This show aims to empower and educate occupational therapy practitioners and students to be confident and competent working in Early Intervention.

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Summary: Today we’re gonna have a little fun and share a few of our favorite stories that we have experienced as occupational therapists working in early intervention. To be honest, sometimes our job can be really tough, but it is the progress and positive things that happen that can really make our day, our week and even our year. Listen in to hear these stories and the impact they still have on us today. Episode Notes: Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Danielle’s favorite story</li><li>Amirra’s favorite story</li><li>Sarah’s favorite story</li></ul> Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul> Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="http://mindfulnessinmotionproject.com/" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness in mOTion</a>

Today we’re gonna have a little fun and share a few of our favorite stories that we have experienced as an occupational therapist working in early intervention. To be honest, sometimes our job can be really tough, but it is the progress and positive things that happen that can really make our day, our week and even our year. Listen in to hear these stories and the impact they still have on us today.

Our Favorite Early Intervention Stories

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Do you love or hate addressing feeding in early intervention?</li><li>Feeding is more than just the act of food to mouth</li><li>Danielle’s story with feeding as a neurodivergent child and now adult</li><li>Navigating mealtime routines</li><li>Taking our own sensory systems into account</li><li>Child &amp; family led</li><li>The feeding intervention process</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/" rel="nofollow">SOS Approach to Feeding</a></li><li><a href="https://www.proedinc.com/Products/12552/prefeeding-skills-a-comprehensive-resource-for-mealtime-developmentsecond-edition.aspx" rel="nofollow">The Developmental Feeding Checklist</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/10" rel="nofollow">IFSP episode</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/blog/feeding-ei-basics" rel="nofollow">Feeding In Early Intervention: The Basics</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">Marvelous Mirracles OT</a>

Feeding is a big part of working in early intervention. Whether it’s a feeding case you pick up or a case that has no indication of feeding on the IFSP, but when you arrive the caregiver mentions concerns with feeding, we need to be prepared to address it in our sessions. And let’s face it, most of us are not taught much about feeding (especially in early intervention) in our OT/OTA programs which means it’s up to us to figure out how to become competent at addressing feeding in our sessions. But feeding is so much more than just picking up food, bringing it to our mouth, and chewing it. Feeding ties into family routines, culture, values, and relationships. In reality, it is one occupation that is actually pretty complex to address. In today’s episode, we dive into feeding in early intervention and break down some of these complexities.

Feeding In Early Intervention

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Danielle discusses:<ul><li>What is Interdependence?</li><li>Understanding the Interdependent nature and connectedness of Doing, Being, Becoming, and Belonging</li><li>How society views interdependence</li><li>Voice clip from Jacklyn Googins on Interdependence</li><li>We as OTs can help shift that narrative and evolve supports to be guided with an interdependence model as the framework</li><li>Voice clip from Greg Boheler on Interdependence</li><li>Rethinking self-regulation goals and shifting towards co-regulation outcomes</li><li>How we can support and integrate interdependence as Early Intervention Professionals and its importance</li></ul>Special Guests &amp; Mentioned Resources:Jacklyn Googins and Greg Boheler are the Co-Founders of<ul><li>B3 Coffee<ul><li>A non-profit that provides community integrated social and vocational opportunities for people of all abilities. Using the way coffee brings people together, we aim to influence change toward a more inclusive and equitable world. </li><li><a href="http://www.b3coffee.org/" rel="nofollow">www.b3coffee.org</a></li><li>Insta &amp; FB: @ b3coffee   </li></ul></li><li>OTs for Neurodiversity<ul><li>A social media movement and advocacy platform dedicated to advancing a neurodiversity paradigm within the profession of occupational therapy.</li><li>Insta: @neurodiversity_ot</li><li>FB: OTs for Neurodiversity</li><li>Contact Us <a href="mailto:jacklyn.googins@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">jacklyn.googins@gmail.com</a> <a href="mailto:gboheler7@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">gboheler7@gmail.com</a>  </li></ul></li><li>Articles mentioned in podcast<ul><li>Hitch, D., Pépin, G., &amp; Stagnitti, K. (2014). In the footsteps of Wilcock, part two: The interdependent nature of doing, being, becoming, and belonging. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 28(3), 247-263.</li><li>Collins, B. (2017). Independence: proposing an initial framework for occupational therapy. Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy, 24(6), 398-409.</li></ul></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul><a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">OT 4 Lyfe</a><a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">Mornings With an OT Mom</a><a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">Marvelous Mirracles OT</a><a href="http://mindfulnessinmotionproject.com/" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness In Motion</a>

Interdependence is not a topic we hear often in Early Intervention even though it literally is founded on the concept of interdependence. The document that supports each child is called an Individualized Family Service Plan - it is literally grounded within the interdependent roles of the parents/caregivers and others who are responsible for supporting the baby or young child.  

We must evolve our thinking and expand on the foundations Wilcock presents, the four dimensions of occupation - doing, being, becoming, and belonging, and now explore these concepts within all dyads and how this can influence occupational engagement. 

In this episode, Danielle breakdowns what interdependence is and how we as early support providers can help shift the narrative from the beginning with voice clips of insight from Greg Boheler and Jackyln Googins from OTs for Neurodiversity.


Interdependence: Shifting the Narrative from the Beginning

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Amirra discusses: <ul><li>The source behind her passion for the NICU </li><li>Her NICU related capstone project and research areas during OT school </li><li>How she gained clinical experiences in the NICU as a student  </li><li>The long term implications and impact of a NICU hospitalization </li><li>Why she ultimately decided to pursue the EI setting instead of the NICU</li><li>How having background experience in the NICU has impacted her practice in EI </li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/materials/March_of_Dimes_2021_Full_Report_Card_11152021_v1.pdf" rel="nofollow">2021 March of Dimes Report Card</a><ul><li>Note: Amirra mentioned that the preterm birth rate among black women is 49%, please see above for newly released report indicating this number has now increased to 51% as of November 2021  </li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/levels-of-medical-care-for-your-newborn.aspx" rel="nofollow">NICU levels</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFN0RQFBFJp/" rel="nofollow">Exploring Elements of the NICU Environment</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFx4wHGh_5g/" rel="nofollow">Racial Disparities in the Neonatal ICU</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li></ul>

Typically kiddo’s in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, also known as the NICU, have some type of diagnosis or condition that may result in developmental delays or difficulty reaching important milestones particularly in the first year of life. As a result, EI services are typically part of the referral process when families discharge. The transition from NICU to home can be exciting for families as they are finally able to go home but it can also be full of feelings of being scared, anxious, overwhelmed, and nervous having to leave the safety of the hospital. Early Intervention providers are an important part of this transition from NICU to home. We provide support for the kiddo but we are also there to support our families, especially emotionally as they navigate this huge transition in their lives. This episode dives into the connection between the NICU and early intervention.

The Connection Between the NICU and EI

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Why is early intervention important?</li><li>Importance versus urgency </li><li>Meeting the family where they are at </li><li>Strengths- based approach</li><li>Communication about why it’s important to work on certain skills</li><li>Showing the parent what early intervention is through play </li><li>Stigma in early intervention and other considerations that parents might be on the fence</li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">Mornings With an OT Mom</a>.</li></ul>

We all know the value that we as OT practitioners bring to the table in early intervention. We also know how important it is for our little ones to get the supports and services that they need at this crucial time. But sometimes parents and caregivers might not know or understand the value of early intervention or might be on the fence about getting their kiddo evaluated or even starting therapy. This episode dives deep in how we go about communicating the value of early intervention to parents and caregivers and discusses important considerations to be mindful of when collaborating with our kiddos and their families.

Explaining the Value of EI to Parents

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>How it all started</li><li>The EI community </li><li>EI-curious </li><li>Messages we’ve received </li><li>Podcast stats</li><li>What’s next for the real OTs</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/21" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness and Movement in the Early Years</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/2" rel="nofollow">Early Intervention Diagnoses</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/1" rel="nofollow">Why We Love Early Intervention</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>

Guess who’s turning one year old today? That’s right- The Real OTs of Early Intervention. One year ago we released our first podcast. In honor of celebrating our 1 year anniversary, we wanted to put together a special podcast episode to share we're we've been over the past year and also what's next for the future.

Happy Brithday Real OTs of Early Intervention

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>The importance of thinking outside the box</li><li>Mindset versus treatment planning</li><li>Shifting the mindset to what is early intervention and why are we here</li><li>Coming up with ideas to be used in therapy</li><li>Learning to grade up and grade down</li><li>It is not about the objects</li><li>Considering the family routines</li><li>Expansion of play</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/all-we-do-is-play-and-other-ei-myths" rel="nofollow">All We Do is Play and Other EI Myths</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/11" rel="nofollow">Transitioning to EI episode</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">OT 4 Lyfe</a></li></ul>

Coming up with amazing treatment ideas is a very hot topic amongst occupational therapy practitioners.  In today’s episode, we discuss the treatment mindset over the treatment activities approach.  We talk about how to focus on daily routines rather than physical items during treatment planning and how to use common household items as a way to work on goals.  It is about empowering therapy practitioners to utilize the treatment mindset that they already have and be able to treatment plan without all the bells and whistles.

The Treatment Mindset

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Sarah discusses: <ul><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Knowledge on development</li><li>Genetic testing</li><li>Resiliency of babies</li><li>Emergency surgery while pregnant</li><li>Labor and Delivery</li><li>Important of support</li><li>Honoring birth stories</li><li>Postpartum</li><li>Healing journey</li><li>Turning off our therapy brain</li><li>The biggest thing I’ve learned</li></ul> Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/110/" rel="nofollow">Pregnancy, Perspective, and an Emergency Procedure</a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/all-we-do-is-play-and-other-ei-myths" rel="nofollow">All We Do is Play and Other EI Myths</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/blog/3-things-to-say-to-the-caregivers-at-every-session" rel="nofollow">3 Things to Say to Caregivers</a></li></ul> Contact: <ul><li>Website:<a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: therealotsofei@gmail.com</li><li>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra:<a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle:<a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow"> https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah:<a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>

Want to know the one thing that has shifted my perspective the most as an OT practitioner? It’s becoming a parent. In today’s episode, I discuss this journey and how my perspective has shifted from being solely a practitioner to now being a mom that is also a practitioner. This journey into motherhood has had such an impact on my lens as an occupational therapy practitioner that I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned along the way.

Perspective Shift: From Practitioner to Parent

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Overview of Mindfulness and Movement<ul><li>Danielle’s Dissemination of her capstone project “Mindfulness and Movement in the Early Years”</li><li>The Purpose</li><li>Foundational skills that support academic success and emotional regularity<ul><li>Pyramid of Learning Chart <a href="https://www.smartpediatrics.com/post/understandingsensoryprocessing" rel="nofollow">https://www.smartpediatrics.com/post/understandingsensoryprocessing</a></li></ul></li><li>A child’s main occupation is to play.  A student’s main occupation is to learn</li></ul>How can EI Therapists support this mindset shift from the very beginning<ul><li>Teaching Parents Mindfulness techniques during Early Intervention <ul><li>Empowering parents to get comfortable with holding/handling their baby</li><li>Helping families understand the benefits of movement </li></ul></li><li>Teaching Parents Mindfulness techniques during Early Intervention <ul><li>Supporting Infant Mental Health and Parental Mental Health</li><li>Promoting Co-regulation</li><li>Supports self-regulation</li><li>Nourishes the parent child dyad</li></ul></li></ul>Episode 7: All we do is play and other myths<a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/all-we-do-is-play-and-other-ei-myths" rel="nofollow">https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/all-we-do-is-play-and-other-ei-myths</a>

This special edition episode is Danielle going solo disseminating her occupational therapy doctoral capstone project about mindfulness and movement in the early years.  Get ready to learn why it is so important to embed mindfulness and movement into your early intervention practice and every day life.

Mindfulness and Movement in the Early Years

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Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://pathways.org/what-is-w-sitting/" rel="nofollow">Pathways Tummy Time </a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9-9hmhl-h5wyp-3wybk-ykta5-ajxrt-3cxjw-gj4lz-9ma3b-ngb3c-5wpt8-wkgge-apn2j-zw457" rel="nofollow">Getting Down with Tummy Time</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9" rel="nofollow">Why We Love Early Intervention </a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9-9hmhl-h5wyp-3wybk-ykta5-ajxrt-3cxjw-gj4lz-9ma3b-ngb3c-5wpt8-wkgge" rel="nofollow">Teletherapy 101: EI Edition </a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by Alvin from OT Outside the Box. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook @OT.Outside.The.Box and on his website: <a href="https://www.otoutsidethebox.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.otoutsidethebox.com/</a>.</li></ul>

We made it! April and OT Month is coming to an end and we have the final letters to unpack for Shannen Marie OT’s #ABCsofOT challenge. This challenge raises awareness for the occupational therapy profession by discussing a topic related to each letter of the alphabet throughout the month. And we’ve got just a few more EI letters and words to share with you.  Today’s episode highlights the last letters S-Z.

ABCs of OT: EI Edition S-Z

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Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9-9hmhl-h5wyp-3wybk-ykta5-ajxrt-3cxjw" rel="nofollow">All We Do Is Play All Day and Other EI Myths</a></li><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9" rel="nofollow">Why We Love Early Intervention</a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/breaking-down-the-ifsp" rel="nofollow">Breaking Down the IFSP</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by Emily Marie OT. Check out her resources at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/emilymarie_OT" rel="nofollow">www.patreon.com/emilymarie_OT</a> . And follow her on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilymarie_ot/" rel="nofollow">@emilymarie_OT. </a></li></ul>

It’s week 3 of OT Month and we still have more fun stuff up our sleeves.  We’re continuing with the #ABCsofOT challenge hosted by Shannen Marie OT, which raises awareness for the occupational therapy profession by discussing a topic related to each letter of the alphabet throughout the month. And keeping in line with our jam and passion for early intervention. Today’s episode highlights the letters M-R.

ABCs of OT: EI Edition M-R

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Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://www.therealots.com/podcast-blog-page/blog-post-title-one-xp3e9-9hmhl-h5wyp-3wybk" rel="nofollow">Writing Goals in Early Intervention</a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/breaking-down-the-ifsp" rel="nofollow">Breaking Down the IFSP</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJEApnHs82s/" rel="nofollow">Reframing Autism</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://www.michelledot.com" rel="nofollow">Michelle D OT. </a> Check out her blog and resources at <a href="http://www.michelledot.com/" rel="nofollow">michelledot.com</a> and follow her on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/michelled_ot/" rel="nofollow">@michelled_ot</a>.</li></ul>

Continuing with the OT Month celebrations, we’ve got more #ABCsofOT hosted by Shannen Marie OT. This challenge raises awareness for the occupational therapy profession by discussing a topic related to each letter of the alphabet throughout the month. And of course we’re bringing the early intervention goodness to this advocacy challenge. Today’s episode highlights the letters G-L.

ABCs of OT: EI Edition G-L

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Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/the-assessment-process" rel="nofollow">The Assessment Process</a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/containers-and-walkers-and-bouncers-oh-my" rel="nofollow">Containers and Walkers and Bouncers, Oh My! </a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/the-real-deal-on-documentation-in-ei" rel="nofollow">The Real Deal on Documentation in EI</a></li><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/breaking-down-the-ifsp" rel="nofollow">Breaking Down the IFSP</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://shannenmarieot.com/" rel="nofollow">Shannen Marie OT</a>. Follow along with Shannen’s #ABCsofOT occupational therapy month challenge on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shannenmarie_ot/" rel="nofollow">@shannenmarie_ot </a>.</li></ul>

It’s April which means it’s officially the greatest month ever because it’s OT month here in the states! This month, The Real OTs of Early Intervention will be participating in Shannen Marie OT’s #ABCsofOT challenge. This challenge raises awareness for the occupational therapy profession by discussing a topic related to each letter of the alphabet throughout the month. Of course, we’ll be putting our own little EI spin on things. Today’s episode highlights the first few letters A-F.

ABCs of OT: EI Edition A-F

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Our first session experiences </li><li>Having a plan without a plan</li><li>Considerations for your first EI session before seeing the client </li><li>Questionnaire for first phone call</li><li>Environments, maps/ traffic, dress code </li><li>Showing the families how important they are to us</li><li>Rapport building from the beginning</li><li>Cultural Sensitivities </li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/the-assessment-process" rel="nofollow">The Assessment Process</a> episode</li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://mindfulnessinmotionproject.com/" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness In Motion</a>.</li></ul>

The first session with a new family can be exciting but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. There are so many factors to keep in mind, before you even set foot in the door. Today’s episode lays out considerations and tips to help you prepare for your first session with a family before you even set foot in the door.

First Session Tips: Before You Walk Through The Door

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>What container syndrome is and what it is not</li><li>How it adds up throughout the day</li><li>It&#39;s so much more than don’t put your kid in a container</li><li>Importance of freely moving moments throughout the day</li><li>Reflecting on daily routines</li><li>Types of containers </li><li>Potential harmful effects </li><li>Other considerations for use of containers</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://napacenter.org/container-baby-syndrome/" rel="nofollow">https://napacenter.org/container-baby-syndrome/</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">Marvelous Mirracles OT</a>.</li></ul>

Containers, we’ve all seen them in practice and we’ve also probably seen some kiddos who spend too much time in them. Today, we’re talking about containers and the term container syndrome. We share what container syndrome is, some different types of containers we’ve encountered in practice, and some potential harmful impacts of too much time spent in a container. We also provide some insight into other container considerations to be mindful of when working with our families.

Containers, and Walkers, and Bouncers Oh My!

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Why is tummy time important</li><li>Embedding into daily routines</li><li>When not to do tummy time</li><li>Strategies to promote a happy, positive tummy time experience</li><li>Understanding a baby’s signs &amp; cries </li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://pathways.org/" rel="nofollow">pathways.org</a></li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">Mornings With an OT Mom</a>.

Tummy time… It is definitely a hot topic  in early intervention and one area that there is a lot of really good and really bad information about. That’s why we wanted to take a minute to break down the importance of tummy time for our little ones and share some tips to promote a positive tummy time experience. There is so much information to cover with this topic so stay tuned for some follow-up episodes going even more in detail into this important part of development.

Getting Down With Tummy Time

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>What daily documentation looks like in early intervention</li><li>How it differs from other practice areas </li><li>The purpose of daily documentation</li><li>The necessary components</li><li>Importance of documentation</li><li>Using parent friendly language</li><li>Including specific measurements </li><li>Advice to improve your EI documentation</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3pV9rAB" rel="nofollow">The Early Intervention Teaming Handbook</a>: The Primary Service Provider Approach</li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul>Show Sponsor: <ul><li>This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://mindfulnessinmotionproject.com/" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness In Motion</a>.</li></ul>

Do you struggle with daily documentation? Today’s episode does a deep dive into the world of daily documentation in early intervention. We discuss what it looks like, the necessary components, and also the importance of documentation for us as practitioners. And at the end of the episode we share some of our own, life changing advice in order to rock your own documentation.

The Real Deal on Documentation in EI

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>The shift into teletherapy due to the pandemic</li><li>Already comfortable going into the home in early intervention</li><li>Unique lens as an occupational therapy practitioner </li><li>Utilization of the coaching model </li><li>Redefining teletherapy</li><li>Asynchronous and Synchronous teletherapy delivery</li><li>The parent perspective on teletherapy  </li><li>Pros and cons of teletherapy in EI</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/79/" rel="nofollow">Working in Early Intervention as a New Grad </a>with Amirra Johnson</li></ul> Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul> Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">OT 4 Lyfe</a>.

With the current state of the world, many of us were quickly transitioned into providing early intervention services via teletherapy. In today’s episode, we dive into the basics of EI teletherapy including our unique lens as an OT practitioner, how to redefine what teletherapy really is, and also some of the pros and cons to this service delivery method. There is a bunch to talk about in regards to teletherapy so stay tuned for some follow up episodes going even deeper into the virtual therapy world.

Teletherapy 101 EI Edition

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>Best ways to gain experience with children birth to 3 years of age </li><li>“Hold all the babies”</li><li>Remember the OT Framework</li><li>Working with the parents &amp; the whole family</li><li>You are not expected to know everything</li><li>Working in areas around early intervention like in a NICU, school-based, or outpatient pediatrics</li></ul>Mentioned Resources<ul><li><a href="https://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/early-intervention-diagnoses" rel="nofollow">Early Intervention Diagnoses</a> episode</li><li><a href="https://www.beckmanoralmotor.com/" rel="nofollow">Beckman Oral Motor Protocol</a></li><li><a href="https://sosapproachtofeeding.com/" rel="nofollow">SOS Approach to Feeding</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2OKSGeM" rel="nofollow">Infant NDT</a> book</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3qEJlmZ" rel="nofollow">Retro Baby</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3bgnewo" rel="nofollow">Retro Toddler</a> books by Anne Zachry </li></ul>Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul> Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">Marvelous Mirracles OT</a>.

Did you just get a job in early intervention? Or are you hoping to make the jump from working with adults to working with babies? We’ve received a lot of questions about transitioning into EI so today we’re digging into considerations for practitioners and new grads on how best to get into this practice area. We discuss some of the best ways to gain experience with this population, how other practice areas can support your work in EI, and also provide some professional development resources to help you be confident and competent while transitioning into working in early intervention.

Tips For Transitioning into EI

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Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: <ul><li>What is an IFSP and what do the letters stand for? </li><li>Professionals that contribute to it and what it includes</li><li>Report and meeting components</li><li>When it is initially done and updated</li><li>Occupational therapy’s role in the IFSP process</li><li>Difference between IFSP and IEP and medical model</li></ul> Contact: <ul><li>Website: <a href="https://therealots.com/" rel="nofollow">https://therealots.com</a></li><li>Email: <a href="mailto:therealotsofei@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">therealotsofei@gmail.com</a></li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/</a></li><li>Amirra: <a href="https://www.marvelousmirracles.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.marvelousmirracles.com</a></li><li>Danielle: <a href="https://danielledelorenzo.com/" rel="nofollow">https://danielledelorenzo.com</a></li><li>Sarah: <a href="https://ot4lyfe.com/" rel="nofollow">https://ot4lyfe.com</a></li></ul> Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by <a href="http://mindfulnessinmotionproject.com/" rel="nofollow">Mindfulness In Motion</a>.

The IFSP is a critical part of working in early intervention.  But you might be asking what is it exactly? This episode breaks down the IFSP process including what the letters mean, who contributes to it, when it is updated, and our role as occupational therapy practitioners. We also discuss the difference between an IFSP and an IEP.

Breaking Down the IFSP

This show aims to empower and educate occupational therapy practitioners and students to be confident and competent working in Early Intervention.