In this episode, you'll learn how play-based learning isn't just fun—it's also an essential tool to help children connect with their internal world. Our guest, Cara Koscinski, offers her expertise as an occupational therapist and a homeschooling mother to provide practical strategies for recognizing and addressing interoceptive cues before the onset of a meltdown.

Additionally, discover the challenges and joys of homeschooling as Cara and I discuss the balance between structure and the flexibility necessary for children to thrive emotionally and academically. For those homeschooling parents and all intrigued by the complexity of human emotions and body awareness, this episode is full of value.

• Impact of Excessive Stimulation on Children
• Interoception and Emotional Management
• Cara Kosinski's book, "Interoception: How I Feel Sensing the World from the Inside Out"
• The Role of Play-based Learning in Interoception
• Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling
• Strategies for Teaching Interoception
• Understanding Subjective Experiences and Behavioral Cues
• Integrating Interests and Descriptors in Learning
• Incorporating Sensory Experiences in the Learning Process
• Discussion on the Ease of Teaching Interoception
• Personal Experience with Screen Time and Behavioral Impact
• Cara Kosinski's Background and Expertise
• Interoception as a Growing Field of Research
• Parental Guidance for Supporting Children's Interoceptive Awareness

• Learning about Interoception and Language Arts Together
• Questions to use to teach Interoception Awareness
• Interoception: How I Feel: Sensing My World from the Inside Out
• What Is Interoception and How Does It Impact Those With Autism?
• Playing Video Games is Associated with Reduced Awareness of Bodily Sensations
• Visit Cara's website

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website

Dr. Koscinski earned her post-professional Doctorate in occupational therapy in 2019 at Rocky Mountain University and a master’s degree in OT from Duquesne University in 1997. She obtained her certification as an Autism Specialist from the International Board of Credentialing. Cara is a former lead of the Clinical Applications in Pediatrics Courses for MOT and OTD students at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and serves as a capstone mentor for multiple universities.

Dr. Koscinski enjoys presenting keynote and breakout sessions at state and national conferences on topics of executive function, interoception, behavior, and regulation. As the mother of two adult autistic sons, Cara can appreciate the unique perspective of the caregiver. She has published six books for caregivers and therapists and has written chapters in multiple others. Cara’s newest book detailing her Train Model of executive function, will be released in spring of 2024. As the owner of the largest pediatric occupational therapy group on Facebook, she encourages occupational therapy practitioners to connect, learn, and share with over 50,000 members across the globe.