The Integration Station

The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning. In this episode Michael and Eleanor discuss the pros and cons of certain classroom sensory tools and items, including the beloved Disc-O-Seat! They also spend time outlining what are some ways that children can obtain needed regulation during a school day...

The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning. In this episode Michael and  Eleanor briefly discuss thoughts on why OTs are often asked to work on handwriting and the importance of foundation skills in effective handwriting, how to think through a situation where your child has different sensory needs...

The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning. In this episode Michael and  Eleanor briefly discuss thoughts on screen time and younger children, the challenges and where it could be okay, how to work through impulsivity and does it change? and what might be happening for a young person having big emot...

The Integration Station returns with a Q&A format! We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning. In this episode Michael is joined by OTFC Director, Eleanor, to briefly discuss thoughts how OTs can assist with identifying skills required for the workforce, the role of OT in supporting young people with ADHD and what a continence care plan is and how...

We have been on quite a hiatus, however the Integration Station is looking to return for a Fourth Season in the coming weeks. We are previewing this with a brief chat between two of our excellent OTs, Siena and Tyson, who talk on R U OK? Day about supporting the well being of children in tricky period 7-10 years of age.  We look forward to providing more content for you all and giving further insi...

Maria Aarts is in Australia for the first time in 6 years and joins us for part two of a two part series to discuss the Marte Meo Approach. In part two, Maria outlines the scope of Marte Meo in a variety of settings, her love of cooking, life with 13 siblings and an introduction to Italia Parletta and how Marte Meo is a way of life.  A special thank you to Licensed Marte Meo Supervisor Italia Parl...

Maria Aarts is in Australia for the first time in 6 years and joins us for a two part series to discuss the Marte Meo Approach. In part one, Maria discusses the approach, how it came to be and what her training offers others.  A special thank you to Licensed Marte Meo Supervisor Italia Parletta for organising the interview. For those interested in Marte Meo training in Adelaide, please contact Ita...

We return for a third season of the Integration Station with Michael hosting music therapist Natalie Oliveri. Natalie gives us an insight into how music therapy supports clients, how to change mood with music and even sings an original song live!  Natalie mentions her business, some research and also an interesting phenomenon, the iso-principle, with the links to these listed below. Creative Thera...

In the season finale, Michael and Dino chat to Becky Blake - tutor, mentor, mother and musician. Having a lived experience of ADHD, Becky discusses the benefits of a brain that is wired differently and how it assists her in her music and teaching.  Becky gives the listeners an insight into her family life growing up in country Australia and how it shaped her interest in music, how ADHD has support...

Occupational Therapist and Sleep Specialist Annie O'Connell joins Michael and Dino to discuss how good sleep is one of the biggest factors in quality of life.  In second  part of this two-part interview, Annie discusses how the sensory world impacts sleep some other sleep tips, her upcoming sleep training and a sleep quiz.    Some resources discussed by Annie in the episode:   Australian sleep hea...

Occupational Therapist and Sleep Specialist Annie O'Connell joins Michael and Dino to discuss how good sleep is one of the biggest factors in quality of life.  In the first part of this two-part interview, Annie discusses the three main components of sleep, explains melatonin and it's role in sleep, how waterbeds led her to specialise in sleep and answers the most important question, how good are...

Nutritional Biochemist, Dr Libby Weaver, joins Michael and Dino to discuss her approach to health, food and wellbeing.  Libby discusses her three pillared approach exploring the interplay between nutrition, emotions and biochemistry. Libby also enlightens us on her family history and how she got into nutrition, her research on the gut and children with ASD, the role language can have on food choic...

Dr Melaine Turner, or Mel to her clients, is a one of Adelaide's few Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists. I the first part, Mel discusses more about her personal life and her time leading up to medicine. In this second part with Mel, she discusses more about her clinical work, the concerns over screen time use trends, challenges facing children in guardianship care and the process involved in suppo...

In this episode Michael and Dino are joined by counsellor Alana Lenart. Alana reveals how she moved from her long career in aviation to counselling as a result of her lived experience with her autistic son.  Alana discusses her journey and how counselling has allowed her to support families in ways she felt were missing when she was going through a similar experience. Alana has collaborated with E...

In this episode we are fortunate enough to speak to Dr Smith Roley for a second time. Dr Smith Roley is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of experience in paediatric practice. She has been at the forefront of Ayres’ Sensory Integration research and clinical practice for many years and along with Dr Zoe Mailloux, is a founding partner of CLASI (Collaborative for Leadership in Sensory Int...

Dr Melaine Turner discusses her upbringing, school life, undertaking a medical exam with a one year old and answering a quick Psychiatrists quiz! Dr Turner's Practice  https://mcpp.com.au Chinese musical instrument: The Erhu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu   For the younger generation, who may not be as familiar with some of Dr Turner's references...  Holly Hobbie https://wallpapercave.com/holl...

In this episode Michael talks with Dr Ben Sellar, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia. Ben gives insights on the UniSA degree, the role of occupation and what that means in OT, play and development and the role of screen time for children growing up in a technological moment.  If you like this episode, please subscribe to The Integration Station on Spotify, Apple...

In this episode we will hear from Cathy Sires, the Principal of St Patrick’s Special School in Dulwich.  From Principal positions in rural South Australia in Maree and Nepabunna Aboriginal Schools, to the last 6 years at St Patrick's, Cathy shares her story and the importance of Special Schools. Cathy has been a passionate and strong leader in education for children with additional needs and gives...

Thomas provides an engaging insight into his experiences growing up as a young person on the spectrum.  If you like this episode, please subscribe to The Integration Station on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts to get each episode as they are released. Please also feel free to give us a short review if you have 30 seconds!  We hope to have a Q+A episode in the future, so pl...

This year marks Tyson Klaassen-Smith's 10th year at OTFC and we couldn't help but take up the opportunity to chat to one of OTFC’s most loved, and longest serving OT’s. Father, amateur carpenter and mentor to many – Tyson has been such an important part of OTFC for many years.  Loved by his families and staff alike, Tyson embodies the values of OTFC and OT in general.  Michael and Tyson chat talk...

Throughout the chat, Susanne makes reference to aspects of SI research and the role of her organisation, CLASI. Links to some of these areas can be found here.   Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations  https://www.proedaust.com.au/understanding-the-nature-of-sensory-integration-with-diverse-populations-1 Newell Kephart – brief biography  https://www.csun.edu/~vcoa...

We are excited to announce that The Integration Station will soon be returning for a second season! Dino, along with new host, Michael, will be introducing you to more of the amazing people we are fortunate to meet everyday. We can’t wait to reveal who will be joining us in the guest seat this season.  Stay tuned and subscribe to get the latest episodes as they are released.   If you liked somethi...

Kellie Halpin shares her powerful journey caring for her beautiful 8-year-old son, Fletcher, a beloved OTFC client who lives with various diagnoses. Kellie openly shares the struggles, challenges and joys of parenting a complex needs child. She also explores her experiences with various health professionals and therapies, as well as the pressure to 'find a solution' to Fletch's challenges. Kellie...

Esther unpacks Kate Watts inspiring story. Kate is an OTFC client and University of South Australia Occupational Therapy student who advocates for young people on the Autism Spectrum. Formally diagnosed when she was 16 years of age, Kate shares how she felt liberated by her diagnosis and now benefits from regular OT and Psychology support.  Kate mentors younger adolescents on the Spectrum through...

Dino and Esther interview Paediatrician Dr Anthony Chitti, from Adelaide Peadiatrics, Flinders Medical Centre and Calvary Hospital. Dr Chitti unpacks the medical and developmental milestones he looks for in children, as well as 'the thing' he believes every child needs to develop optimally. Dr Chitti and Dino also discuss the common misconceptions about prescribing medication to children and the c...