Host Lee-Anne Bloom, an experienced occupational therapist and owner of Oak Bloom OT, discusses how her diverse career background and experiences with her son’s neurodiversity have shaped her holistic approach to occupational therapy and helping "hard kids". She explains the importance of resilience, creative problem-solving, and personalized strategies in helping children and parents thrive. Listen in to gain valuable insights and practical tips for fostering strong, resilient roots in children. Rooted in lived experience, creativity, science-based strategies, and 15 years of clinical work, Lee-Anne shares how OT can help children and families move from surviving to thriving.

Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Oak Bloom OT and the Podcast 00:28 – Why the Podcast Exists and Its Purpose 00:51 – Invitation to Grow and Build Resilience Together 00:58 – Personal Story and How Motherhood Shaped Her Career 01:19 – What Occupational Therapy Is and What It Focuses On 02:06 – Being Both a Parent and an OT Supporting Her Neurodivergent Son 02:31 – A Diverse Background That Informs Her Approach 02:55 – Overcoming Disability, Pain, and ADHD Builds Empathy and Insight 03:18 – Family Influence and Lessons From Her Father’s Experience 04:09 – Sensory Sensitivities and Real-Life Adaptations 04:32 – Celebrating Creativity and Determination in Neurodiverse Learners 05:19 – Tailored Strategies for Strong-Willed and Sensitive Kids 06:02 – Challenging the Myth of Laziness and Supporting Atypical Learners 06:41 – Embracing a Nonlinear Career Path as Valuable Preparation 07:09 – Helping Families Thrive Through Experience and OT Training 07:32 – Sensory and Emotional Tools as Essential Protective Armor 07:58 – Collaborative Parent Coaching as a Key to Lasting Growth 08:24 – The Ferret Approach: Following Interests in a Screen-Filled World 08:47 – Helping Kids and Parents Discover Strengths and Coping Tools 09:00 – What It Is Really Like Raising a Hard Kid 09:14 – Building Systems That Support Confidence and Independence 09:41 – Refining Solutions Together Over Time 10:34 – Closing Message of Encouragement and Resilience 10:54 – Contact and Outro

At Oak Bloom OT, we provide holistic occupational therapy for children focusing on increasing functional life skills through interest-based learning and family involvement.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions for future episodes? leave a comment here, contact us at https://www.oakbloomot.com/contact