Episode 10: Strategies for Managing the Holiday Season
In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison explores how families and clinicians can navigate the unique challenges the holiday season brings for neurodivergent children. Drawing on perspectives from both parents and professionals, Kassie discusses the increased stress, sensory demands, and shifting routines that can make this time of year especially overwhelming.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, creating flexible routines, developing exit plans, and supporting children around food and social pressures. The episode also highlights ways to build new, meaningful traditions that honor each child’s individual needs. A warm and thoughtful conversation to help families approach the holidays with confidence, compassion, and connection.
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Episode 9: Making Medication Decisions with Joshua Feder, MD
In this episode, host Kassie Allison talks with Dr. Josh Feder, a child and family psychiatrist and Profectum Faculty member, about the complex topic of medication use in autism and neurodiversity. They discuss common reasons people are prescribed medications, the importance of addressing environmental and sensory factors first, and how naturalistic, developmental, and parent-mediated strategies can often reduce the need for prescriptions. Dr. Feder walks listeners through his “algorithm for care,” starting with understanding the child’s intent, sensory and motor needs, communication, and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Dr. Feder emphasizes a thoughtful, relationship-based approach to care—one that explores all possible supports before turning to medication.
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Episode 8: Navigating School Supports: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Advocacy with Taiisha Calbert-Foster, PhD
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison and Dr. Taiisha Calbert-Foster, a school psychologist, discuss comprehensive strategies to support students in the academic setting. They delve into the processes of 504 plans, IEPs, and student and parent rights. The conversation covers how to identify and address different student needs through classroom monitoring, building-level referrals, and comprehensive assessments, and what parents can do to advocate for their children's educational needs.
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Episode 7: Navigating Complex Feeding Challenges: From Picky Eating to Tube Feeding, with Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L, and Savannah Sunvold, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison delves deep into a variety of feeding issues with guest experts Karen Dilfer, an occupational therapist, and Savannah Sunvold, a speech-language pathologist. Both guests provide insights on feeding therapy assessment and intervention practices. Karen shares her experience as a 'Get Permission' clinician, emphasizing a child-led, parent-supported approach. Savannah discusses medically complex eaters, and issues like aspiration, swallow studies, and feeding tubes. The episode concludes with resources and support recommendations for families dealing with feeding issues.
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Episode 6: Exploring the Magic of Play, from Development to Dinosaurs, with Rachel Ottley, OTR/L and Rebecca Berg, OTR/L, IMH-E
In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison explores the significance of play in children's development with guests Rachel Ottley and Rebecca Berg. Rachel and Kassie discuss how play encompasses various developmental aspects such as motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. The episode also highlights different play types, addressing misconceptions and offering strategies for therapists and parents to foster playful interactions. Additionally, Rebecca Berg shares her family's unique tradition of 'Dino-vember,' showcasing how whimsical practices can nurture creativity and family bonding. The conversation underscores the fundamental role of play in fostering joy, safety, developmental progress, and meaningful connection between children and caregivers.
Join Profectum’s Kassie Allison on a journey into the transformative world of development through the lens of the DIR® model. Together, we’ll unpack key insights, share practical strategies, and explore the latest research—all while keeping the focus on connection, growth, and potential for individuals and families.
Along the way, we’ll chat with some truly inspiring guests, bringing you valuable perspectives and real-world experiences. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply curious about development across the lifespan, this is the place for you!
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