In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with fellow host Dr Claire Barrett, Senior Clinical Psychologist for the final episode of Season 2 . Together, Banu and Claire look back at the previous episodes of season 2 where there have been several meaningful conversations with experts across various fields, including educators, therapists, and researchers, to explore the challenges and successes of supporting children in today's educational landscape.

They address critical questions such as whether traditional schools effectively serve neurodiverse populations and how holistic approaches can enhance both academic and emotional development for all students.

They emphasize the importance of collaboration among parents, teachers, and professionals, advocating for a shift in how schools approach learning and development and highlight the innovative strategies, such as integrating movement into the classroom and recognizing the significance of emotional regulation in learning environments.They aim to provide listeners with practical tools and a deeper understanding of the neurodiverse experience. Listen to this episode for a sneak peak of what is coming next in Season 3.

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In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Georgie Cooney,Author, Qualified Teacher and Dyslexia Specialist, together they place emphasizes the impact of the current educational system on social skills, critical thinking, and emotional well-being. They share personal experiences working with neurodiverse learners and delve into dyslexia as an area of support needed in schools

Listeners will find engaging discussions on the importance of fostering resilience, encouraging exploration, and nurturing questioning skills in children. Banu and Georgie advocate for a balanced approach to technology use, urging parents and educators to create environments that promote active learning and meaningful interactions.

Join them as they tackle pressing issues in education, parenting, and the influence of technology, offering practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives to help navigate the complexities of modern childhood.

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www.dyslexiaspell.com

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Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with school psychologist Ryan Hogan. Together they dive into essential strategies for parents preparing for the back-to-school season, particularly for children with special needs. With nearly 20 years of experience in the educational field and personal insights as a parent of a child with profound classic autism, Ryan offers a unique perspective that blends professional expertise with heartfelt parenting advice.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including how to effectively communicate with teachers, the importance of documentation, and tips for advocating for your child's needs. They emphasize the significance of building a partnership with educators to foster a supportive learning environment and share practical steps parents can take to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Tune in to learn how to become an empowered advocate for your child and make the most of the upcoming school year!

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In this episode of the Theropod podcast, Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuro Teachers UK ,a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and an advisory teacher for Gloucestershire County Council.

The podcast dives into the intricacies of behavior and regulation, emphasizing that what often appears as disruptive behavior is frequently a sign of dysregulation. The conversation delves into sharing insights from their extensive training in sensory systems, highlighting the importance of understanding individual sensory needs to foster better learning environments. Together they advocate for meaningful movement as a key strategy to enhance engagement and reduce behavioral challenges, drawing on personal experiences and successful case studies.Listeners can expect to gain practical advice for parents and educators, including techniques to support children’s sensory needs and strategies to create more inclusive and effective learning experiences.

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Catrina Lowri website- https://neuroteachers.com/

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Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Amy Winter founder of Little Kneaders in Wexford, Ireland. Amy is an emotional regulation therapist and sensory play specialist. She specializes in supporting neurodivergent children and teens facing school anxiety, school refusal, and self-harm, particularly autistic teenage girls dealing with eating disorders. Through Little Kneaders, Amy organizes autism and disability resource fairs, sensory events, and training sessions aimed at fostering inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals. She emphasizes the need for greater support during the transition from primary to secondary school, as many neurodivergent students are undiagnosed and unsupported, leading to significant mental health challenges. Amy advocates for a more nuanced understanding of school refusal, suggesting that it stems from environmental factors rather than a child's

unwillingness to attend. Her insights aim to equip parents and educators with strategies to create supportive environments for neurodivergent youth, especially as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and social interactions in today's digital age.

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To contact Amy directly, go to her website littlekneaders.com or her instagram page little.kneaders

Julia O’Meara speech and language is joined by Eileen McSweeney, a social care worker specializing in helping young people navigate school-related challenges. Eileen brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive background in child protection and mental health, focusing on supporting families and schools to address issues of school reluctance and attendance difficulties.Together they discuss practical strategies for recognizing and addressing school reluctance, the importance of communication between parents and schools, and how to foster a supportive environment for children facing challenges in their educational journey.

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Banu Balaji, the host and an occupational Therapist chats with Emer, occupational therapist who specializes in menopause health. While studying at UCC, she developed an interest in menopause and noticed a lack of support for it in Ireland, which prompted her to set up a private practice called The Menopause OT, which provides holistic, personalized care and treatment plans for all people experiencing challenges during the menopause transition.

Emer is passionate about the important role of occupational therapy in supporting people during menopause. She is committed to expanding her knowledge and expertise in this area. 80% of caregivers are women, and menopause can significantly impact parenting, especially of children with additional needs.

In this podcast episode, Emer shares simple lifestyle changes that can help manage menopause symptoms, like eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and building sustainable habits. She also discusses how sensory needs may change during menopause. Emer emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause as a time of introspection and change, when women often reconnect with female friends and seek to define their identity beyond being a parent or spouse.

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