Ideas at Play: An Occupational Therapy (OT) Podcast

Most of us teach zippers the same way—repeat, repeat, repeat—and hope it clicks. But what if there’s a better way? In this episode, we break down a simple, creative approach to teaching zippering skills that combines OT and speech strategies to help kids learn faster. We review a pilot study using storytelling, targeted vocabulary, and a themed zipper vest—and then show you how to apply it in real sessions using child-led language, special interests, and easy take-home supports. If zipper goals feel stuck, this episode will give you a fresh, practical way to move them forward.
We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.
Silverman, F., & Knight, C. (2019). Facilitating zippering skills in preschoolers: An interprofessional pilot study using a pretest–posttest design. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(4 Suppl. 1), 7311515317p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO6026 
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Sensory activity schedules—often called sensory diets—are used every day in school-based therapy, but how strong is the evidence behind them? In this episode, we review a recent systematic review that examined whether sensory activity schedules improve classroom participation for students with sensory processing differences. We unpack what the research found about its effect on school performance and share six practical ingredients therapists can use to build more effective sensory activity schedules. 
We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.
Latifi, K., Patterson, K., Rider, J. V., & Lau, C. (2026). Impact of sensory activity schedules on school performance of students with sensory processing differences: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(1), 8001185060. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051334
💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to [email protected]
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!
✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]
👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

Evidence-based OT for autism can feel overwhelming—but what if you had a clear menu of strategies to choose from? In this episode, we break down a study that identified 20 treatment components pediatric OTs use with autistic children and organized them into six major categories. Learn how this framework can guide your therapy sessions and strengthen your documentation.
We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. 
Crasta, J. E., Martis, J., Kromalic, M., Jarrott, S., Wengerd, L., & Darragh, A. (2024). Characterizing Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children on the Autism Spectrum. The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 78(5), 7805205210. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.050734 
💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to [email protected]
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!
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📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]
👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

Let’s be honest: even the most playful, passionate OTs/OTAs can hit a wall. Burnout is more than just feeling tired after a long week — it’s a predictable response to specific job demands. In this episode, we unpack what research says actually drives burnout in OT practice — from workload and role ambiguity to the hidden strain of always being “on.” Then we walk through practical, research-based strategies — including job crafting — to help you prevent burnout, buffer growing stress, and recover if you’re already feeling fried. 
We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. 
Lynner, B., Stoa, R., Fisher, G., Del Pozo, E., & Lizerbram, R. (2025). Feel the burn, heal the burn: Job crafting and burnout among occupational therapy professionals. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1), 7901205080. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050731
Additional article: Cohen, C., Pignata, S., Bezak, E., et al. (2023). Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 13, e071203. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203

💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to [email protected]
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!
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📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]
👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

Emotional regulation is often treated as a behavior problem — but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? In this episode, we unpack what emotional regulation really is, why it’s so complex, and how executive function, coping skills, co-regulation, and environmental supports all play a role. We’ll move beyond surface-level strategies and explore what the research actually says about improving regulation in meaningful, sustainable ways. This will shift how you think about “big feelings” — and how to support them with big, evidence-informed strategies.
We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Let us know which emotional regulation tool you want to hear more about next!
 Restoy, D., Oriol-Escudé, M., Alonzo-Castillo, T., Magán-Maganto, M., Canal-Bedia, R., Díez-Villoria, E., Gisbert-Gustemps, L., Setién-Ramos, I., Martínez-Ramírez, M., Ramos-Quiroga, J. A., & Lugo-Marín, J. (2024). Emotion regulation and emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analysis of evaluation and intervention studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 109, 102410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102410

💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to [email protected]
Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!
✏️  Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
📧  Email us a question or comment at [email protected]
👉  Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play