In this sneaky extra episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge discuss Aideen's decision to step back from the podcast after four successful seasons. >tearful sobs from Jen!!!<

We reflect on our journey, the growth of the podcast, and the importance of community within the occupational therapy field. Aideen shares her reasons for leaving, emphasising the need for work-life balance and the desire to pass the baton to Dr. Aine O'Dea, who will continue the podcast's mission.

The conversation highlights the significance of support, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in Ireland.

Thank you and Fare Well to Aideen and Fáilte (welcome) to Áine (pronounced AwwnYa)!

Get in touch at irishotpodcast@gmail.com

Today we interview Michelle Murray from Anchor Therapy, who discusses the importance of executive functioning skills in young people, particularly those facing mental health challenges and neurodiversity. The conversation covers various aspects of executive functioning, including assessment methods, strategies for supporting transitions, emotional management, and the social challenges faced by young people. Michelle emphasises the need for compassionate understanding of executive functioning difficulties and the importance of creating supportive educational environments. Practical strategies for organisation and focus are also shared, making this episode a valuable resource for parents and professionals alike.

In this conversation, Sorcha Rice, an autistic occupational therapist, shares her insights on Pathological Demand Avoidance / Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA) from a neuroaffirmative perspective. She discusses her personal experiences growing up with PDA, the impact of environmental factors on neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of understanding and supporting children with PDA in educational settings. Sorcha emphasises the need for a shift in parenting and teaching strategies to accommodate neurodivergent needs, advocating for a focus on autonomy and reducing demands. She also provides practical tips and resources for parents and educators to better support children with PDA.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge interview Niall Kirrane, a clinical specialist in occupational therapy within Ireland's National Gender Service. Niall discusses the multidisciplinary approach to transgender healthcare, the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals exploring their gender identity, and the challenges faced by young people in this journey. The conversation also covers key terms related to gender identity, common myths and misconceptions, and practical tips for supporting young people and their families.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, hosts Jen Trzeciak and Aideen Ruttledge welcome Lorraine Madden, an educational psychologist, to discuss school-based anxiety. Lorraine shares her personal experiences with anxiety in school and provides insights into the symptoms, contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health. She emphasises the importance of understanding the unique needs of neurodivergent children and offers practical tips for parents and educators to support children experiencing anxiety. The conversation highlights the significance of building safe environments and fostering connections to help children thrive academically and emotionally.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Aideen Ruttledge and Jen Trzeciak welcome Sarah Sproule, an occupational therapist and sex educator. They discuss the importance of open conversations about sexuality, particularly with teens, and how occupational therapy can play a role in facilitating these discussions. Sarah shares her journey into sex education, the challenges of discussing sexuality in a cultural context filled with misconceptions, and the need for accurate, shame-free information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for young people to explore their sexual orientation and the necessity for therapists to engage in self-regulation and personal growth to effectively support their clients.

In this episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy podcast, Hannah Daly, a specialist occupational therapist and advocate for neurodiversity, shares her personal journey navigating education and professional life with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism. She discusses the importance of understanding individual sensory needs, the evolution of awareness in educational settings, and the challenges faced during her transition to university. Hannah emphasises the significance of advocacy, self-identification, and the use of assistive technologies to support neurodivergent individuals. The conversation culminates in key takeaways about inclusivity and the value of every individual's experience.

Season 4 of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast focuses on some of the challenges faced by teenagers and young people. We hear from OTs and other health professionals about different approaches to support. This season will provide helpful insights for both parents and those working with young people.