Episodes

  • Designing Sensory-Friendly and ADHD-Aware Homes with Rachel Jackson

    Designing Sensory-Friendly and ADHD-Aware Homes with Rachel Jackson
    Dec 18 2025

    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/ 💡- Check Out Ability Innovations

    https://www.therapy-unmasked.com/ 🧠 - Check Out Therapy Unmasked

    Where To Find Rachel:

    https://racheljacksondesign.com/ 👩‍🎨- Check Out Rachel's Website

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f69EvcvCOq8 👩🏼‍🏫- Rachel's Free Introductory Workshop

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/racheljacksondesign/

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/rjdesignatx

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@racheljacksondesign

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-jackson-design/

    Upcoming Events: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/home-design-lab-by-rachel-jackson-design-93549020103

    LISTENER DEAL: Podcast listeners enjoy a special discount on my signature course: Interior Design For ADHD-Friendly Homes (Part 1) - a practical, eye-opening guide to designing spaces that support sensory needs. Use code PODCASTLOVE at checkout: Link: https://courses.racheljacksondesign.com/course/adhd-friendly-interior-design-pt1

    Hey Friends!

    Join us on Therapy Unmasked, brought to you by Ability Innovations, as we sit down with special guest Rachel Jackson, an experienced interior designer who specializes in creating sensory-friendly and ADHD-aware homes and spaces.

    Drawing from her own experience with ADHD and that of her son, Rachel shares how her design instincts naturally led her to a niche focused on making homes work for the people living in them. She explains her detailed intake process, which helps uncover a family's unique sensory blend and the common environmental frustrations she sees, typically related to:

    • 💡 Lighting

    • 🔊 Sound/Acoustics

    • 📚 Organization and Visual Clutter

    Rachel discusses her range of services—from DIY guides and self-paced courses to full-service design and professional development for therapists and designers—all aimed at spreading the powerful impact of neurodiversity-aware design.

    Key Takeaways You Won't Want to Miss:

    • Understanding Sensory Profiles: Learn why taking your child's sensory sensitivities seriously is the first step, and how to look at emotional reactions as a form of communication.

    • Flexible Living: Rachel provides a fascinating example of how simply repurposing rooms (like turning a seldom-used dining room into a quiet family room) can dramatically improve home life.

    • The Universal Win: Discover why designing for neurodiversity, as famously stated by architect Magda Mostafa, is truly "designing for everyone," leading to a calmer, more comfortable environment for the entire family.

    • Quick and Budget-Friendly Home Tips: Get actionable advice you can implement immediately to lower the "temperature" of your house, including:

      • Switching to warm lamp light in the evenings to aid melatonin production (aim for $2700-3000$ Kelvins).

      • Embracing sound machines and rugs to address acoustics and reduce echo.

      • Tackling visual overwhelm with her simple Four Piles Organization Method (Keep, Price/Resale, Donate/Recycle, Pitch).

    Tune in to learn how thoughtful design can reduce stress, improve organization, and bring a feeling of calm and stability to your home environment.

    Love,

    Your Friends At Ability Innovations 💡
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    20 mins
  • Why Your Child Should Be Bored

    Why Your Child Should Be Bored
    Dec 8 2025

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    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/

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    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/bloginfo

    Donate To The Giving Tree 🌲

    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/the-giving-tree

    Hi Friends, Welcome back to another episode of Therapy Unmasked! Today's episode isn't boring but it's about boredom. 😉 Here are some of the talking points:

    Technology vs. Imaginative Play: Nick addresses the question of whether technology is killing imaginative play, suggesting that while it can be a necessary tool for some, periods of pause are essential for creativity and development, especially as we face an uncertain future.

    Boredom and Executive Functioning: As an Occupational Therapist, Nick explains how boredom—or unstructured downtime—can actually be beneficial for children struggling with executive functioning challenges, such as ADHD and time blindness. Boredom acts as a necessary rest period for the brain, helping it recalibrate and process information.

    Sensory Regulation and Boredom: Discover how boredom intersects with sensory seeking and sensory avoidant behaviors. Nick provides tips for parents on how to reframe downtime, explaining that activities like sitting in a sensory swing or even doing seemingly unproductive tasks are, in fact, doing a lot to regulate a child's sensory system.

    Introducing Unstructured Time: Learn practical strategies for integrating "boredom time" into a child's day, even one with a strict structured routine. Nick suggests starting with short, scheduled intervals (like five minutes of alone time) and gradually building up. Fostering Creativity and Adaptability: Boredom is presented as a vital vehicle for teaching creativity and adaptability, skills that are increasingly necessary in a rapidly changing world.

    "Boredom Ticklers" and Open-Ended Play: Looking for gift ideas or simple activities? Nick recommends "boredom ticklers"—open-ended tools and simple materials (like blank paper or magnetic toys) that spark intrinsic motivation and allow kids to act on their environment rather than being acted upon by screens.

    Intrinsic Motivation in Teens and Young Adults: The conversation concludes by defining intrinsic motivation (choosing to do something because it comes from within) and discussing how providing space for boredom is crucial for teens to develop genuine interests, helping them move away from being constantly guided by external algorithms and social media.

    Thanks Listening! Love, Your Friends At Ability Innovations
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    37 mins
  • Education, Sensory Processing, & Children In Motion: What It Means To Be An Occupational Therapist

    Education, Sensory Processing, & Children In Motion: What It Means To Be An Occupational Therapist
    Oct 9 2025

    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/

    https://www.weber.edu/athletic-training/occupational-therapy.html

    https://www.therapy-unmasked.com/

    ----more----

    Hi Everyone!

    On this episode of Therapy Unmasked, we welcome Occupational Therapist and educator Rhonda Roth to discuss her dynamic career and commitment to clinical excellence. Rhonda recounts her journey through acute care, schools, and skilled nursing, eventually finding her passion in pediatric Sensory Integration.

    The conversation centers on the core philosophy behind her former clinic, Children in Motion: maximizing parent involvement to ensure lasting progress and timely discharge. Rhonda explains the importance of training and educating caregivers so they can effectively become their child's primary therapist.

    We conclude with a look at her exciting new role spearheading the development of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assisting program at Weber State University—a unique program designed to address the critical need for qualified practitioners and offer students multiple professional pathways.

    Love,

    Your Friends At Ability Innovations
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    27 mins
  • The Power of Two: How Co-Treatments Can Transform Your Child's Therapy

    The Power of Two: How Co-Treatments Can Transform Your Child's Therapy
    Sep 11 2025

    Check out Resources Here ⬇️

    https://t.mtrbio.com/abilityinnovations

    Hi Everyone,

    As a parent, you have a lot on your plate. If your child is in therapy, you're likely juggling multiple appointments, different therapists, and a calendar packed with sessions. What if there was a way to make therapy more efficient and even more effective?

    On this episode of the Therapy Unmasked podcast, we sat down with Nick, an occupational therapist (OT), and Megan, a speech-language pathologist (SLP), to discuss co-treating. A co-treatment is a therapy session with one child but two therapists from different disciplines.

    The Benefits of a Collaborative Approach

    At Ability Innovations, our goal is to be interdisciplinary. We believe that by working together, we can provide better care and achieve greater success for the children we work with. According to Nick and Megan, co-treating offers several key benefits:

    • Better Outcomes: When two therapists from different specialties work together, a child often makes greater progress in both areas. The therapists can build on each other's work and augment the benefits of each session. For example, an OT might work on a child's core strength on a swing, while the SLP uses that regulated state to encourage communication and language skills.

    • Efficiency for Parents: Co-treating can significantly shorten the time a family has to spend at the clinic. Instead of attending two separate appointments, you can get two therapies in one session. This is a huge time-saver for busy families.

    • Holistic Care: Therapy isn't just about one specific skill; it's about helping a child function better in the world. By combining two disciplines, therapists can address multiple goals at once. Megan shared a great example of a scavenger hunt she did with an OT. While the child was working on fine motor skills and handwriting with the OT, Megan had them practice and write words that targeted their speech sounds.

    The Role of Regulation

    A major point that Nick and Megan emphasized is the importance of regulation. Regulation is about getting a child to a "just right" state where they feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. As Nick pointed out, we do this as adults all the time—whether it's having a morning coffee to wake up or chewing gum to focus. For kids, a therapist can use activities like swinging or deep pressure to help them get to that optimal state.

    Megan noted that she often sees more communication from a child when they are regulated. Co-treating allows therapists to work together to achieve this state, making the therapy goals easier to reach.

    Is Co-Treating Right for Your Child?

    While co-treating offers many advantages, it's not a perfect fit for every child. Nick and Megan discussed a few things to consider:

    • Goals: Co-treating works best when the goals of both therapies can be addressed in a single, fluid session. If a child needs a very specific, quiet session to work on a skill like articulation, a separate appointment might be more effective.

    • Child's Temperament: Some children thrive with the energy of two therapists, while others might become overstimulated or gravitate toward one therapist over the other. Therapists often try a session to see how the child responds.

    • Insurance: Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will approve or pay for co-treatments. It's always a good idea to check with your provider to see what is covered.

    Ultimately, the decision to co-treat is made on a case-by-case basis, with the child's needs and goals at the forefront.

    We encourage you to listen to the full episode to hear more great stories and learn how co-treating could be a powerful option for your child's therapy journey.

    Love,

    Your Friends At Ability Innovations
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    35 mins
  • The All Abilities Fair, What Is Progress Through Play?

    The All Abilities Fair, What Is Progress Through Play?
    Aug 14 2025

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    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/free-consultation

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    https://www.abilityinnovations.com/therapyunmaskedland

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hi Friends!

    This episode of Therapy Unmasked is going to be a little bit different than most. The majority of this episode was recorded during our live event: The All Abilities Fair. In the first half of the podcast we had the opportunity to sit down with fair attendees and discuss what the term Progress Through Play means to them. The second half of the episode is a recording of the talent show portion of the fair. You may want to consider watching this podcast on Youtube as the visual component is very important to this episode.

    Check it out here:

    https://youtu.be/YG4_W5zjo28

    We want to offer a huge shout out to all of the staff and parents that helped make this fair possible. Seeing this kiddos perform and showcase their art was a very special experience and we hope you enjoy.

    Love,

    Your Friends At Ability Innovations
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    20 mins
  • Empowering Self-Care: Occupational Therapy Tips For Neurodivergent Kids

    Empowering Self-Care: Occupational Therapy Tips For Neurodivergent Kids
    Jul 17 2025

    Check Out Our Brand New Potty Training Course 🚽:

    https://www.therapy-unamsked.com

    Schedule An Evaluation 🗓️:

    https://abilityinnovations.com

    Welcome back to another insightful episode of Therapy Unmasked, brought to you by Ability Innovations! In this episode, we sat down with Emily Hartney, the team lead for our occupational therapists at our Layton, Utah clinic, to unmask the benefits of occupational therapy for self-care activities in children, especially those with special needs, autism, and other neurodivergent needs.

    Self-care might seem straightforward, like brushing teeth or getting dressed, but for many children, these daily tasks can be significant hurdles. As occupational therapists, we look at the whole picture – from motor planning and sequencing to the often-overlooked world of sensory processing. Emily shared that many parents struggle with things as common as hair salon meltdowns or difficulty with nail clipping due to sensory sensitivities. Our goal isn't just to "do it for them," but to empower kids to learn these skills themselves, fostering independence and confidence through play-based therapy.

    This specific episode covers the topics of:

    - Handwashing

    - Face Sensitivity

    - Clipping Nails

    - Hair Care (Washing, Brushing, Cutting)

    - Preparing For Bed

    - Brushing Teeth

    If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us at outreach@abilityinnovations.com.

    Love,

    Your Friends At Ability Innovations
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    40 mins
  • Does My Child Need Music Therapy With Certified Music Therapist Alyssa Taylor

    Does My Child Need Music Therapy With Certified Music Therapist Alyssa Taylor
    Jul 3 2025
    Please Take The Music Therapy Survey https://forms.gle/6KjFyK76E1URNWVk7 Learn More About Therapy Unmasked https://www.abilityinnovations.com/therapyunmaskedland ----more---- Hey Everyone! Here are some details about music Therapy! What is Music Therapy? Evidence-Based & Led by a Certified Professional Music therapy is a research-based healthcare profession, led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC), that uses music to support individuals of all ages—including children and families—in achieving non-musical goals like improving communication, motor skills, feeding, behavior, and emotional development. Personalized for Each Child Music therapy is never one-size-fits-all. Interventions are designed to match your child’s specific interests, strengths, and developmental needs—whether that’s through songs, instruments, movement, or structured play. How Can Music Therapy Help My Child? Encourages Communication and Language- Music can encourage vocalizations, improve speech clarity, expand vocabulary, and increase engagement in communication. Promotes Emotional Expression and Regulation- Music offers a safe and playful way for children to express and understand their feelings while learning calming and coping strategies. Improves Social Skills and Peer Interaction- Group music experiences promote positive social connection—like taking turns, following group routines, and building friendships through shared music-making. Boosts Motor Skills and Body Awareness- Playing instruments, moving to music, and participating in rhythm activities help build coordination and support goals often addressed in OT and PT. Supports Feeding Therapy Through Positive Associations- Music therapy creates enjoyable, calming experiences to reduce mealtime anxiety, encourage trying new foods, and build positive associations and routines around mealtime. Increases Motivation and Participation- Music makes therapy fun! It helps children stay engaged, reduces resistance, and often helps kids make faster progress toward their goals. Works In Individual, Group, or Co-Treatment Settings- Music therapy can stand alone or be added to your child's current plan, with sessions offered individually, in small groups, or alongside OT, PT, feeding, or speech therapists. At Ability Innovations, we’re always looking for new, innovative ways to help kids thrive — and one exciting addition we’re exploring is music therapy. In a recent episode of our Therapy Unmasked podcast, we welcomed Alissa, a board-certified music therapist with a passion for helping children unlock their full potential through music. While we already offer occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy, music therapy adds something truly special. As Alissa explains, music therapy is not about learning to play an instrument or performing in front of an audience. Instead, it uses music as a powerful therapeutic tool to support everything from motor development to emotional regulation and family bonding. What makes music therapy especially impactful is how seamlessly it can blend with other therapies or stand on its own. For example, Alissa shared how she worked with a 10-year-old girl undergoing cancer treatment who was reluctant to participate in traditional physical therapy. Through culturally meaningful activities like belly dancing, they were able to support her physical therapy goals in a way that felt fun, empowering, and deeply personal. Music therapy also offers unique benefits for children with autism or sensory processing needs. For these kids, music provides a nonverbal way to express themselves and connect with others. Through drumming games, turn-taking activities, and group music-making, children can practice social interaction, self-regulation, and communication in a safe and joyful setting. And the best part? No prior musical experience is necessary. “You don’t need to be musically inclined,” says Alissa. “The therapy happens when kids are engaged in creating music — even if they’ve never touched an instrument before.” At Ability Innovations, we believe in play based therapy, and music therapy fits right in. When kids are having fun, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to practice skills outside of the therapy room. Whether it’s jamming with parents on electric guitars or finding focus through rhythm, music creates meaningful opportunities for growth — both emotionally and developmentally. We're excited to explore how music therapy can benefit our families here in Davis and Weber County, Utah. That’s why we’re inviting parents to join a free demo day — a chance to experience music therapy firsthand, either individually or in tandem with their child’s existing therapy sessions. If you’re curious about how music therapy can support your child’s journey, keep an eye out for our upcoming survey to express your interest and help us bring...
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    27 mins
  • Understanding PDA From A Professional Mom

    Understanding PDA From A Professional Mom
    Jun 5 2025
    Resources: Ability Innovations https://www.abilityinnovations.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/1752959375267838 Therapy Unmasked https://www.therapy-unmasked.com Kathryn's Providers: Dr. Sara Rice Schiff: my kids’ PDA specialist neuropsychologist; based in CA, but also licensed in UT; (925) 639 2404 or srpneuropsych@gmail.comMadison Martinez, CSW: my kids’ PDA-affirming therapist; she also offers super helpful parenting sessions; Tree of Life Children’s Center; (801) 605-3086Dr. Lindsey Tubaugh: my kids’ PDA-affirming pediatric audiologist; Kai and Shipton have Misophonia and Auditory Processing Disorder and wear low-gain hearing aids; lowering sensory overload has been helpful to managing PDA; Little Heroes Pediatric Hearing Clinic; (801) 996-7510The Neurobehavioral Center for Growth: my kids had positive experiences in private and teens’ group therapy here in the recent past until their provider moved locations. One of my IRL friends was able to get the PDA profile added onto her child’s Autism diagnoses when evaluated here recently. (801) 683-1062The OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center: Exposure and Response Therapy; Kai qualified for the Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program; at the time Kai participated, the program was child-led; many of our PDA’ers also have high levels of anxiety; when addressed at the right time (ie-Kai was 15 YO), with the right providers, and in the right ways, managing anxiety can be helpful for PDA. Have courage to modify or even walk away if it isn’t a good fit; (801) 298-2000Stacey Browning: Shipton’s PDA-aware feeding therapist at the ARFID/intensive feeding clinic at Primary Children’s Rehab; (801)-397-8721Emily Wilcox, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC: Consider speaking with your kids’ doctor about medications; while there are no medications currently available for PDA specifically, managing anxiety and offering support for ADHD and Autism through medications, paired with therapies, has been helpful for my kids. My two youngest kids (under 18 YO) have their medications managed by Emily at Matt’s Place; (801)-614-8400Alysha Stokes, APRN FNP-C: my kids’ favorite provider at their pediatrician’s office; I cannot say enough good about her intuition and collaborative nature; Farr West/Brigham City Pediatrics; (435)-734-2433PDA North America PDA-affirming providers list: listed by state; we currently don’t have many options in UT, but I’m hopeful it will grow! https://pdanorthamerica.org/pda-affirming-providers/ Social Media Support Groups: PDA North America: https://www.facebook.com/share/19GtAx2EcZ/?mibextid=wwXIfrKristy Forbes; Adult coach who has PDA herself: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8RW8SDGz/?mibextid=wwXIfrSally Cat’s; Adult coach who has PDA herself: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EsHACizug/?mibextid=wwXIfrNeurowild; Adult coach who has PDA herself as well as one of her children: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHve5Nsuv/?mibextid=wwXIfrNo Pressure PDA; Adult coach who has PDA herself; https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQqEW16Me/?mibextid=wwXIfrOccuplaytional Therapist: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AdhKTZJbq/?mibextid=wwXIfrUSA based support group; has adults with PDA mixed with parents of children with PDA: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ARA3UVAwc/?mibextid=wwXIfrUtah Autism Support group; https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15PRHbJ8Le/?mibextid=wwXIfrUtah Autism Mamma Meetups; https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16MF5qTkkQ/?mibextid=wwXIfrToren Wolf: Teen PDA’er around Kai’s age with AuDH + PDA, ARFID, POTS; on IG or YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TorenWolf or http://www.instagram.com/@TorenWolf Books: NOTE: “Low demand,” “declarative language,” and accepting "equalizing behaviors” are recommended accomodations in order to support people who have PDA. “Low Demand Parenting,” by Amanda Diekman“Declarative Language Handbook,” by Linda K. Murphy MS, CCC-SLP“Navigating PDA in America,” by Ruth Fidler and Diane Gould“The Whole-Brained Child,” by Dan Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD “No-Drama Discipline,” by Dan Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD ----more---- Hey Friends, Welcome back to another episode of Therapy Unmasked. Today we tackle the topic of PDA, also known as Pathological Demand Avoidance. We had the opportunity to be joined by a professional mom with multiple PDA children along with her child Kai who has been diagnosed with PDA. We are so grateful for their willingness to open up share their experiences with all of you. This episode will cover topics like: PDAODD OCDADHD Gender Dysphoria Parenting Neurodivergent Children Thank you for being the best part of our show! The best thing you can do to show your love and support is SHARE THE SHOW. This episode contains many aspects that would be helpful to many parents out there. We want everyone to here Kai and Kathryn's story. All relevant links and resources will be listed above. Love, Your Friends At Ability ...
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    41 mins