduce the concept of the "fourth trimester," which refers to the period after birth when babies still require exter...

Please note:  Sexual trauma content is discussed during this podcast episode.  Please be advised if listening with sound on before children.   Disclaimer:  Evelyn's Question Starts: 42:25 - Ending: 49:51 Rape/Incest Story: Starts: 51:34 - Ends: 54:41 Important note about this podcast: At times during the interview, there were intense moments.  At about mark 42:25, Evelyn shares a question to r...

In this engaging podcast discussion, Amy and Evelyn, neuro-developmental occupational therapists, delve into the critical aspects of learning readiness, regulation, and emotional development, underscoring their pivotal role in achieving academic and behavioral excellence. The conversation emphasizes the significance of addressing precursor skills, including neurochemical components, gross motor sk...

The podcast delves into the intricate relationship between sleep and eating issues in babies, revealing the profound impact of hunger and fullness levels on the ability to fall asleep. Amy explores the developmental nuances of sleep and nutrition in infants, emphasizing that their sleep patterns are uniquely influenced by stomach size. As infants grow and their tolerance for food increases, their...

You can be a highly sensitive person without a formal diagnosis. Some diagnoses include aspects of high sensitivity, but can be highly sensitive without anything else being “wrong.” And when there is no diagnosis, then it can be overlooked. If realize that there is a physiological way body interprets internal and external stimuli, then can address that in way that you can’t with a personality thin...

Early birds and night owls. Catching some Z’s, winks and shut-eye. Jet lag and insomnia. Why do we need to sleep, anyway? In this podcast, Amy and Evelyn delve into the impact of sleep on our lives, and how it influences our children’s and teens’ development and our daily functioning as adults. They reveal how much sleep affects what we can do the following day, as well as how much our daily actio...

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is a condition in which high levels of strep antibodies can end up attacking the body’s cells and causing extreme, intense, acute-onset sensory issues, OCD-like symptoms and more. In this podcast, Amy and Evelyn discuss their 20+ years of experience with PANDAS in the context of their clinical work. T...

Technology facilitates so much good by enabling us to reach and touch people worldwide. At the same time, the constant connectedness of technology can make it more challenging to connect to our friends, families… and deepest selves. A generation or two ago, the ability to listen to someone for ten minutes without pings or distractions was given. Today, it is not. Amy and Evelyn reflect on creating...

What is happening when a child has no problem speaking at home, but will not say a word at school or in other public settings? In this podcast, Amy and Evelyn discuss what selective mutism is, where it comes from, and practical things we can do to help our children and our students who struggle with selective mutism.

Do you know - or are you - a person who feels emotions very intensely, gets easily overwhelmed by stress, pain, or transitions, or is exceptionally intuitive or empathetic? High sensitivity can be an incredible asset, but also a tremendous challenge. In this podcast, Amy and Evelyn discuss what it means to be a highly sensitive person, how it is different from Sensory Processing Disorder, and what...

Twins and other multiples have unique strengths and challenges when it comes to physical, verbal and social development. In this podcast, Amy and Evelyn explain how twins’ development is different (already from in-utero!), what differences you can expect in their developmental path and pace and what practical steps you can take as a parent of twins to help your children’s healthy growth.

In this episode, the Guttmann sisters review the changes that have occurred recently when it comes to 'checking milestones." They review when we should be 'worrying' and when parents/therapists should be using the wait-and-see approach. They discuss fine motor skills, crawling, and many more developmental components. Feel free to drop comments or reach out to register@handsonappro...

Join us as we delve into the good and bad of attachment items. How to determine what's "normal", unhealthy and how to help our children who may be struggling with forming or separating from attachment (or transitional) items. Finally, are they important to begin with? All this answered during the live. Please ask us your questions below. We'd love to continue the dialogue. :) Be sure to comment an...