Tuning In to Development

Episode 20: The Twice-Exceptional Brain: When Giftedness and Neurodivergence Collide with Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD

In this episode of Tuning In To Development, Kassie Allison talks with clinical psychologist and professional speaker Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD about twice exceptionality (2E): the intersection of giftedness and neurodivergence. Together, they explore what 2E can look like when giftedness masks a disability, or when neurodivergence makes giftedness harder to recognize. Kassie and Dr. Matt discuss asynchronous development, executive functioning, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, anxiety, emotional intensity, and the unique challenges that can emerge when a child is intellectually advanced but still developing social, emotional, or self-regulation skills. The conversation also explores burnout and the cost of constantly pushing through high-demand environments. Dr. Matt offers practical ideas for parents, educators, and clinicians, including supporting strengths while accommodating areas of difficulty, protecting downtime, creating meaningful opportunities for social development and play, and recognizing that struggling in one area does not erase a person's strengths. Above all, this conversation is a reminder that development does not happen on a single timeline—and that when we understand the whole person, small changes can make a difference across every area of life. Key Takeaways Twice-exceptional individuals can have significant strengths and significant areas of difficulty at the same time. Giftedness may compensate for—or conceal—challenges with executive functioning, learning, attention, or other areas. Development can also be asynchronous. A child capable of sophisticated intellectual thinking may still need age-appropriate—or sometimes greater—support with emotional regulation, social skills, daily routines, and executive functioning. And perhaps most importantly, support doesn't have to mean pushing harder. Downtime, play, accommodations, structure, opportunities for genuine social development, and building from a child's strengths can all matter. As Dr. Matt and Kassie discuss near the end of the episode, different areas of a child's life are interconnected. A positive change in one area can have an impact across many others. Resources About Dr. Matt Zakreski https://www.drmattzakreski.com/ ---- Learn more about Profectum and all its programs! https://www.profectum.org/author/dashboard Learn more about the DIR® model https://www.profectum.org/course/introduction-to-dir Sign up for a Free Visionary Lecture https://www.profectum.org/courses-vls Sign up for the Free Parent Toolbox https://www.profectum.org/course/profectum-parent-toolbox Follow us IG and Facebook https://www.instagram.com/profectumfoundation/ https://www.facebook.com/profectumfoundation

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Episode 19: Back to School: Supporting Regulation, Connection, and Learning with LaChan V. Hannon, PhD and Michael Hannon, PhD

The return to school can bring excitement and new opportunities, but it can also introduce changes in routines, relationships, sensory experiences, and expectations that may feel overwhelming for children and families. In this episode of Tuning In to Development, guest host Jennie Trocchio, PhD with guests LaChan V. Hannon, PhD and Michael Hannon, PhD explore how parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals can support children as they transition into a new school year. The conversation looks beyond simply preparing school supplies and schedules to consider the developmental foundations children need to feel safe, connected, regulated, and ready to learn. Listeners will hear practical ideas for easing transitions, preparing for unfamiliar environments, recognizing signs of stress or dysregulation, and collaborating with teachers and school teams. The episode also emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s individual differences rather than expecting every student to adjust to school in the same way or on the same timeline. Whether a child is beginning school for the first time, entering a new classroom, or returning to a familiar setting, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that successful learning begins with relationships, emotional safety, and support that is responsive to the individual child.

Episode 18: Water, Wandering, and What Every Family Should Know with Katie Wentley

Wandering, also known as elopement, is one of the most significant safety concerns facing many Autistic individuals and their families. Nearly half (49%) of Autistic individuals will wander at some point, and among Autistic children under the age of 14, 91% of deaths following wandering are the result of drowning. These sobering statistics underscore the importance of understanding why wandering happens and how families and communities can help keep children safe. In this episode of Tuning Into Development, host Kassie Allison is joined by Katie Wentley of the Autism Society of America to explore the many reasons individuals may wander, from sensory needs and curiosity to dysregulation and changes in routine. Together, they dispel common misconceptions, discuss the connection between wandering and water safety, and share compassionate, practical strategies that empower families to reduce risk while supporting each child's unique developmental profile. Listeners will come away with actionable guidance on home safety modifications, swim instruction, emergency planning, and free resources available through the Autism Society of America. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or professional, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools to help create safer, more supportive environments for Autistic individuals and their families.

Episode 17: An Autistic SLPs Perspective on Social Connection and Advocacy with Rachel Dorsey

In this episode of Tuning in to Development, host Kassie Allison sits down with Rachel Dorsey, an autistic speech-language pathologist in the Greater Boston area, to explore how authentic relationships can foster social confidence, connectedness, and resilience. Rachel shares her approach to creating natural opportunities for social engagement while actively neutralizing shame and affirming neurodivergent identities. She discusses the importance of being a genuinely interested, safe adult who embraces clients’ passions to support self-esteem and meaningful relationships. The conversation also examines how interventions intended to support autistic children may unintentionally communicate that a child needs to be “fixed” while overwhelming the nervous system, and why advocacy often takes the form of quietly building resilience through trust and connection. Finally, Rachel highlights the profound impact of loneliness and the motor-planning challenges that can limit social participation for nonspeaking or unreliably speaking individuals.

Episode 16: Staying Curious, Staying Connected with Sherri Cawn and Cindy Harrison

In celebration of Speech-Language-Hearing Month, guest host Sherri Cawn sits down with longtime colleague and friend Cindy Harrison for a thoughtful conversation about communication, relationships, and the evolution of developmental practice. Together, they reflect on decades of experience as speech-language pathologists, early pioneers in the DIR Model movement, and advocates for relationship-based care. Cindy shares her perspective as both a clinician and parent of an autistic son, speaking candidly about what communication truly means beyond words — the ability to express hopes, fears, identity, and connection. The conversation explores the importance of family-centered practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, emotional development, and assuming competence in every child. Sherri and Cindy also reflect on how the field has changed over the years, the role of mentorship and lifelong learning, and the importance of creating systems of care where families feel seen, safe, and supported. This warm and deeply personal episode is a reminder that communication always happens within the context of relationships and that staying curious and connected remains at the heart of meaningful practice.

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Episode 15: OT Insights for Decoding Individual Differences with Kate Bailey

In recognition of Occupational Therapy Month and Autism Acceptance Month, host Kassie Allison welcomes fellow occupational therapist Kate Bailey for a practical and engaging conversation about recognizing and supporting Individual Differences—and how those differences shape behavior, learning, and participation. Kate explains how differences in sensory processing, motor planning, and visual-spatial skills influence how children move through their day—how they play, learn, interact, and respond to everyday demands. Kate and Kassie discuss how challenging behaviors are often meaningful signals of underlying differences, sharing ways to look beneath the surface to better understand what a child may be experiencing. With individual differences in mind, they also take a closer look at transitions, specifically transitioning from one space to another. Kassie and Kate offer practical strategies to support children through these moments with greater success, less distress, and increased safety. This episode encourages listeners to stay curious about behavior, recognize the impact of individual differences, and use thoughtful, responsive strategies to support children in ways that build confidence, competence, and connection.

Episode 14: Partnering with Parents with Carrie Alvarado

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison returns with guest Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR for a thoughtful conversation about the importance of intentionally including parents in therapy through Developmental, Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBIs). Dr. Alvarado shares how her work evolved from focusing primarily on direct child intervention to embracing the DIR model, which emphasizes strengthening the entire family system. She explains that children make more meaningful and lasting progress when caregivers are empowered and actively involved, especially through a stronger parent–child relationship. A pivotal moment in her career came when a mother observed her child “come to life” with a clinician—an experience that highlighted the gap between clinical success and what families feel at home. This led Dr. Alvarado to prioritize parent-mediated approaches, ensuring caregivers can create and sustain those same moments of connection themselves. Using the PACT (Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy) model, Dr. Alvarado incorporates reflective video feedback to help parents recognize their strengths, better read and respond to their child’s cues, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. This approach supports progress that carries over into everyday life and across caregivers, ultimately allowing the clinician to “take hands off the bike” as families develop their own rhythm and balance.

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Episode 13: A Focus on Families with Ruby Salazar

In this episode of Tuning into Development, Deborah Sussman steps in for host Kassie Allison for a thoughtful conversation with clinical social worker and developmental specialist Ruby Salazar. Together, they explore Ruby’s passion for working with families through the DIR® perspective and what it truly means to partner with caregivers in relationship-based, family-centered ways. Ruby shares how helping families understand behavior developmentally can strengthen connection, support regulation, and bring greater balance to everyday family life—particularly in moments of stress, limited resources, or following an autism diagnosis. The conversation highlights the importance of caregivers serving as a secure base, “putting on their own oxygen mask,” and creating small, meaningful rituals that nurture joy, attunement, and communication. The episode also offers a preview of Profectum’s March conference focused on supporting families across the lifespan, featuring expert faculty, keynote sessions, and access to recorded content following the event.

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Episode 12: Love and Neurodiversity with Monica Osgood and Anie Knipping

What does love look like when we let go of social expectations and truly meet each other as we are? In this episode, guest host Dr. Jennie Trocchio is joined by Monica Osgood, a longtime leader in developmental, relationship-based approaches, and Anie Knipping, an autistic homemaker, author and artist, for a deeply human conversation about love, neurodiversity, and connection. Together, they explore how autistic individuals experience love through comfort, trust, honesty, and shared support—and how many of these needs are universal, even if they show up differently. Anie shares powerful lived-experience stories about partnership, sensory safety, honesty, identity, and what it means to be a true team in a relationship. Monica adds a developmental lens, introducing frameworks that help explain why safety, competence, confidence, and shared control are essential foundations for meaningful connection. This conversation moves beyond dating “rules” and stereotypes to highlight what helps relationships thrive: being understood, honoring individual differences, finding your people, and building love that makes space for who you truly are.

Episode 11: Stress and Resilience with Traci Swink, MD

In this insightful and engaging episode, host Kassie Allison and guest Traci Swink, MD delve into the intricate dynamics of stress, resilience, and nervous system regulation within families, particularly during challenging times. They explore how various stressors, including environmental and social factors, can impact both children and adults, and why some individuals are more susceptible to stress due to early developmental influences and unique nervous system wiring. The discussion highlights the importance of co-regulation, relational safety, and understanding individual differences in managing stress. Traci introduces the concept of body budgets and provides practical strategies for caregivers to support both their own and their children's nervous systems. Additionally, Traci shares a real-life example of how tailored interventions in a daycare setting helped a child navigate his stress, illustrating the principles of neuro-relational care in action. The episode underscores the significance of building resilience through supportive relationships and adaptive stress management, offering hope and practical guidance for families in stressful seasons.

Episode 10: Strategies for Managing the Holiday Season

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison explores how families and clinicians can navigate the unique challenges the holiday season brings for neurodivergent children. Drawing on perspectives from both parents and professionals, Kassie discusses the increased stress, sensory demands, and shifting routines that can make this time of year especially overwhelming. Listeners will learn practical strategies for setting realistic expectations, planning ahead, creating flexible routines, developing exit plans, and supporting children around food and social pressures. The episode also highlights ways to build new, meaningful traditions that honor each child’s individual needs. A warm and thoughtful conversation to help families approach the holidays with confidence, compassion, and connection.

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Episode 9: Making Medication Decisions with Joshua Feder, MD

In this episode, host Kassie Allison talks with Dr. Josh Feder, a child and family psychiatrist and Profectum Faculty member, about the complex topic of medication use in autism and neurodiversity. They discuss common reasons people are prescribed medications, the importance of addressing environmental and sensory factors first, and how naturalistic, developmental, and parent-mediated strategies can often reduce the need for prescriptions. Dr. Feder walks listeners through his “algorithm for care,” starting with understanding the child’s intent, sensory and motor needs, communication, and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Dr. Feder emphasizes a thoughtful, relationship-based approach to care—one that explores all possible supports before turning to medication.

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Episode 8: Navigating School Supports: IEPs, 504 Plans, and Advocacy with Taiisha Calbert-Foster, PhD

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison and Dr. Taiisha Calbert-Foster, a school psychologist, discuss comprehensive strategies to support students in the academic setting. They delve into the processes of 504 plans, IEPs, and student and parent rights. The conversation covers how to identify and address different student needs through classroom monitoring, building-level referrals, and comprehensive assessments, and what parents can do to advocate for their children's educational needs.

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Episode 7: Navigating Complex Feeding Challenges: From Picky Eating to Tube Feeding, with Karen Dilfer, MS, OTR/L, and Savannah Sunvold, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison delves deep into a variety of feeding issues with guest experts Karen Dilfer, an occupational therapist, and Savannah Sunvold, a speech-language pathologist. Both guests provide insights on feeding therapy assessment and intervention practices. Karen shares her experience as a 'Get Permission' clinician, emphasizing a child-led, parent-supported approach. Savannah discusses medically complex eaters, and issues like aspiration, swallow studies, and feeding tubes. The episode concludes with resources and support recommendations for families dealing with feeding issues.

Episode 6: Exploring the Magic of Play, from Development to Dinosaurs, with Rachel Ottley, OTR/L and Rebecca Berg, OTR/L, IMH-E

In this episode of 'Tuning into Development,' host Kassie Allison explores the significance of play in children's development with guests Rachel Ottley and Rebecca Berg. Rachel and Kassie discuss how play encompasses various developmental aspects such as motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction. The episode also highlights different play types, addressing misconceptions and offering strategies for therapists and parents to foster playful interactions. Additionally, Rebecca Berg shares her family's unique tradition of 'Dino-vember,' showcasing how whimsical practices can nurture creativity and family bonding. The conversation underscores the fundamental role of play in fostering joy, safety, developmental progress, and meaningful connection between children and caregivers.

Episode 5: Aggressive Behaviors and Building Safety with Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E and Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host and pediatric occupational therapist Kassie Allison teams up with developmental experts Gilbert Foley, EdD, IMH-E and Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP to explore what aggression really is, what it reveals about a child’s internal state, and how caregivers and professionals can respond effectively. We discuss prevention strategies, how to support children in the heat of the moment, and ways to help repair and recover afterward. Emphasizing that aggression is often a response to sensory overload, dysregulation, and misperceived threat, we highlight the importance of creating felt safety, practicing empathy, and using co-regulation. This episode offers practical guidance to support children through challenging behaviors by focusing on connection, self-regulation, and safety.

Episode 4: Hope-Filled Evaluations and the Hidden Roots of Behavior with Dr. Ricki Robinson - Part 2

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison continues her rich conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson about the powerful role of hope in supporting children with developmental differences. Together, they explore how medical issues can sometimes present as behavioral challenges and the importance of clinicians acting as detectives when a child’s behavior shifts unexpectedly. Kassie and Dr. Robinson share their thoughtful, relationship-centered approaches to intake and assessment. Both clinicians highlight how their processes were developed over years of experience, with a shared foundation: deeply understanding the child and giving the family hope. Filled with real-world examples and grounded insights, this episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone supporting children. At its core is a shared message: when we slow down, listen deeply, and build strong relationships, we lay the foundation for clarity, hope, and lasting impact.

Episode 3: Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Ricki Robinson - Part 1

In this episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison has a conversation with Dr. Ricki Robinson, a pediatrician with over 51 years of experience. Dr. Robinson shares her inspiring journey in developmental medicine, emphasizing the crucial role of hope in autism treatment. She reflects on discovering the DIR model through Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder in the 1990s, a time when autism was considered untreatable. Drawing from her background in medicine—where she witnessed groundbreaking advancements like the dramatic improvement in leukemia survival rates—Dr. Robinson discusses her comprehensive approach to autism diagnosis and care. She highlights the importance of building trust with families while fostering hope. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the power of persistence, innovation, and compassion in developmental medicine.

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Episode 2: Harmony of the Sensory Orchestra: Conducting Growth through Observation, Individual Profiles, and DIR with Rosemary White OTR/L

In this inspiring episode of Tuning In to Development, host Kassie Allison welcomes a very special guest—Rosemary White, a renowned occupational therapist, senior faculty member at Profectum, and a leading expert in the DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) model. Kassie, an OT herself, shares her admiration for Rosemary’s work and how it has profoundly influenced her own practice. Together, they dive into Rosemary’s journey from her early days as an OT in Australia to becoming a key figure in developmental intervention. Rosemary shares powerful insights on the importance of observation, the integration of sensory processing with emotional development, and how DIR has shaped her approach to fostering meaningful connections with children and families. You’ll hear heartfelt stories about real-life therapy moments, including how play evolves over time, the role of affective interactions, and why videotaping sessions can be a game-changer for both therapists and parents. Kassie and Rosemary also reflect on the challenges and rewards of developmental work, the dynamic nature of growth, and the invaluable partnership between professionals and caregivers. Whether you’re an OT, a parent, or simply curious about human development, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical strategies, and heartfelt reflections that will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to the developmental journey. Tune in to discover how observation, connection, and curiosity can transform the way we support growth—one interaction at a time.

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Episode 1: Beginnings, Backstories, and a Bit of Development with Kassie Allison, MOT, OTR/L

In this very first episode of Profectum’s new podcast, Kassie Allison introduces herself and shares her passion for development through the DIR® model. An Occupational Therapist, mentor, educator, and parent, Kassie brings over 20 years of experience to the conversation as she talks about her journey, her neurodiverse household, and what listeners can expect from the podcast. We’ll dive into the foundations of development, explore DIR® and Profectum, and discuss how understanding development can benefit individuals across the lifespan! From potty training to sensory processing to communication, this podcast is a resource for parents, professionals, and anyone curious about development. Get ready for engaging discussions, expert insights, and practical strategies to support growth and connection as we get Tuned into Development.