The holidays are full of toys—but how do you choose gifts that truly support your child’s growth? In this episode, we break down the best developmentally supportive Christmas gift ideas by age, from babies to pre-teens. You’ll learn exactly what skills each toy supports, why those skills matter, and how to pick gifts that strengthen motor skills, language, sensory processing, executive function, and social-emotional development. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you’ll walk away with practical gift ideas that help kids grow long after the wrapping paper is gone.

In this episode, Lisa and Erin sit down with Jen Medsker, mom to her daughter Jessa, to share the real, everyday experience of raising a child who uses AAC. Jen opens up about their family’s journey—from the early signs that Jessa needed extra support, to the first steps into AAC, to the wins, setbacks, and breakthroughs along the way.

You’ll hear honest reflections on what helped, what surprised her, and what she wishes every parent, therapist, and educator knew. We talk about partnership with therapists, navigating school and community settings, and how AAC has shaped Jessa’s confidence, connection, and independence.

Whether you’re a parent just starting to explore AAC or a professional working with emerging communicators, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a grounded look at communication from a parent’s point of view.

In this episode, Lisa and Erin dig into one of the most common challenges families face this time of year—helping picky eaters navigate big holiday meals. We talk about why holiday environments can be overwhelming, how to lower the pressure around food, and simple strategies that make gatherings more enjoyable for everyone.

You’ll hear practical tips for preparation, routines that support regulation, ways to involve kids in the process, and how to protect the joy of the season even when food feels stressful. Whether your child eats three foods or thirty, this episode gives you tools to keep holidays meaningful, connected, and calm.

In this episode of Development Download, we unpack one of the most important—but often overlooked—sensory systems: interoception. From hunger and thirst to emotions and self-regulation, interoception is the internal “compass” that helps kids (and adults!) understand what their bodies need.

Join us as we break down what interoception is, why it matters for development, and how it impacts daily life—from behavior and attention to emotional well-being. We’ll share practical strategies, everyday activities, and therapist-approved tips parents can use to help children tune into their bodies and build strong regulation skills.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or therapist, this episode gives you the insight and tools to support kids from the inside out.

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin sit down with Max, an adult on the autism spectrum, to explore what sensory processing feels like from their point of view.

Together, they discuss real-life experiences — from the overwhelming to the empowering — and how sensory input shapes daily life, comfort, and connection. This candid conversation offers parents, therapists, and educators valuable insight into what it’s really like to navigate the world with heightened sensory awareness.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding, practical takeaways, and a renewed appreciation for every individual’s unique sensory story.

#TheDevelopmentDownload #SensoryProcessing #AutismAwareness #PediatricTherapy #OTPodcast #Neurodiversity #LeapsAndBoundsTherapy #MaxTalksAboutAutism

In this episode, Lisa and Erin dive into the sensory systems of taste and smell—and how they play a crucial role in a child’s development. From picky eating and food aversions to emotional connections and memories linked to scent, our hosts explore how these senses influence behavior, regulation, and daily participation.

Listeners will learn how taste and smell are connected to the brain and body, why they matter for feeding and sensory processing, and how occupational therapy supports children who struggle in these areas.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode will help you better understand how savoring sensation supports growth, comfort, and connection.

🔊 Tune in and discover how the senses of taste and smell shape the way kids experience their world!

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin explore two powerful systems that work hand-in-hand to help kids see clearly, move confidently, and stay balanced — the visual and vestibular systems.

They’ll unpack how these systems impact everything from reading and handwriting to coordination and attention — and why challenges in these areas can sometimes look like clumsiness, inattention, or even motion sensitivity.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how vision and movement are connected, along with practical tips to help children strengthen these vital skills through play and everyday activities.

🎙️ Tune in to The Development Download — where we make sense of sensory, one system at a time!

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin dive into the fascinating world of auditory processing — how the brain makes sense of what we hear. They’ll break down what it really means when a child struggles to follow directions, tune out background noise, or respond to verbal information — and why it’s not always about hearing loss.

You’ll learn how auditory processing impacts attention, learning, and communication, and discover practical ways to support kids who may be overwhelmed by sound or miss key information in busy environments.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode will help you better understand the “why” behind auditory challenges and what you can do to help kids listen, learn, and thrive.

🎙️ Tune in to The Development Download — where we make sense of sensory, one system at a time!