Would you like to hear how to improve your child’s behaviors, attention, learning, mental and physical health? Do you also find that your child has difficulties with sleeping regularly throughout the night to include waking up tired and irritable. In this episode we discuss sleep, how it impacts our children's development, and give you a valuable tool for you to use to increase your child's overall sleep quality.  Sleep is one of the most important things we do everyday and has the ability to impact every aspect of our lives. Sleep is especially important for the overall physical and mental development of our children.  Sleep affects Attention and alertness Learning and memory Mood Resiliency Ability to learn and acquire language Overall Growth and motor skills If your child is not getting enough sleep I want you to know that you are not alone. Various reports estimate that up to 50% or kids don't get enough sleep.   On top of that, studies have shown a positive correlation indicating that children on the spectrum who have sensory modulation disorders may also have innate difficulties with sleep. This is typically related  Overresponsitivity High arousal Higher cortisol (stress) levels throughout the day So how much sleep is enough sleep? This is going to vary but it's typically more than the recommended 8 hours we need as adults.  According to the CDC Ages 6-12 Need 9 hours of sleep Middle school kids 6-10 hours of sleep Generally the younger you are the more sleep you need.  We know sleep is important so what do we do now? Action plan: If your child is having regular sleep disturbances. The first thing I want you to do is have a medical evaluation to determine if your child has any sleep disorders or underlying conditions that are affecting his or her sleep quality.  Typically a physician may look for: Pain Anxiety Sleep apnea Typical Prescriptions include: Melatonin or a sedative Medication may not always be necessary. Ultimately you and your doctor will work together to determine if there is a diagnosis and what route you want to take.   After you have ruled out any underlying conditions. The next step will be to address sleep hygiene:   What is sleep hygiene? Sleep hygiene is the activities we do during the day and before bed to promote healthy sleep patterns. Sleep hygiene habits: Consistent sleep patterns Going to sleep and waking up at approximately the same time each day Including weekends Keeping Bed area or bedroom dedicated for sleep Keep a cool house temperature Try Essential oilst Lavender Peppermint  Cedarwood Diffuser/humidifier White noise machine or aps while sleeping Meditation apps  Moshi Calm Headspace Sleep apps SnoreClock Track sleep and noise  Number of awakening Sleep efficiency Keep a consistent bedtime routine  Shower Pajamas Brush teeth Bedtime story Lights off  Nutrition (Eliminating stimulating food in the evening) Spicy foods Caffeine Sugary foods (candy, soda, juice, soft drinks. High fat foods Cured meats Alternatives Popcorn Nuts  Dried tart cherries Complex carbs Reducing screen time in the evening Studies show screen time affect or circadian rhythm by making us more alert  Blue light affects sleep Mobile device are les preferable They are often placed right in front of the face making it worse Can be taken to bedroom More light = less melatonin release Emits alerts Try placing parental controls on devices keep a sleep journal Try using a written journal or Sleep better app to track Bed times Awake times Noise Movements Light Activity during the day Walk Park Types of food (spicy, strong foods) Stressors (meltdowns, routines changes, school difficulties) Routines before bed Weighted blanket Massage Stuffed animals Oils music Tools that help your child calm and soothe at night Recap   If there are major sleep disturbance, please have your child evaluated by a physician to rule out underlying sleep conditions such as  Anxiety, sleep apnea, pain Promote healthy sleep hygiene routines Consistent bedtimes, bedtime routines, and bedroom environment To remind the mind and body it's time to sleep Avoiding sugary, high fat, or caffeinated food and drinks Reducing screen time in the evening Keeping a sleep journal Use a mobile app or written journal Bed times Physical activity Stressors Stimulants around bedtime Routine changes Tools that help you child sleep     Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

Have you been wondering what gifts your child will love this holiday season that is also going to promote their development? I have placed my top gift recommendations into 4 categories: Sensory tools and toys STEM projects tablet/cell phone applications Fun activities to do at home. Recommendations Sensory Tools and Toys  Weighted Blanket (should be about 10% of child’s body weight) Provides deep pressure stimulation helps with sleep, calming, and self-regulation. https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/crafts/how-to-make-a-weighted-blanket Water Beads https://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Sand-Sandtastic-Playset-Tools/dp/B07M5TPM8Q/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2ZWOYFSRYRHUP&keywords=kinetic%2Bsand&qid=1637875314&qsid=146-1346417-0430338&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=kinet%2Ctoys-and-games%2C237&sr=1-5&sres=B084BNW2PW%2CB07M5TPM8Q%2CB07GTB3H8T%2CB08S75BPRY%2CB08S7LDZ84%2CB08FCR35QB%2CB084BTPVFQ%2CB07PGTLGK1%2CB08T6DVTZ6%2CB084BNRGCZ%2CB08LZN7LFR%2CB084PTWQ91%2CB0886RL2F7%2CB075Y9G5JV%2CB081VVNWKN%2CB08S71687H%2CB08LZJGHDV%2CB08S75JPFB%2CB01K16G83A%2CB07R9N35FR&srpt=ART_CRAFT_KIT&th=1 Kinetic sandhttps://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Sand-Sandtastic-Playset-Tools/dp/B07M5TPM8Q/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=kinetic+sand&qid=1638604650&sr=8-10 Fidget/sensory toys https://autismcommunitystore.com/collections/sensory-toys Pop its Fidget spinners STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) projects STEM toys make for a great gift idea because they promote so many functional life and developmental skills. STEM TOYS (learning/creativity) Amazon Coding starter kit Woodworking kits Science projects https://stemgeek.com/diy-stem-activities-kids/ Rubber band fan powered car Catapult Make slime or playdough Raft Paper paper airplanes. Tablet/Cell phone applications AAC/language/communication apps Proloquo2go  (iphone) For nonverbal children https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-symbol-based-aac/id308368164 OTSIMO https://apps.apple.com/us/app/otsimo-special-education-aba/id1084723774 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.otsimo.app MITA (Mental Imagery Therapy for Autism) helps supports language development Available in various language Researched Routines  & Schedules I create- social stories social learning tool that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-create-social-skills/id513666306 add images, record voice and organize a schedule Cause and effect learning First then visual Schedule https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.ausoft.firstthen&hl=en_US 3. Sensory light box Cause and effect sensory light box (android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.cognable.lightbox https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sensory-light-box/id533976433 Experience/memory together your kids want to bond with you Cooking /baking Decorative/holiday Cookies Cake Play around with colors and dye House themes Lights Make shirts Holiday Decorating Get Outdoors Make snowman if its snowing Play catch Run around and play tag Go to the playground Recap:  Sensory based Water beads Weighted blanket Fidget toys STEM Activities Crafts Science projects Woodworking kits Slime Coding Cellphone/Tablet applications Proloque2go MITA I create First then schedule Sensory light box Experiences/Memories Cooking/baking Decorating Outdoors Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

In this episode we discuss strategies to optimize your child’s ability to learn and thrive in your home. Illustration/Visualization Exercise: Take a minute to reflect back to a very important work or home project that you had to complete. I want you to think about all the supports that helped you complete this project Some examples could include: Getting adequate sleep Regularly exercising Having support from friends family or boss Having help  Giving the ability to be creative Next I want you to do the opposite. What things that made this project challenging Decreased sleep Lack of support Stress (bills) Relationship difficulties Health problems   This activity illustrates how many competing needs you have that significantly impact your motivation and ability to learn or complete a project. Maslow's Hierarchy of needs.  The hierarchy of needs was developed by Abraham Maslow, a Russian-American psychologist,  to explain human motivation.  The hierarchy of needs is visually presented with a pyramid of 5 different tiers of needs.  The lowest tier but most foundational tier is physiological needs then working up the pyramid is  safety, love & belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. 3 broader categories of needs: Basic needs which include physiological needs like water, shelter, food and safety.  Psychological needs which  include love, esteem, and belongingness  Self-actualization which include our desire to thrive and be creative  Facilitate these needs to enhance your child’s learning environment at home. Recap:  Children learn best when we feel like the task is meaningful and fun. This needs assessment allows us to consider how we can make changes to the environment while learning.  The first step is to consider your child’s basic needs to include sleep, food, safety and sensory needs being met prior to starting the activity.  The next step is to address psychological needs by analyzing social interactions and engagements. Consider if there is positive constructive feedback and that the activity is not too easy or hard. Lastly, you can promote your child's self actualization needs by providing clear meaning for the activity, honing in on your child's interest, and allowing opportunities for creativity. Resources/References/Links: Maslow's Hierachy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

Do you find it difficult to build in activities at home to promote your child’s learning and development? Well there’s a task that you are likely already doing that can promoted cognitive development while bonding with your child. In this episode we reveal what what that activity is, why it is important, and how you can make it part of your regular home routine with your child. Recap: Let's Get Cooking! Make it fun! Start with having them observe, ask questions, and help with tasks such as grabbing utensils or making the table. prepare simple meals that take less than 15 mins like sandwiches, microwaving food, smoothies, or making lemonade. Find creative ways to challenge your child's creativity and cognitive abilities.  Resources/References/Links: Visual Recipes:  https://able2learn.com/categories/visual-recipes Cookware set for children https://rb.gy/vsumvm Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

With managing work, kids, and a full household how do can you find time to take care of yourself? Caregivers and parents, you have one of the toughest jobs on a planet. You are responsible for raising a tiny human to thrive in this unpredictable world. How do you prioritize self care, prevent caregiver burnout and find balance to support your family.   This episode discusses a simple exercise for you to pause and evaluate how you are prioritizing various areas of your life and to make changes to prioritize self care for yourself so your can be your best while taking care of your family Recap: To set an realistic self-care routine Identify an area of your life that you want to put more focus and energy into Explore 1 thing you can begin doing regularly throughout the week to move towards that direction Check in weekly to see what worked and didn’t work and adjust as needed Add it to your calendar, set a reminder, or write it down somewhere where you can see it. Remember, we can't pour from an empty cup. Resources/References/Links: Self Care Wheel: https://www.acesdv.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Self-Care-Wheel.pdf Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

Welcome to the Autism Family Toolkit! Why did I created this podcast? My name is Brian Keene and I’m your host.  I’m a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, and the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy,  a growing therapy practice that provides in-person and virtual therapies based in Phoenix, Arizona. As I worked with many of my families, I recognized that the day to day tasks that come with parenting, working and managing family routines, can be overwhelming. And found that it was often unrealistic to expect families to follow through with complex home programs. I discovered instead that small changes in everyday routines could make big impacts at home.  I created a podcast for you - the busy parents, caregivers, and family members who are looking for additional resources and tools that will support your child’s (children’s) development. I understand that you have limited time, this is why these podcast episodes are short, digestible and easy to implement. I feel deeply fortunate that I get to serve others by doing work that aligns with my values.  I started this podcast because I wanted to do more for my community and the families I serve. I’m passionate about health, wellness and living a life that is holistically fulfilling. I also believe that it’s important to support and advocate for others, particularly those who are underserved and marginalized. With all that being said, I want to make it clear that my intention is not to fix your child as I don’t believe any child needs to be fixed. Instead, I want to provide your family with tools and resources to maximize your child’s potential as they navigate a world that isn’t particularly designed to meet their needs. These tools will come from my personal and professional experience, along with collaboration from parents and a variety of professionals. I plan to cover a wide range of topics from mental health, self care, and community safety.  I invite you to join me on my journey, as I continue to learn and grow as a therapist, and pass my knowledge along to you.  I’ll be delivering around 10 minutes of valuable content biweekly on Wednesdays. Along the way, I also want to hear from you. I want to hear what worked, what was difficult, and all the things related to parenting that keep you up at night. You are going to want to subscribe to hear more!    So reach out and let's build a community. Subscribe to the Podcast on apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, & Stitcher and leave a Review Website: https://pureheartstherapy.com/autism-family-toolkit/ Follow me: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PureHeartsTherapy https://www.facebook.com/AutismFamilyToolkit Autism Family Toolkit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1053544472059890/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purehearts_therapy/

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