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STEPS Together
The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed.
Podcasting since 2025 • 16 episodes
STEPS Together
Latest Episodes
Trouble with Transitions? Stop Battling Behavior and Start Building Skills!
If leaving the park turns into a meltdown, bedtime drags on forever, or screen time always ends in tears, you’re not alone — and your child isn’t trying to make your life harder. Transitions are tough because they require a whole set of develop...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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41:31
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Co-Regulate Like a Boss: 3 Skills Every Adult Needs
Ever wonder why staying calm when your child isn’t feels so hard? Co-regulation, the process of helping a child manage their emotions by managing our own, is one of the most powerful tools adults can use. But it’s also one of the hardest, becau...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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37:22
Self-Regulation Is A Journey, Not A Destination
Self-regulation is one of the most talked-about topics in child development today. But too often, it’s treated like a destination: a place we expect kids to arrive at with enough strategies, visuals, or practice. In reality, self-regul...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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35:16
Why Reacting To Meltdowns Doesn't Work – And What To Do Instead
Most parents want to know: “What do I do when my child is in the middle of a meltdown?” The truth is, by the time your child reaches that stage, there’s not much you can do except keep everyone safe and let the big emotions run their c...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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31:29
Fact vs. Fiction: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Sensory Processing
Is your child “too sensitive,” or do they just have sensory quirks they’ll grow out of? Maybe you’ve heard that sensory diets can fix everything—or that sensory seeking is just ADHD in disguise. In this episode of the STEPS for Development podc...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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37:19