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How much should I be helping... and when do I need to step back? Because reminding them about the homework, the test, the missing assignment, or the thing they swore they were going to remember can get exhausting. But simply backing off and expecting them to figure it all out on their own usually isn’t the answer either. In this episode, I’m sharing what this looks like in real life with my own teen with ADHD and the shift I’ve been making as both an occupational therapist and a parent. We’re talking about how to support ADHD teens in a way that builds the skills they’ll eventually need to manage school (and life!) more independently without constant reminders, battles, or nagging. We'll get real about planners too and if ADHD "should" use them.  Plus, I’ll share what I’m doing right now to help him navigate a new school year, and why my goal isn’t to eliminate support, but to be really intentional about how and when I give it. If you’re worried about how your ADHD teen will eventually manage all of this without you, this episode will give you a different way to think about what you can start doing now. Resources mentioned in this episode Unlocking ADHD Workshop: https://yourkidstable.com/adhd 504 Playbook: https://yourkidstable.com/504-accomodations-for-adhd/   Time Stamps07:00 – When a Common ADHD Strategy Isn’t Working 12:00 – How to Talk So Your ADHD Teen Opens Up 15:00 – Support vs. Independence: Finding the Balance 22:00 – Why ADHD Teens Need Rhythm + Routine 25:00 – Preparing ADHD Teens for More Independence MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

A few months ago, I went through one of the hardest nervous system experiences of my life. As I worked through the weeks that followed, I couldn't stop thinking about the kids with autism I've worked with for over 20 years... and one question kept coming back to me. Could big meltdowns actually leave a child's nervous system stuck in a cycle that's much harder to escape than we realize? In this episode, I share my own experience, the emerging research that's starting to explore this idea, and why I think looking beyond behavior may completely change how we support autistic kids with frequent meltdowns. If your child seems to get caught in the same cycle over and over again, I hope this conversation gives you a new way to think about what's happening underneath the surface. Resources Mentioned Get a seat in the new Beyond Behavior—Thriving with Autism Workshop: on Aug 19 (replay provided): https://yourkidstable.com/autism/ Studies mentioned: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10209395/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41868251/ Key Timestamps: 2:10 my first panic attach 7:15 The connection to autism? 12:00 A new way to think about meltdowns 18:00 What the research is saying 24:15 Where do we go from here? MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

When should we embrace a child's differences... and when is it a sign they need more support? It's one of the hardest questions parents of autistic and neurodivergent kids face. In this episode, I'm sharing a simple 3-step framework I use as an occupational therapist to help sort through that question. We'll talk about stimming, aggression, sensory challenges, participation, and how to tell the difference between something that's simply different and something that's truly impacting your child's quality of life. If you've ever worried, "Am I pushing too much... or not enough?" This episode will give you clarity and confidence moving forward. Resources Mentioned: Get a seat in the new Beyond Behavior—Thriving with Autism Workshop: on Aug 19 (replay provided): https://yourkidstable.com/autism/ Key Timestamps: 2:48 Every child is different 7:15 Starting with acceptance 12:40 One important question 17:35 A lesson from camp 22:10 Moving forward with confidence MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

This week at sensory summer camp, one moment completely changed the direction of my day... and reinforced something I think every parent of a neurodivergent child needs to hear. When a child melts down, refuses, runs away, or seems completely "noncompliant," what if we're asking the wrong question? In this episode, I'm sharing two real stories from camp that highlight what was happening underneath the behavior, the surprising sensory tool we reached for in the middle of a meltdown, and why shifting from "How do I stop this behavior?" to "What does my child need right now?" can change everything. If you've ever felt stuck in power struggles, wondered whether you're helping or making things worse, or just wished someone could explain what's really going on... this episode is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Save your seat in the new Beyond Behavior–Thriving with Autism Workshop on Aug 19 (replay provided): https://yourkidstable.com/autism/ Fun and Function - Sign up for their newsletter and receive a coupon 10% here! KEY TIMESTAMPS: 3:45 What was really under this meltdown 11:15 A sensory tool that surprised me 18:05 Looking beyond "bad behavior" 23:40 What demand avoidance looked like at camp 29:20 The question every parent should ask 33:15 What's coming next in this series  MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

What if one food could help your child feel safe enough to start expanding beyond the handful of foods they currently eat? In this final episode of our picky eating series, I'm sharing what I call a gateway food, specifically a recipe that helped my own son move from eating one specific brand of chicken nuggets to eventually eating grilled chicken, different proteins, and a much wider variety of foods. But this episode isn't really about chicken nuggets, although you'll learn exactly how to make them, because they are amazing effective and super tasty. The big takeaway is about understanding why certain foods feel safer to picky eaters, the simple characteristics that make kids more likely to try something new, and how to build bridges from foods your child already eats to foods they've never touched before. I'll also share why progress often looks very different than parents expect and how to spot the small wins that are actually moving your child forward. RESOURCES MENTIONED Get a seat in the free picky eating workshop Picky Eater Approved Chicken Nugget Recipe KEY TIMESTAMPS 2:55 What progress really looks like 4:49 The gateway food 6:38 Three things picky eaters need 9:22 Building a bridge to new foods 17:21 Giving kids the right choices 24:47 When it doesn't work right away MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

In this episode, we're digging into one of the most important factors for helping extreme picky eaters: they're struggling because something deeper is getting in the way. There's 5 big reasons kids refuse to eat and it's not because of you're parenting or that they're just difficult. Learn how to identify these signs yourself and how to start looking at your child's eating through a different lens and why identifying the "why" behind picky eating can completely change your next steps. If you've ever felt frustrated, confused, or wondered why nothing seems to be working, this episode will help you connect some important dots and give you a clearer path forward. RESOURCES MENTIONED Get a seat in the free picky eating workshop Constipation strategies article KEY TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome and picky eating mission 02:03 Previous episode and workshop recap 09:57 Oral motor skill struggles 11:53 The snowball picky eating 15:50 Physical causes to check 20:35 Anxiety behind food refusal 24:53 Next steps for families 27:34 Gateway food next episode teaser MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

In this first episode of our picky eating series, I'm sharing the story of how my son went from gagging at the sight of food to becoming a kid that loves a wide variety of foods. A reality that wouldn't have happened if we had just waited for him to grow out of it.  You'll hear the mistakes I see parents make over and over again (through no fault of their own), and the 5-step framework that guided us from surviving mealtimes to actually enjoying them. If you've ever wondered what's really behind picky eating, or how to help your kid's eating improve, this episode is for you!  RESOURCES MENTIONED: Free Picky Eating Workshop KEY TIMESTAMPS: 4:31 The child who changed my career 8:24 When my own son stopped eating 14:42 Step 1: The biggest mindset shift 16:38 Step 2: Why routines matter 18:30 Step 3: What's underneath picky eating 20:09 Steps 4 & 5: Building progress that lasts MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

If you’ve ever felt like sensory strategies sound helpful in theory… but impossible to actually fit into real life, this episode is for you. We’re talking about small, realistic ways to build regulation into the moments that are already happening throughout your day using quick sensory “doses” that can help with focus, emotional regulation, transitions, and big behaviors. You’ll also hear: Why sensory strategies don’t have to be complicated to work The idea of “habit stacking” and how parents are using it in everyday life How movement, deep pressure, vibration, and even hydration can impact the nervous system Ways to help sensory seekers and easily overwhelmed kids differently Practical ideas you can start using immediately at home, in the car, during homework, transitions, and more If your child seems dysregulated often, struggles with transitions, or you’re just trying to make daily life feel calmer and more manageable, this episode will leave you with simple ideas that actually feel doable. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED: Join Fun and Function Giveaway (receive 10% off) Grab the Free Sensory Toolkit KEY TIMESTAMPS: 04:39 – Habit stacking sensory tools 06:59 – Weighted input & crawling 13:33 – Vibration & fidgets 18:25 – Movement for regulation 25:08 – Why water helps regulate MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

If you’ve ever wondered… does nutrition actually affect ADHD symptoms? Or is it all hype online? In this episode of the Connected + Capable Podcast, we’re digging into what the research really says about ADHD and nutrition in a practical, parent-friendly way. We’re talking about: ▶️ elimination diets and anti-inflammatory eating ▶️ food dyes and processed foods ▶️ fish oil and omega-3s ▶️ iron/ferritin and zinc ▶️ vitamin D and magnesium ▶️ what the studies actually show (and what they don’t) As both a pediatric OT and a mom of a child with ADHD, I know how overwhelming this conversation can feel. One person says nutrition changes everything… another says it doesn’t matter at all. The truth is much more nuanced. This episode is NOT about “curing” ADHD or giving you a giant list of supplements to start tomorrow. Instead, I want to help you understand: - where the evidence is strongest - which approaches may help some kids - why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer - and how to think through these options without fear or pressure We also talk honestly about sensory-based picky eating, the emotional toll of restrictive diets, how to approach nutrition without all-or-nothing thinking, and why supporting a child’s relationship with food matters too If your child struggles with ADHD, emotional regulation, hyperactivity, attention, sleep, or picky eating, this conversation will give you a grounded place to start. LINKS + RESOURCES MENTIONED: Supplement links + research articles referenced Free picky eating workshop: 3 Keys to Turn Around Picky Eating MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

Biting can feel shocking, frustrating, and honestly… a little scary especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. Whether your child is biting others, biting themselves, or it’s happening in those intense, dysregulated moments, it’s important to know what's actually what’s going on. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really behind biting, and why it’s often not about hurting someone at all. We’re going to look at the 4 underlying drivers that are easy to miss, especially when it feels random or happens so fast you don’t see it coming. I’ll also walk you through3 foundational strategies you can start using right away to help decrease biting and support your child in a safer, more effective way. And if you’ve ever felt unsure how to respond in the moment, or like nothing you’ve tried is working consistently this episode is for you! Want to go deeper on helping your kid with aggression? A new deep dive workshop is happening this week: How to Decrease Aggressive Behaviors, sign up here: https://yourkidstable.com/aggressive-behaviors/ Key Timestamps: 03:09 What causes biting 11:30 Sensory and calming reasons 16:38 Dysregulation and survival mode 18:40 Helping your child instead 22:11 Crunching and safe mouth options 25:00 When to seek extra support 26:54 Encouragement and next steps MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

If hair washing turns into tears, resistance, or full-blown meltdowns in your house… I’m breaking down what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids struggle with having their hair washed, especially for sensory and neurodivergent kids. Because once you understand why this everyday task feels so overwhelming, everything starts to shift. We’ll talk about how past experiences, sensory sensitivities, and even hidden systems like the vestibular system can play a bigger role than you might think. And why some kids seem “fine”… until suddenly they’re not. I’m also sharing 5 simple, practical strategies you can start using right away to make hair washing feel safer, calmer, and more doable for everyone.  If bath time has been a battle, this episode will help you look at it differently—and take the first step toward changing it. Mentioned in this episode: How to Decrease Aggressive Behaviors Workshop: https://yourkidstable.com/aggressive-behaviors/ Vestibular sensitivity podcast episode Key Timestamps: 00:00 Why hair washing can turn into a meltdown 01:20 What’s really going on (it’s not just behavior) 03:30 The hidden sensory trigger most parents miss 08:00 Strategy #1 that changes everything fast 12:30 Small tweaks that make a big difference 17:10 The step most parents skip (but matters most) MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

Does your child quickly jump to: “I’m bad.” “I never do anything right.” “Everything always goes wrong.” That kind of negative thinking can be exhausting for kids and heartbreaking for parents to watch. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s often really happening underneath these thought patterns in kids with ADHD, anxiety, sensory needs, and other uniquely wired challenges. I’m also sharing a simple shift you can start using today to help your child move out of all-or-nothing thinking, build confidence, and feel more emotionally steady. If your child is hard on themselves, melts down after mistakes, or always expects the worst, this episode will help you see them differently and know where to start next. Key Timestamps: 02:18 What’s really happening under “I’m bad” thoughts 05:12 The hidden link between ADHD, anxiety, and self-talk 09:45 Why logic doesn’t work in the moment 13:08 The first thing to do before teaching confidence 16:42 A simple script to shift black-and-white thinking 22:05 How to build self-esteem in everyday moments Grab your free printable copy of our 5 Big Calming Techniques for Big Emotions + Dysregulation-- https://yourkidstable.com/emotions-printable/ If you're a therapist join me inside our Therapist membership and unlock hours of CEU's, treatment planning center, a community to collaborate and more: yourkidstable.com/taam/ MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

We hear it from parents so often... how do I help my kid when I'm dysregulated myself? That's a wise question and one many are wrestling with.   In this episode I'm sharing why we often feel like we're falling short, what to do about the dysregulation you feel, and 3 simple steps you can start today!  We'll also talk about why neurodivergent parents may feel more dysregulation. There's hope, tune it to get started.  Key Timestamps: 02:23 Regulation and nervous system 09:17 Three steps to start 13:05 Notice your dysregulation 16:54 Use a calming tool 22:17 Fill your cup daily 24:52 Slow down and recharge 26:33 Encouragement and next support Grab your free printable copy of our 5 Big Calming Techniques for Big Emotions + Dysregulation-- https://yourkidstable.com/emotions-printable/ Parent Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNKZ_bD9Oh/ MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

Sensory processing disorder is something you’ve probably heard before… maybe from a therapist, a teacher, or even your pediatrician. But here’s the tricky part—it’s not actually an official diagnosis. And that can make this whole topic feel confusing and overwhelming. In this episode, I’m breaking down what sensory processing really is, what we mean when we say “sensory processing disorder,” and why it matters so much for your child’s day-to-day life. Because sensory isn’t just about being “sensitive” or “picky.” It’s how your child’s brain is taking in and making sense of the world around them—everything from movement and touch to sounds, food, and even how their body feels on the inside. When that system isn’t working smoothly, it can show up as meltdowns, trouble focusing, extreme picky eating, constant movement, or avoiding things that seem simple. Most importantly, I want you to walk away understanding what’s really going on underneath your child’s behavior—because when you see it through that lens, it changes how you respond and what actually helps. Get Started with Supporting Your Kid's Sensory Needs with this freebie: https://yourkidstable.com/sensoryessentials/ Key Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Sensory Processing 01:51 How Sensory Processing Works 07:16 Official Diagnosis Overview 09:17 Impact on Daily Life 13:49 Overlap with Other Diagnoses 16:04 Recognizing Sensory Processing Issues 20:33 Support and Resources Available MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.

Toe walking seems like an odd habit, and while it can become habitual there are almost always underlying reasons kids are toe walking!  Getting to the bottom of what's causing your kid to tip toe all over the place is key for helping them walk on their whole foot, which is important because long term toe walking can cause physical issues.   But, I do have one thing you should no matter why your kid is walking on their toes and several more ways you can start helping your kid right now! We'll also talk about what to do when you get conflicting advice from professionals about how to handle toe walking!  If this episode was helpful leave us review, we greatly appreciate every single one.  Links Mentioned in This Episode 10 Sensory Red Flags that are Easy to Miss Retained Primitive Reflexes 101 Key Timestamps: 2:00 The real question you need to ask 4:00 A surprising reason kids do this 6:00 The hidden driver most miss 9:00 When it’s not just one cause 12:30 What actually helps (and what doesn’t) 17:30 Where to start first Grab your free printable copy of our 5 Big Calming Techniques for Big Emotions + Dysregulation-- https://yourkidstable.com/emotions-printable/ MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU Ready for a simple plan to overcome the attention, sleep, sensory, and big emotion challenges? I'll show you how for uniquely wired kids 1-18 years old in just 2-5 minutes a day. Join me in The Connection Hive-- https://YourKidsTable.com/TCH LET'S CONNECT: Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Yourkidstable Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Yourkidstable Pinterest: https://Pinterest.com/Yourkidstable If you enjoyed this episode, we'd be so grateful if you left us a review! It's a huge help in encouraging us and letting us know what parents with uniquely wired kids need the most.