In this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Lauren Thompson, MEd, CCC-SLP, CLC, and Allissa Younan, MS, OTR/L, to discuss how trauma-sensitive care and interprofessional collaboration can better support children and families.
Drawing from their OT-SLP partnership, Lauren and Allissa share how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.
The episode offers practical guidance for building trust, supporting co-regulation, partnering with caregivers, and creating therapeutic environments that respond to each child’s needs. Through clinical examples and lessons from their collaborative work, Lauren and Allissa show how connection, curiosity, and teamwork can lay the groundwork for meaningful progress.
Drawing from their OT-SLP partnership, Lauren and Allissa share how combining clinical perspectives can strengthen care for children with feeding challenges, sensory differences, nervous system dysregulation, and other complex needs. They consider what may be behind a child’s apparent refusal, shifting the focus from a child who “won’t” participate to one who may not yet feel safe, regulated, or supported enough to engage.
The episode offers practical guidance for building trust, supporting co-regulation, partnering with caregivers, and creating therapeutic environments that respond to each child’s needs. Through clinical examples and lessons from their collaborative work, Lauren and Allissa show how connection, curiosity, and teamwork can lay the groundwork for meaningful progress.
