The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Welcome to the Empowered Parent Podcast! This is your space to grow your confidence and skills in communicating, interacting, and understanding your children—so you can become the empowered parent you are destined to be.
In each episode, I speak with inspiring parents, therapists, and community leaders who truly understand the joys and challenges of parenting. Together, we explore a treasure trove of information and practical ideas for you to try at home.
We cover topics like:
- Celebrating neurodivergence
- School readiness
- The power of play
- Managing behaviors with compassion
- Discovering your and your child’s unique profiles
- Stories of parents finding strength and purpose through their parenting journey
This podcast is for all parents. It’s a place to build community and a sense of belonging—a space where you can ask questions, connect with others, and learn from experts who work with children every day.
Our goal is to empower you to:
- Learn more about yourself as a parent
- Take time for your own growth and well-being
- Discover new tools and resources to raise happy, confident kids
- Nurture your self-confidence in parenting
Let’s work together to make the world a better, more understanding, and compassionate place for everyone—young and old!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. I’d love to hear your topic suggestions and guest speaker ideas. Reach out via danabaltutis.com or join my Facebook community: My Therapy House And Friends Empowered Parent Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/583062577433444
Let’s connect, grow, and thrive together!
The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Episode 65: Judy Au (Occupational Therapist) - Unlocking Sensory Secrets: An OT's Guide to Child Development
Occupational Therapist Judy Au explores the holistic approach of pediatric OT, explaining how foundational skills underpin a child's ability to participate in daily activities and engage with the world.
• Occupational therapy supports children in all daily activities including play, social interactions, and self-care
• The DIR Floortime approach is relationship-based, considering each child's individual differences and developmental level
• Foundation skills like sensory processing and regulation must be established before working on specific tasks like handwriting
• Children need the right amount of sensory input to feel calm and ready to engage, communicate and learn
• Each child has a unique sensory profile that affects how they experience and respond to their environment
• Movement before fine motor tasks helps prepare a child's brain for learning and focusing
• Sensory-friendly strategies can be adapted based on a child's changing needs rather than following a fixed "sensory diet"
• Co-therapy with multiple professionals allows for more comprehensive support for both child and parents
danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services
