While this conversation was recorded during standardized testing season, the insights go far beyond a few high-stakes weeks in the spring. For adoptive, foster, and kinship care children, the same challenges that can make testing stressful—such as early trauma, attachment disruptions, and emotional regulation struggles—also impact their day-to-day school experience. Clinicians Caitlin Inman and Kelly Curry unpack the root causes of school-related anxiety, share practical strategies for supporting focus and confidence, and highlight how families can advocate for accommodations that truly help. You’ll also hear how The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic partners with parents and schools to create academic plans that honor the whole child—not just a test score. Whether it’s the first week of school or the days leading up to a big exam, this conversation will equip you to help your child feel safe, supported, and set up for success all year long.*This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at (www.showhope.org).

This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic .

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Amy Elmore, our long-time occupational therapist and feeding specialist, to explore one of the most emotionally charged parenting challenges for children with trauma histories-- feeding.From picky eating and food refusal to bottle aversion and sensory challenges, Amy breaks down the why behind feeding difficulties and offers trauma-informed insights and real-life strategies that work.We dive deep into how early feeding experiences impact brain development, emotional safety, and attachment—and how healing often begins with one safe bite.This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, clinicians, and anyone working with children from hard places.For many children from adoptive, foster, or kinship backgrounds, mealtime isn’t just about food—it’s about trust, control, trauma, and healing. Whether your child is a “vacuum cleaner” eater, a picky one, or struggling with sensory aversion, Amy offers trauma-informed wisdom, practical strategies, and compassionate insight to help families navigate the complex world of feeding therapy.You’ll learn:Why trauma disrupts hunger cues and feeding developmentWhat to do when a child refuses food—or eats too muchHow parent stress and child feeding behaviors become intertwinedWhen to seek help—and how virtual parent coaching is changing access to supportIf you’ve ever ended a mealtime in tears or worry, this episode is for you.Supported by our friends at Show Hope.

We’re diving into one of the most vital yet misunderstood aspects of holistic care for children from hard places: occupational therapy. Join us as we explore how OT at our clinic goes far beyond handwriting practice—supporting families through sensory regulation, feeding challenges, trauma recovery, and more.

→ Listen now and learn how OT builds bridges to connection, safety, and healing.

*This episode is sponsored by Show Hope. Learn more at (www.showhope.com). This podcast is produced by The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic (www.theadoptionfosterclinic.org), an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (pre and post adoption)