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.

In today's episode, I am joined by a special guest, my daughter, Annabelle Collins, to discuss executive functioning, planning, and organization from her perspective as a homeschooling teenager. She offers insights into her personal experiences, touching on topics such as setting up daily schedules, adapting to different learning systems, managing distractions, and finding motivation. Together, we explore the challenges and successes we have encountered. Join us as we dive into the world of adolescent executive functioning.

• Setting Up a Homeschooling Day for a Teenager
• A teen perspective on transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling
• Adapting to different learning styles
• The impact of independence and supervision
• Implementing strategies to motivate and support learning
• The link between room organization and productivity
• Using Pinterest for room organization ideas
• The importance of habit formation
• Establishing natural consequences for habits
• Parenting Strategies for Executive Functioning Development
• Fostering open communication and a strong parent-child relationship
• Balancing gradual release of control with teenage independence
• The significance of reflection in learning and self-improvement
• Using planning to organize and manage daily tasks
• Prioritizing tasks and setting productive habits
• Encouraging self-reflection and independence in planning

• Hatchet Book Guide
• Picture Books that Teach Executive Functioning
• 8 Quick & Easy Questions to Ask Your Homeschool Teen About Their Social Life
• 9 Ways to Build Time Management Skills in Your Homeschool
• What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Metacognition-Thinking about Thinking
• How to Encourage Note-Taking in Every Stage of Homeschooling
• Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
• Participation Patterns of Adolescents with and without Executive Function Deficits: Parents’ Perspectives
• How to Strengthen Executive Functioning Skills, Sarah on the Raising Lifelong Learners Podcast.
• How to teach your high-schooler organization skills
• 7 Organization Skills To Teach Your Teen

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

In this episode we are talking with the incredible Amy Bodkin, a former school psychologist and an autistic adult herself, she brings her unique perspective on homeschooling autistic children with distinct executive functioning skills. Together, they touch upon the critical role of executive functioning skills, metacognition, and adapting educational plans that focus on both group and individual needs.

• Discussion on measuring and tracking the progress of children's development
• Amy's Three-Step Process for Developmental Tracking
• Individualized Approach to Standardized Testing
• Balance and Tailoring in Homeschooling
• Strategies for Managing Executive Functioning
• Tools and Resources for Homeschooling
• Parental and Children Collaboration
• Planning the Academic Year using form guides and seeking children's input for subjects
• Prioritization and Problem-Solving including brainstorming for homeschool curriculum planning
• Organizational Techniques including Amy's use of loop scheduling to manage curriculum
• Custom Curriculum Creation: utilizing guides for a tailored education

• Amy Bodkin's Webiste
• Booklist to talk about Executive Functioning
• Executive Functioning Focus Group from Homeschool OT
• What are Executive Functioning Skills?
• Educational Resources from Amy Bodkin
• Booklists from Read Aloud Revival
• Charlotte Mason Plenary Form Guide
• Heritage Mom book recommendations
• Give Your Child the World Book List
• Primitive Reflexes on Special Needs Kids Are People Too episode 55

Amy Bodkin is an Autistic Consultant and Public Speaker and uniquely qualified to help families with a wide variety of needs. Amy is an Autistic Adult, has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, and homeschools her two Autistic kiddos. At Amy Bodkin Consulting, we like to say it's as easy as ABC: Ally, Boost, and Connect! Ally with Amy through her podcast, “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!” Get a Boost with her Educational Resources. And Connect through her Membership Group and Private Consultations!

• Like Amy Bodkin on Facebook
• Join Amy Bodkin's Free Facebook Support Group
• Follow Amy Bodkin on Instagram

Connect with host, Sarah Collins

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