In this episode, Lisa and Erin dive into the sensory systems of taste and smell—and how they play a crucial role in a child’s development. From picky eating and food aversions to emotional connections and memories linked to scent, our hosts explore how these senses influence behavior, regulation, and daily participation.

Listeners will learn how taste and smell are connected to the brain and body, why they matter for feeding and sensory processing, and how occupational therapy supports children who struggle in these areas.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode will help you better understand how savoring sensation supports growth, comfort, and connection.

🔊 Tune in and discover how the senses of taste and smell shape the way kids experience their world!

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin explore two powerful systems that work hand-in-hand to help kids see clearly, move confidently, and stay balanced — the visual and vestibular systems.

They’ll unpack how these systems impact everything from reading and handwriting to coordination and attention — and why challenges in these areas can sometimes look like clumsiness, inattention, or even motion sensitivity.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how vision and movement are connected, along with practical tips to help children strengthen these vital skills through play and everyday activities.

🎙️ Tune in to The Development Download — where we make sense of sensory, one system at a time!

In this episode of The Development Download, Lisa and Erin dive into the fascinating world of auditory processing — how the brain makes sense of what we hear. They’ll break down what it really means when a child struggles to follow directions, tune out background noise, or respond to verbal information — and why it’s not always about hearing loss.

You’ll learn how auditory processing impacts attention, learning, and communication, and discover practical ways to support kids who may be overwhelmed by sound or miss key information in busy environments.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, this episode will help you better understand the “why” behind auditory challenges and what you can do to help kids listen, learn, and thrive.

🎙️ Tune in to The Development Download — where we make sense of sensory, one system at a time!