The Development Download
Welcome to our podcast The Development Download—your backstage pass to the creation of a new podcast that dives deep into the world of kids, parenting, and child development. This evolving series is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone passionate about raising emotionally healthy, resilient, and curious children. In this early development phase, we're laying the groundwork for meaningful conversations, expert interviews, and relatable stories from real families. Whether it's navigating screen time, decoding toddler tantrums, supporting neurodivergent children, or finding balance in modern parenting—we’re putting it all on the table.
Holiday Meals & Picky Eaters: Finding Joy, Flexibility, and Connection at the Table
In this episode, Lisa and Erin dig into one of the most common challenges families face this time of year—helping picky eaters navigate big holiday meals. We talk about why holiday environments can be overwhelming, how to lower the pressure around food, and simple strategies that make gatherings more enjoyable for everyone.
You’ll hear practical tips for preparation, routines that support regulation, ways to involve kids in the process, and how to protect the joy of the season even when food feels stressful. Whether your child eats three foods or thirty, this episode gives you tool...
Inside Out: Understanding Interoception and How It Shapes Our Feelings, Focus, and Function
In this episode of Development Download, we unpack one of the most important—but often overlooked—sensory systems: interoception. From hunger and thirst to emotions and self-regulation, interoception is the internal “compass” that helps kids (and adults!) understand what their bodies need.
Join us as we break down what interoception is, why it matters for development, and how it impacts daily life—from behavior and attention to emotional well-being. We’ll share practical strategies, everyday activities, and therapist-approved tips parents can use to help children tune into their bodies and build strong regulation skills.
Whether you’re a par...
Through My Senses: An Adult Perspective on Autism and Sensory Processing
In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin sit down with Max, an adult on the autism spectrum, to explore what sensory processing feels like from their point of view.
Together, they discuss real-life experiences — from the overwhelming to the empowering — and how sensory input shapes daily life, comfort, and connection. This candid conversation offers parents, therapists, and educators valuable insight into what it’s really like to navigate the world with heightened sensory awareness.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding, practical takeaways, and a renewed appreciation for every individual’s unique sensory...
Savoring Sensation: The Power of Taste and Smell in Child Development
In this episode, Lisa and Erin dive into the sensory systems of taste and smell—and how they play a crucial role in a child’s development. From picky eating and food aversions to emotional connections and memories linked to scent, our hosts explore how these senses influence behavior, regulation, and daily participation.
Listeners will learn how taste and smell are connected to the brain and body, why they matter for feeding and sensory processing, and how occupational therapy supports children who struggle in these areas.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episod...
Seeing, Spinning, and Staying Balanced. The Power of the Visual and Vestibular System
In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin explore two powerful systems that work hand-in-hand to help kids see clearly, move confidently, and stay balanced — the visual and vestibular systems.
They’ll unpack how these systems impact everything from reading and handwriting to coordination and attention — and why challenges in these areas can sometimes look like clumsiness, inattention, or even motion sensitivity.
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how vision and movement are connected, along with practical tips to help children strengthen these vital skills through play and everyday activities.
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Do you hear what I hear? Understanding Auditory Processing
In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin dive into the fascinating world of auditory processing — how the brain makes sense of what we hear. They’ll break down what it really means when a child struggles to follow directions, tune out background noise, or respond to verbal information — and why it’s not always about hearing loss.
You’ll learn how auditory processing impacts attention, learning, and communication, and discover practical ways to support kids who may be overwhelmed by sound or miss key information in busy environments.
Whether you’re a parent, teac...
The Power of Touch and Body Awareness
Ever wonder why your child loves big bear hugs, wiggles in their seat, or seems extra sensitive to clothing tags? In this episode of The Development Download, our occupational therapists chat about two "hidden" senses--tactile (touch) and proprioception (body awareness). We'll share what they are, why they matter for everyday life, and simple ways you can support your child's sensory needs at home. Tune in for real-life examples, practical tips, and a better understanding of how your child experiences the world.
Understanding Sensory Processing
In this episode of The Development Download, we're celebrating Sensory Awareness Month by diving into the world of sensory processing.
Join our occupational therapists as we break down what sensory processing really means, why it plays such a big role in everyday life, and how differences in sensory processing can impact kids at home, school, and in the community. We'll share practical strategies, real-life examples, and tips to help parents, caregivers, and educators better support children's sensory needs.
Whether your child is a sensory seeker, is sensory sensitive, or somewhere in between, this episode will...
Play and Early Development
Helping kids work on their play skills.
