The OT is IN with Sarah Collins the Homeschool OT

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   --- We are diving into one of the most frequently asked topics in homeschooling—handwriting. In this episode, we'll explore the many elements that contribute to effective handwriting, from visual skills to core stability, fine motor control, and cognitive functions. We've discussed some of these topics in past...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   --- Click Heren for Full Shownotes   In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Sloan, the innovative mind behind Sensory Fitness . Matt and I dive into the fascinating world of sensory fitness, core strengthening, and how to keep neurodiverse kids engaged in physical activities. With his unique approach combini...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!   -- In this episode, we'll explore the power of play-based and low-stress techniques in fostering children's growth and preventing frustration and fatigue. Kokeb, an occupational therapist and mom, shares her expertise on primitive reflexes and the significance of creating a safe, connected environment for our...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!    Today we're diving into a complex but crucial topic: primitive reflexes. This episode is a bit different as I'm also sharing slides with those of you joining us on YouTube. Primitive reflexes are an intricate subject that spark endless questions, and while I can't cover everything in one episode, I'll provide...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  --- Today I'm talking with Connie O'Neill about home-based learning aids for occupational therapists use with kids. Connie and I are both experienced occupational therapists. Connie shares her unique journey from working with adults to finding her passion in pediatric OT. She has developed Big Play in a Box , i...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  We're diving deep into the fascinating yet often concerning world of screen time and its profound effects on children's brains, behavior, and development. Dr. Dunckley sheds light on how screens act as stimulants, triggering stress responses and hyperarousal, and shares insights on why younger children are more...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?   Download Why Choose OT to find out!  ------ In this episode, Karen will break down the concept of sleep pressure and its relevance across different age groups, from babies to school-age children. We'll explore the critical relationship between physical activity, screen time, and sleep readiness. You'll hear insightful tips on managing screen influ...

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles?  Download Why Choose OT to find out!  Welcome to another episode of "Homeschool OT: The OT is in," where we delve into the world of homeschooling through the lens of occupational therapy and speech therapy. In today's episode, we are joined by Keisha Berry, a Speech Language Pathologist and seasoned homeschooling mom. Keisha brings a wealth of exper...

This is a special bonus episode featuring my daughter, Annabelle Collins. In our previous episode,

In this episode, I'll be sharing personal insights and examples from my own experience homeschooling my children, shedding light on how interoception develops from infancy through childhood and how it can significantly impact our well-being. We'll discuss practical strategies that can be used at home to nurture this vital sense and reflect on the challenges and successes my children have faced in...

Navigating the world of homeschooling can be as rewarding as it is challenging, particularly when it comes to incorporating social emotional learning (SEL) into the daily curriculum. In the latest episode of our podcast, "The OT is in," we had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Sautter, an expert in social emotional learning and a speech pathologist who specializes in supporting neurodivergen...

In this episode, I chat with Caroline Santangelo, an occupational therapist who specializes in nature-based therapy for children in Pennsylvania. We dive into the world of interoception and explore how nature can help children develop self-awareness. Caroline shares practical insights on how movement, sensory experiences, and outdoor activities can enhance interoceptive awareness in children. She...

In this episode, you'll learn how play-based learning isn't just fun—it's also an essential tool to help children connect with their internal world. Our guest, Cara Koscinski, offers her expertise as an occupational therapist and a homeschooling mother to provide practical strategies for recognizing and addressing interoceptive cues before the onset of a meltdown. Additionally, discover the challe...

In today's episode, I am joined by a special guest, my daughter, Annabelle Collins, to discuss executive functioning, planning, and organization from her perspective as a homeschooling teenager. She offers insights into her personal experiences, touching on topics such as setting up daily schedules, adapting to different learning systems, managing distractions, and finding motivation. Together, we...

In this episode we are talking with the incredible Amy Bodkin, a former school psychologist and an autistic adult herself, she brings her unique perspective on homeschooling autistic children with distinct executive functioning skills. Together, they touch upon the critical role of executive functioning skills, metacognition, and adapting educational plans that focus on both group and individual n...

Are you a parent juggling the demands of homeschooling or simply seeking to create a harmonious living space for your family? In this conversation, we delve deep into the world of executive functioning and the power of a well-organized home. Lauri shares her wisdom on decluttering strategies, establishing functional spaces, and involving kids in the process to ensure that each family member has a...

In this episode of the OT is IN, I am joined by Mandy Doman from Advanced Brain Technologies to explore the transformative power of the listening program and how it can fit with homeschooling. Mandy provides insights into the program's origins, impact, and practical application. From the science behind neuroplasticity to heartwarming success stories, our conversation sheds light on the program's p...

In this episode of The OT is IN I share a personal story about my journey as a homeschool parent and occupational therapist, focusing on the impact of vision on handwriting and learning. I share the challenges my son faced due to preterm birth and the subsequent impact on his visual attention and eye movements. I explain how my son's struggles with reading and writing led us to seek help from a de...

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Beaufoym an expert on Waldorf education and form drawing, Together we dive deep into the world of form drawing and its crucial role in Waldorf education, homeschooling, and child development. Robyn shares insights into the Waldorf philosophy, explaining how it is centered around individualized education and the use of the child as a guide for learning. She go...

Prepare to explore the deep connections between nature, vision, the brain, and how they intersect with occupational therapy and education. Kim Wilson, with her wealth of experience in adult neurorehabilitation, shines a light on the complexity of the visual system and its impact on learning, particularly in young children. In this episode, we address the often-overlooked significance of vision in...

In this episode, I interview Christine Kalicki, a developmental optometrist, to uncover the vital link between vision and everyday challenges faced by children and even older teens. Christine sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of vision assessments for children, including eye movements, convergence, accommodation, and depth perception, which are often overlooked in routine eye exams. The epis...

In this episode of the OT is IN Podcast I chat with both Colleen Kessler and Christy Faith about community. Colleen opens our hearts to the evolving nature of finding and nurturing communities for our children, while Christy sheds light on creating meaningful connections beyond our traditional circles. We covered a lot as we talked about the fluid essence of friendships and how some people fit int...

In this episode, Sarah delves into the philosophy of homeschooling, her challenges, and the questions that arose for her family. Using her expertise as an occupational therapist, Sarah discusses the broad and deep role of occupational therapy, shedding light on the various areas of occupation and the detective work involved in understanding and supporting clients in achieving their goals. She expl...

In this episode, I welcome Kim Hazelton, an experienced occupational therapist and fellow homeschool mom, to discuss the expectations parents should have when seeking occupational therapy for their children. We discuss the importance of understanding sensory systems and autonomic nervous system behaviors, emphasize the need for personalized and collaborative therapy sessions, and share insights in...

In this episode, we'll be delving into the complex topic of sensory versus behavior in children. I teach the importance of asking the right questions as parents to truly understand the reasons behind certain behaviors. I talk about the challenges of homeschooling and parenting in a world filled with diverse opinions and resources. Providing practical tips and insights, I share the latest neuroscie...