The Principal of Special Education is the family's choice: In conversation with Cathy Sires

This week,  Michael and Eleanor delve into the fascinating and complex topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential implications on the future of reading, writing, and occupational therapy. We also unpack practical applications of AI in clinical practice, emphasising the need for consent, privacy, and maintaining professional responsibility with AI integration in the clinical space as well as AI's role in supporting diverse learning methods.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

This week, we dust off the backpack, polish up our shoes, and go back to grade 11 as we answer a student who asked if we could help them finish their Stage 2 Child Studies assignment. The questions were so insightful, we thought we'd answer them in full on the podcast. Here's what we'll be tackling this week: What role does play-based therapy have in helping children on the autism spectrum build social skills and emotional awareness?How do occupational therapists tailor strategies to meet the unique emotional needs of individual children with autism?What are some key challenges you face in supporting social development in children within this age group?In your experience, what are the most common social and emotional challenges faced by children with autism in early childhood?How does occupational therapy specifically target these challenges in children aged 3 to 8?How can occupational therapy improve a child’s ability to form relationships with peers and adults? + much more.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

This week, Michael and Eleanor take a parent focus and unpack what to do when you have one parent who understands the process of OT and the other doesn't and how you can proactively manage expectations while working towards a goal that everyone can understand. We also cover what are reasonable expectations for caring for your young person according to the NDIS guidelines and what that might look like for your family/young person. Plus our regular segments are back to build your OT tool kit!  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

SENSES model has been developed through many years of applying the theory and practice of Ayres Sensory Integration, mental health supports and functional skill development in clinic with diverse populations. From children to adults, the SENSES model is exploring a client centred and strengths based approach to therapy, using an occupational lens. We know that we are sensory beings, so the SENSES model uses this to guide others to understand how they can use their sensory systems to change how they are feeling and what they can do on a day-to-day basis. This episode covers the ins and outs of the SENSES model, what it means, how it was developed and how it can be applied to diverse needs. From Sensory Integration to Support and Socialisaiton, the SENSES model aims to bring a Neuroaffirming model to Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice.    If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this episode Michael and  Eleanor briefly discuss thoughts on why OTs are often asked to work on handwriting and the importance of foundation skills in effective handwriting, how to think through a situation where your child has different sensory needs to your own and why big feelings may occur at a drop off to early learning and school, and what to do to support.  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

In the season finale, Michael and Dino chat to Becky Blake - tutor, mentor, mother and musician. Having a lived experience of ADHD, Becky discusses the benefits of a brain that is wired differently and how it assists her in her music and teaching. Becky gives the listeners an insight into her family life growing up in country Australia and how it shaped her interest in music, how ADHD has supported her creativity and the importance of an effective work life balance - including time to entertain others!  Becky's website https://beckyblake.com.au     If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

Occupational Therapist and Sleep Specialist Annie O'Connell joins Michael and Dino to discuss how good sleep is one of the biggest factors in quality of life. In the first part of this two-part interview, Annie discusses the three main components of sleep, explains melatonin and it's role in sleep, how waterbeds led her to specialise in sleep and answers the most important question, how good are siestas?! Some resources discussed by Annie in the episode: Australian sleep health foundationhttps://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au 'A clinical Guide to Pediatric Sleep: Diagnosis and Management of Sleep Problems' by Jodi Mindell and Judith Owens https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Guide-Pediatric-Sleep-Management/dp/1451193009/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1678507322&refinements=p_27%3AJodi+A.+Mindell%3BJudith+A.+Owens&s=books&sr=1-1 Podcast: Why we sleep by Matthew walkerhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1WtITGcwwZYQZHVJGciMJp If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

Nutritional Biochemist, Dr Libby Weaver, joins Michael and Dino to discuss her approach to health, food and wellbeing. Libby discusses her three pillared approach exploring the interplay between nutrition, emotions and biochemistry. Libby also enlightens us on her family history and how she got into nutrition, her research on the gut and children with ASD, the role language can have on food choices, what are 'healthiest' fast food options and how hot chips are the best guilty pleasure!    Dr Libby's website https://www.drlibby.com/about-dr-libby/Bio Blendshttps://www.bioblends.comShake off Sugar https://shop.drlibby.com/go/shake-off-sugar?v=13b249c5dfa9Dr Weaver's reference list (for interested readers)https://www.drlibby.com/additional-references/  If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

Dr Melaine Turner discusses her upbringing, school life, undertaking a medical exam with a one year old and answering a quick Psychiatrists quiz!Dr Turner's Practice https://mcpp.com.auChinese musical instrument: The Erhuhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu For the younger generation, who may not be as familiar with some of Dr Turner's references... Holly Hobbiehttps://wallpapercave.com/holly-hobbie-wallpapersBonanza https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonanza If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected] 

In this episode we will hear from Cathy Sires, the Principal of St Patrick’s Special School in Dulwich. From Principal positions in rural South Australia in Maree and Nepabunna Aboriginal Schools, to the last 6 years at St Patrick's, Cathy shares her story and the importance of Special Schools. Cathy has been a passionate and strong leader in education for children with additional needs and gives some great insight into her teaching experience, personal life and how the children and young people she works with everyday give her inspiration.    https://theconversation.com/why-do-students-with-disability-go-to-special-schools-when-research-tells-us-they-do-better-in-the-mainstream-system-184652based on royal commission hearing on 7th June  https://www.smh.com.au/education/push-for-special-schools-to-be-phased-out-under-inclusive-education-plan-20220428-p5agxd.htmlPhasing out of special schools  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbANTGyuOp4Crunchy granola suite https://conversationsonkft.weebly.com/uploads/1/9/4/1/19412239/c._sires_2015_leading_educational_change.pdfCathy's work on the Co-Principal model    If you liked something we talked about, or you learned something from listening to us, share it with your friends,  family, uni classmates or colleagues. The more people that know about occupational therapy, the better!  If you have any questions you'd like answered, please send a question to the integration station via Instagram or our email [email protected]