Guest: Dyan Dickerson MA, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Floortime-for-the-SLP

In this episode of First Bite, Michelle and Erin welcomes Diane Dickerson, a certified expert in DIR Floortime and feeding, to explore the intricacies of the Floortime model. Listeners get an inside look into the principles of DIR (Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based) Floortime and understand its impact on communication and feeding therapy. Diane shares her professional journey, the importance of affect, and how to approach therapy with critical thinking. Tune in to hear case studies and learn practical tips for applying Floortime in both feeding and communication settings.

About the Guest: Dyan Dickerson is an ASHA (USA) and RCLST (UK) certified speech-language pathologist who graduated with both her B.S. and M.A. degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida. While in school, Dyan became passionate about The Floortime Approach while working privately with a family, where she used the approach with their son for nearly four years (Hi, J!). After graduation, Dyan moved to Washington, D.C., to work at The Floortime Center for six years, where she later became the lead speech-language pathologist. Dyan provided services in the private practice setting, school-based therapy, home services, and throughout the community. She saw clients in individual sessions and group therapy as well as provided intensive services for families around the world as part of a collaborative team. Dyan is Floortime trained and holds certification in the S.O.S. Approach to Feeding and Integrated Listening Therapy (iLs) and training with Gestalt Language Processing. While working at The Floortime Center, Dyan traveled to Budapest to present on Foodtime, a feeding program she co-developed, as well as Miami to present on both Foodtime and speech-language therapy using the Greenspan Floortime Approach. Dyan is a collaborative volunteer for The Greenspan Approach online course - an ASHA-approved C.E. program - she holds licensure in Florida and the UK. Dyan believes in a developmental, whole-child approach to therapy and uses The Floortime Approach to support children and their families. Dyan is soon moving back to Tampa, Florida, and will support clients and families in person and virtually.

Mentioned in this episode:

Nourishing Connection: Trauma-Informed Feeding Therapy a course from Erin Forward

This comprehensive course supports you in providing authentic, trauma-informed feeding therapy for neurodivergent and medically complex clients. Through 18 hours of ASHA CEU credits, you’ll engage with a weekly live lecture (that can be rewatched as a recorded version) plus dedicated office hours for additional questions if you’re unable to join live. You’ll gain access to a supportive group for ongoing discussion and receive a 50+ page ebook filled with valuable resources, including a goal bank. Explore the key principles of mealtime literacy—connection, comfort, and curiosity—designed to help children engage with food in a way that respects their individuality. Scroll down for a detailed topic breakdown and start building your confidence in a flexible, child-centered approach to feeding therapy. Learn more/sign up: https://www.erinforwardslp.com/courses

Guest: Travis Threats, PhD, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=A-Conversation-on-the-Intersection-of-Faith-between-Clinicia

In this heartfelt episode of 'First Bite,' host Michelle Dawson and guest Dr. Travis Threats dive deep into the intersection of faith, healing, and cultural awareness within the field of speech therapy. From personal stories of overcoming grief and professional struggles to examining the role of faith in patient care, this episode explores how spiritual beliefs and cultural backgrounds profoundly influence therapeutic practices. Viewers will learn about the importance of humility in practice, honoring diverse traditions, and the ethical considerations of treating clients from various faiths and cultures. Join us for an enlightening conversation on bringing light, hope, and joy to the pediatric speech therapy community.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Welcome to First Bite

05:46 Introducing Dr. Travis Threats

08:30 Faith and Professional Practice

16:21 Cultural Competence in Speech Therapy

33:05 Client's Unexpected Reaction

34:08 Faith and Professionalism

35:34 Navigating Religious Differences

38:57 Handling Bias in Clinical Settings

42:14 Cultural Sensitivity in Practice

56:44 Faith in Healthcare Professions

01:01:26 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

First Bite is now on YouTube - https://youtu.be/khogy7_oMjM

Mentioned in this episode:

School of Speech is Back!!

Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice. Find School of Speech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Guest: Dr. Richard Noel, MD

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=The-Medical-Domain-of-Pediatric-Feeding-Disorder

In this episode, Dr. Richard Noel joins the discussion to shed light on Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and its medical domain. Dr. Noel shares his journey to becoming a pediatric GI specialist and explores the critical components of managing PFD. Key topics include the importance of growth and nutrition, management of upper GI tract issues, and the significance of airway and lung concerns. Dr. Noel also addresses common misconceptions about reflux in infants and the use of various appetite stimulants such as ciproheptadine and mirtazapine. Viewers will gain valuable insights into constipation management, the role of scheduled toileting, and the importance of multidisciplinary care in treating PFD. The conversation underscores the need for better medical understanding and care strategies for children with PFD.

Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:41 Journey to Becoming a Pediatric Gastroenterologist

05:32 Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders

06:51 Medical Domain of PFD: Key Considerations

08:24 Addressing Nutritional Concerns

14:17 Managing Constipation in PFD

21:39 Behavioral Strategies for Feeding

23:36 Family Involvement in Feeding Therapy

26:04 Family Routines and Feeding Therapy

26:47 Medications for Appetite Stimulation

27:03 Ciproheptadine: Uses and Effects

31:18 Mirtazapine: An Appetite Stimulant

34:49 Megastrol: A Powerful Appetite Stimulant

37:07 Managing GI Issues in Children

38:03 Reflux and Vomiting in Infants

43:09 Cyclical GI Disorders: Abdominal Migraines and More

47:20 The Role of Multidisciplinary Teams in Pediatric Care

48:56 Challenges in Pediatric Feeding Disorder Education

53:46 Advocacy and Access to Multidisciplinary Care

About the Guest: Dr. Richard Noel was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Antonio, TX. He has MD/PhD degrees from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and did a residency in Pediatrics at Wake Forest University in NC. He trained in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he developed an interest in working with children with pediatric feeding disorders. He worked for 10 years at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin with Dr. Colin Rudolph and then transitioned to Duke University, where is currently Division Chief for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.

Watch this Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NVGPdIzfobs