The transition to summer comes with so many emotions and behaviors, it can be really exhausting. There are ways to support your neurodivergent child through this transition.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the transition from end of school to summer vacation is difficultHow to handle big feelings around the end of school How to optimize regulation at home How to structure your time at home SDBC waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sdbcwaitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult Buy Laura’s book: www.theotbutterfly.com/book

I wanted to create a kids book about neurodiversity not only to help our neurodivergent kids feel seen and represented in a positive light, BUT also to help educate the greater population, the neurotypical population about what neurodiversity means- to foster more inclusion, to take control of the narrative about neurodiversity and change it more from a conversation centered around ableism and make it more about just differences- having a different brain is not bad; it’s just different. My vision is for this book to be on shelves of classrooms, clinics, bedrooms, libraries…. All over the world so we can take the pressure off of making neurodivergent individuals act more neurotypical, and instead create opportunities for neurotypical individuals to learn to accommodate and live alongside neurodivergent individuals just as they are. In this episode, you’ll learn: When should we talk to kids about these big topics? How to talk to kids about big topics? How books can help start the conversationWhy a kids book for neurodiversity is so needed and who it can help and how it can help.Jelani Memory is the founder and CEO of A Kids Co., a media company that creates books and podcasts to help kids and their grownups have meaningful conversations about things that matter.  He is also the author of the bestselling book A Kids Book About Racism.  Mr. Memory is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  He believes that all kids deserve to see themselves represented in the stories they read and hear, and that books can be a powerful tool for starting important conversations about race, identity, and social justice.  He has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR.  He lives in his hometown Portland, Oregon with his wife and six children.Links:Buy "A Kids Book About Neurodiversity"Watch Jelani's ted talkSDBC waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sdbcwaitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult Buy Laura’s book: www.theotbutterfly.com/book

One of the big topics I talk about and something i joke will be written on my tomb stone one day is “Sensory is behavior” i’m always trying to reframe the debate “is it sensory or is it behavior?” because everything that we’re noticing our kids do is a behavior, but what parents/teachers want to get to the root of is “is this kid doing this thing on purpose or is it out of their control?” So what I try to reframe for them is is the behavior being driven by a sensory trigger- OR is it being driven by something ELSE. And that something else can be cognitive disabilities, learning differences, need for connection, communication differences etc- and while I always call those reasons out, I rarely get to dive into those and unpack it, because I heavily talk about all the ways sensory can impact learning. So today we get to hear more of the “other” reasons that behavior might be happening.Caitlin Greer Meister is the Founding Director & CEO of The Greer Meister Group, a New York City-based private tutoring and educational consulting practice that specializes in content mastery, cognitive flexibility, resilience, and academic independence. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach for teaching students with language-based learning differences and has extensive experience working with gifted learners and supporting neurodiverse students. Caitlin has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Parents Magazine, New York Magazine, Real Simple, WWD, and moreFollow Caitlin on Instagram @caitlingreermeister or visit joyfullylearning.com for more information.In this episode, you’ll learn: What a profoundly gifted student is and some early signs you might noticeExamples of how you can meet your gifted child’s needs at home and outside the classroomWhen and how you should advocate with your child’s teacher about their different learning needs Why you should be talking to your child about the way their brain worksEpisode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/80The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterflyWork with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsultSDBC waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sdbcwaitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult Buy Laura’s book: www.theotbutterfly.com/book

Kindermusik  is a  purposefully created multisensory music and movement program for ages 0-7 that provides neurodivergent children the opportunity to improve in all learning areas by consciously stimulating the whole brain.Kindermusik creates shared research-based curricula that:Empower educatorsStrengthen family and teacher-child relationshipsEnhance community connectionsBuild a deep-rooted love for learningwhile providing early development strategies that are memorable, playful, and fun.Diana has been working with neurodivergent children for over 30 years using music as a vehicle for change. She has a background in music, early childhood, learning differences, and sound therapy. Her personal and professional life has always been involved with children and adults with additional needs.For the past 25 years, Diana has taught the Kindermusik curricula. Diana has seen firsthand the profound impact carefully crafted music programs can have on children and the neurodivergent brain.In this episode, we talk about: What is KindermusikWhat is the role of music in a neurodivergent person?Why auditory processing can be so impactful on learning and behavior in a child How does a Kindermusik class cater to the sensory needs of each individual? How does Kindermusik help social and emotional skills in the ND child?Tips for parents- how you can get started todayLinks: Kindermusik:  www.kindermusik.comDiana's book:  https://www.amazon.com/Insights-into-Autism-window-Childs/dp/0645389234/Research studies: https://s3.amazonaws.com/abt-media/pdf/science/Lucker_Doman_Autism_Research_Treatment.pdfhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/03057356211008968 SDBC waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sdbcwaitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult Buy Laura’s book: www.theotbutterfly.com/book

Tune in to this episode to learn about: What is repair and restitution and why are they important?When should a parent repair with their child? What we should do when we’re in a constant cycle of rupture and repair.The power of re-writing the story What does it sound like for a parent to repair? How to facilitate repair from your child, even when they don’t want toWith Myla Leinweber B.Ed, M.Ed, PCI Certified Parent CoachMyla is a mom of two young girls, a former kindergarten teacher and supports parents of young kids to enjoy parenting more and create long lasting connected relationships. When she’s not helping parents, she’s on her skis, mountain bike or yoga mat, or having a dance party with her family in the kitchen. Links: @joyful.parents Instagram Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/78Free temperament quizSDBC waitlist: www.theotbutterfly.com/sdbcwaitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult Buy Laura’s book: www.theotbutterfly.com/book