Couverture de STEPS Together

STEPS Together

STEPS Together

De : Debra Johnson
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The STEPS for Development podcast offers practical support for adults who are nurturing children's growth and development. Hosted by Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, parent coach, educator and parent. STEPS Together dives into topics including typical development, neurodevelopmental differences, understanding what lies beneath challenging child behaviors, and exploring strategies that work to improve skills, strengthen relationships and empower parents and caregivers who are invested in helping children thrive and succeed.

© 2026 STEPS Together
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Épisodes
  • The Best Thing You Can Do for Your Child Might Surprise You
    Jun 19 2026

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind!

    After a short break from the podcast, I'm back with some exciting news—and a new way of thinking about how we support children.

    As parents and caregivers, we're often searching for the next strategy, sensory tool, behavior chart, or quick fix that will make things easier. But what if the most powerful way to help your child isn't finding another tool?

    What if it's investing in yourself?

    In this episode, I introduce the STEPS Together Community, a place where adults come to learn, grow, and connect. We'll talk about why curiosity is more powerful than quick fixes, how developing your own problem-solving skills can transform challenging moments, and why no parent should have to navigate this journey alone.

    Because when adults are empowered, children thrive.

    If you're ready for something more than another checklist or parenting strategy, this episode is for you.

    Add your name to the list to get all the details and know when doors open on the STEPS Together Community: https://steps-for-development.kit.com/ed0080f90f



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    17 min
  • Habits and the Brain: Supporting Neurodiverse Children Through Daily Routines
    Feb 13 2026

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind!

    Why does something as simple as brushing teeth or getting out the door feel so hard some days?

    In this episode of STEPS Together, we’re diving into the science of habits and routines — and why they matter so much for our children’s brains, nervous systems, and long-term development.

    You’ll learn:

    • How habits are formed in the brain (and why they reduce stress and mental overload)
    • Why routines are especially protective for neurodiverse children
    • The connection between executive function, regulation, and daily patterns
    • Why inconsistency is usually a skills or sensory issue — not a motivation problem
    • Practical ways adults can shape habits while honoring a child’s developmental needs

    For children with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, anxiety, or executive function challenges, routines aren’t about compliance — they’re about safety, predictability, and conserving brain energy for growth.

    We’ll explore how to:

    • Reduce friction in daily routines
    • Support regulation before expecting follow-through
    • Use visual and environmental scaffolding effectively
    • Build identity-based habits that strengthen confidence and independence

    At STEPS for Development, we believe routines aren’t about control. They’re about capacity. They’re about helping children use less energy surviving their day and more energy for growing!

    If mornings feel chaotic, transitions feel explosive, or you’re tired of wondering why something “should be simple” but isn’t — this episode will help you see habits through a developmental lens and give you practical next steps you can try right away.


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    48 min
  • Teaching Flexibility: Helping Kids Who Struggle with Change and Big Feelings
    Jan 29 2026

    Question? Comment? Send a text to let me know what's on your mind!

    Change is hard — especially for children who thrive on predictability, routine, and a sense of control. If your child has big reactions to small changes, difficulty shifting plans, or intense feelings when things don’t go as expected, you’re not alone.

    In this episode of STEPS Together, we explore flexibility as a developmental skill that grows over time with support, safety, and practice — not pressure. You’ll learn what flexibility really is, why many neurodiverse children struggle with it, and how it connects to emotional regulation, executive functioning, and resilience.

    We’ll talk about:

    • What flexible thinking looks like in daily life
    • Why inflexibility is often linked to anxiety, lagging skills, or nervous system overload
    • Simple, low-pressure ways to help children practice flexibility
    • How modeling flexibility as a caregiver makes a powerful difference
    • Ways to build your own flexibility so you can support your child with confidence

    This episode is filled with relatable examples, practical strategies, and compassionate reframes to help you move from power struggles to partnership.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child handle change, manage big feelings, or become more adaptable over time, this conversation will give you a roadmap grounded in connection and development.

    Remember — flexibility isn’t about compliance. It’s about building the skills to adapt, recover, and thrive.



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    41 min
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