The Real OTs of Early Intervention

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: What daily documentation looks like in early interventionHow it differs from other practice areas The purpose of daily documentationThe necessary componentsImportance of documentationUsing parent friendly languageIncluding specific measurements Advice to improve your EI documentationMentioned ResourcesThe Early Intervention Teaming Handbook: The Primary Service Provider ApproachContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mindfulness In Motion.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: The shift into teletherapy due to the pandemicAlready comfortable going into the home in early interventionUnique lens as an occupational therapy practitioner Utilization of the coaching model Redefining teletherapyAsynchronous and Synchronous teletherapy deliveryThe parent perspective on teletherapy  Pros and cons of teletherapy in EIMentioned ResourcesWorking in Early Intervention as a New Grad with Amirra Johnson Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by OT 4 Lyfe.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Best ways to gain experience with children birth to 3 years of age “Hold all the babies”Remember the OT FrameworkWorking with the parents & the whole familyYou are not expected to know everythingWorking in areas around early intervention like in a NICU, school-based, or outpatient pediatricsMentioned ResourcesEarly Intervention Diagnoses episodeBeckman Oral Motor ProtocolSOS Approach to FeedingInfant NDT bookRetro Baby and Retro Toddler books by Anne Zachry Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Marvelous Mirracles OT.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: What is an IFSP and what do the letters stand for? Professionals that contribute to it and what it includesReport and meeting componentsWhen it is initially done and updatedOccupational therapy's role in the IFSP processDifference between IFSP and IEP and medical model Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mindfulness In Motion.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: What is the Team Based Early Intervention (TBEI)?Differences from state to stateThe TBEI process from evaluation to treatmentThe members of the team Team LeadsCo-treating and joint visitorsWhat collaboration in the TBEI looks like?Coaching and team meetingsThe pros and cons of the TBEITeam-based approach as a new grad Scheduling hacksMore services doesn't mean more progressMentioned ResourcesThe Assessment ProcessSupports and services in early interventionAll We Do is Play All Day and Other Early Intervention MythsContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Marvelous Mirracles OT.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Addressing the stigma of self-injurious behaviorsDanielle's professional and personal experience with self-injurious behaviors. A list of self-injurious behaviors you might experience working in early intervention The importance of your reactionAwareness and consistency The role of language in self-injurious behaviorsSupporting the parents and caregiversIt gets worse before it gets betterAddressing self-injurious behaviors in the home versus out in publicContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mornings With an OT Mom. To sign up for the “Mindful Approach to Self-Injurious Behaviors” class or to request a copy of the recording, contact Danielle here.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss the following myths: “Babies are fragile”“Driving sucks”“Development occurs naturally, are we really making a difference in EI?”“We only work in the homes”“All we do is play”Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/ Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mornings With An OT Mom.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Early intervention looks different depending on location Each Ages we work with Family based careOccupational therapy's unique roleTypes of supports and services Where we see clientsContact the Show: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Contact the Hosts:Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by OT 4 Lyfe.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: How the three of us came togetherThe impetus of idea of the real OTsThe why and meaning behind the nameMentioned Resources: Early Intervention with an OT Mom with Danielle DelorenzoWorking In Early Intervention as a New Grad with Amirra JohnsonContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: SMART Goals versus goals in early intervention (EI) Goals in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Family based goalsTypes of EI goalsWriting goals as an individual provider and in the team-based approachWhen we write goals and when we monitor progressMentioned Resources: The Assessment Process episodeContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mindfulness in Motion. 

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Common assessments used in early interventionDevelopment assessments versus OT specific evaluationsTeam-based evaluation approachAspects of assessing that provide really valuable informationThe youngest we have evaluatedDifferences in assessment process depending on age of the child Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Marvelous Mirracles. 

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: The importance of a diagnosisCommon diagnoses in early interventionRare diagnoses that you might come across in EINavigating diagnoses that you haven't heard ofNICU referrals, foster care, and medically complex kiddos Focus on function and occupationsAdvice for new grads and students working in EI Contact the Show: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Contact the Hosts: Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Show Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mornings With An OT Mom.

In this episode, Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss why they love working in early intervention. Contact the Show: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.com Contact the Hosts: Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com Episode Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by OT 4 Lyfe. Check out their website here: https://ot4lyfe.com And listen to their podcast: https://ot4lyfe.com/podcast

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: Danielle's favorite storyAmirra's favorite storySarah's favorite storyContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mindfulness in mOTion

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Do you love or hate addressing feeding in early intervention?Feeding is more than just the act of food to mouthDanielle's story with feeding as a neurodivergent child and now adultNavigating mealtime routinesTaking our own sensory systems into accountChild & family ledThe feeding intervention processMentioned ResourcesSOS Approach to FeedingThe Developmental Feeding ChecklistIFSP episodeFeeding In Early Intervention: The BasicsContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Marvelous Mirracles OT

Danielle discusses:What is Interdependence?Understanding the Interdependent nature and connectedness of Doing, Being, Becoming, and BelongingHow society views interdependenceVoice clip from Jacklyn Googins on InterdependenceWe as OTs can help shift that narrative and evolve supports to be guided with an interdependence model as the frameworkVoice clip from Greg Boheler on InterdependenceRethinking self-regulation goals and shifting towards co-regulation outcomesHow we can support and integrate interdependence as Early Intervention Professionals and its importanceSpecial Guests & Mentioned Resources:Jacklyn Googins and Greg Boheler are the Co-Founders ofB3 CoffeeA 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. www.b3coffee.orgInsta & FB: @ b3coffee  OTs for NeurodiversityA social media movement and advocacy platform dedicated to advancing a neurodiversity paradigm within the profession of occupational therapy.Insta: @neurodiversity_otFB: OTs for NeurodiversityContact Usjacklyn.googins@gmail.comgboheler7@gmail.com Articles mentioned in podcastHitch, D., Pépin, G., & 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.Collins, B. (2017). Independence: proposing an initial framework for occupational therapy. Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy, 24(6), 398-409.Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comOT 4 LyfeMornings With an OT MomMarvelous Mirracles OTMindfulness In Motion

Amirra discusses: The source behind her passion for the NICU Her NICU related capstone project and research areas during OT school How she gained clinical experiences in the NICU as a student  The long term implications and impact of a NICU hospitalization Why she ultimately decided to pursue the EI setting instead of the NICUHow having background experience in the NICU has impacted her practice in EI Mentioned Resources2021 March of Dimes Report CardNote: 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  NICU levelsExploring Elements of the NICU EnvironmentRacial Disparities in the Neonatal ICUContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.com

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Why is early intervention important?Importance versus urgency Meeting the family where they are at Strengths- based approachCommunication about why it's important to work on certain skillsShowing the parent what early intervention is through play Stigma in early intervention and other considerations that parents might be on the fenceContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by: Mornings With an OT Mom.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: How it all startedThe EI community EI-curious Messages we've received Podcast statsWhat's next for the real OTsMentioned ResourcesMindfulness and Movement in the Early YearsEarly Intervention DiagnosesWhy We Love Early InterventionContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.com

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: The importance of thinking outside the boxMindset versus treatment planningShifting the mindset to what is early intervention and why are we hereComing up with ideas to be used in therapyLearning to grade up and grade downIt is not about the objectsConsidering the family routinesExpansion of playMentioned ResourcesAll We Do is Play and Other EI MythsTransitioning to EI episodeContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by OT 4 Lyfe 

Sarah discusses: PregnancyKnowledge on developmentGenetic testingResiliency of babiesEmergency surgery while pregnantLabor and DeliveryImportant of supportHonoring birth storiesPostpartumHealing journeyTurning off our therapy brainThe biggest thing I've learned Mentioned ResourcesPregnancy, Perspective, and an Emergency ProcedureAll We Do is Play and Other EI Myths3 Things to Say to Caregivers Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah:https://ot4lyfe.com

Overview of Mindfulness and MovementDanielle's Dissemination of her capstone project “Mindfulness and Movement in the Early Years”The PurposeFoundational skills that support academic success and emotional regularityPyramid of Learning Chart https://www.smartpediatrics.com/post/understandingsensoryprocessingA child's main occupation is to play.  A student's main occupation is to learnHow can EI Therapists support this mindset shift from the very beginningTeaching Parents Mindfulness techniques during Early Intervention Empowering parents to get comfortable with holding/handling their babyHelping families understand the benefits of movement Teaching Parents Mindfulness techniques during Early Intervention Supporting Infant Mental Health and Parental Mental HealthPromoting Co-regulationSupports self-regulationNourishes the parent child dyadEpisode 7: All we do is play and other mythshttps://the-real-ots-of-early-intervention.simplecast.com/episodes/all-we-do-is-play-and-other-ei-myths

Mentioned ResourcesPathways Tummy Time Getting Down with Tummy TimeWhy We Love Early Intervention Teletherapy 101: EI Edition Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: 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: https://www.otoutsidethebox.com/.

Mentioned ResourcesAll We Do Is Play All Day and Other EI MythsWhy We Love Early InterventionBreaking Down the IFSPContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Emily Marie OT. Check out her resources at www.patreon.com/emilymarie_OT . And follow her on Instagram @emilymarie_OT. 

Mentioned ResourcesWriting Goals in Early InterventionBreaking Down the IFSPReframing AutismContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Michelle D OT.  Check out her blog and resources at michelledot.com and follow her on Instagram @michelled_ot.

Mentioned ResourcesThe Assessment ProcessContainers and Walkers and Bouncers, Oh My! The Real Deal on Documentation in EIBreaking Down the IFSPContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Shannen Marie OT. Follow along with Shannen's #ABCsofOT occupational therapy month challenge on Instagram @shannenmarie_ot .

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Our first session experiences Having a plan without a planConsiderations for your first EI session before seeing the client Questionnaire for first phone callEnvironments, maps/ traffic, dress code Showing the families how important they are to usRapport building from the beginningCultural Sensitivities Mentioned ResourcesThe Assessment Process episodeContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mindfulness In Motion.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: What container syndrome is and what it is notHow it adds up throughout the dayIt's so much more than don't put your kid in a containerImportance of freely moving moments throughout the dayReflecting on daily routinesTypes of containers Potential harmful effects Other considerations for use of containersMentioned Resourceshttps://napacenter.org/container-baby-syndrome/Contact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Marvelous Mirracles OT.

Amirra, Danielle, and Sarah discuss: Why is tummy time importantEmbedding into daily routinesWhen not to do tummy timeStrategies to promote a happy, positive tummy time experienceUnderstanding a baby's signs & cries Mentioned Resourcespathways.orgContact: Website: https://therealots.comEmail: therealotsofei@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.ots.of.ei/Amirra: https://www.marvelousmirracles.comDanielle: https://danielledelorenzo.comSarah: https://ot4lyfe.comShow Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Mornings With an OT Mom.