The Integration Station
Episodes
Paediatrician AMA - Dr Shubashni Maharaj
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For our final podcast of the year, we're joined Dr. Subashni Maharaj, a neonatal paediatrician specialising in developmental, behavioural, and learnin...
Impulsivity & Attention Seeking Behaviour in ADHD Children: Explained
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael walks us through an audience question about ADHD and impulsivity and how you can manage it using a few simple tricks! ReferencesStop, Think, ...
Repetitive Play for ASD Clients, How to Explain What OT's Do
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and Eleanor unpack how you can support an ASD client who only engages in repetitive play, and ways you can join them to foster connection for ...
The Benefits of Risky Play & Job Advice for New Grads
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are playgrounds too safe? Michael and Eleanor unpack why risky play is so beneficial for your young person, plus we tell you everything you need to k...
Demystifying NDIS Parental Responsibilities
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and Eleanor clarify what the "reasonable expectations of parents" guidelines for parents accessing the NDIS to help distinguish what the NDIS ...
Finding Predictability in the Unpredictable Environment of OSHC, The Limitations of “Just Right” Language
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine an environment where everything is always changing, the educators are different, and the transitions are tricky. This week, Eleanor & Michael...
5 Tips To Help Your Young Person Move House
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're not removalists, we're OT's! And that means we're going to teach you how to find the fun in moving house and how you can best support your youn...
R U OK Day: The Power of Holding Space
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today is R U OK Day. Michael and Eleanor walk you through how to ask R U OK with the people who are closest to you, the power of pausing while holdin...
What is an Engine Chart & Chew Toy Alternatives
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eleanor and Micheal unpack Engine Charts vs Zones of Regulation, what they are, and how you can use them therapeutically in the clinic. Eleanor broug...
Supporting Tricky Transitions, Using Language That Creates Buy In
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Michael and Eleanor unpack a question about managing tricky moments during transition time and what that looks like for a young person, adn ...
Is It The Diagnosis Or The Person? NDIS Thriving Kids Announcement, Working With Low Muscle Tone Clients
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're unpacking the Thriving Kids Program announcement, workshopping how you can manage difficult conversations when someone separates the ...
ODD vs PDA - What's the Difference?
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and Eleanor unpack Pathological Demand Avoidance and Oppositional Defiance Disorder and, walk you through the differences, how to manage the c...
12 Ways To Communicate With Neurodivergent Youth
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael shares his top strategies for communicating with neurodivergent young people - insights that go beyond the therapy room. Whether you're a hea...
Managing Hormonal Changes in Adolescents With Autism
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you respond to a young person who says, “If I could change one thing about myself, I’d take away my autism?”This week on The Integration ...
Bedtime Routines for Sensory Avoidant Profiles, Deep Breathing Activities for High Emotions
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Michael and Eleanor answer your questions about bedtime routines for sensory avoidant profiles and activities for high emotions and provide...
Balancing Tradition and Innovation: AI in Clinical Practice
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Michael and Eleanor delve into the fascinating and complex topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential implications on the fu...
The PINCH Model & The Cascading Effects of Sensory Development
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Michael and Eleanor explain The PINCH Method.It's a way to help an ADHD brain stay engaged and motivated by creating interest-based motivat...
The Importance of Therapeutic Rapport & Rapid Fire Regulation
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How important is rapport to delivering outcomes for clients? Michael and Eleanor provide the evidence as to why it's so important in the clinic, plus...
Ivan Hardcastle on Parenting With The Tools You Have
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we cross to Twin Falls, Idaho and chat with parent coach and sensory integration Occupational Therapist Ivan Hardcastle. We cover how to u...
Back to School: Completing a Grade 11 Stage 2 Child Studies Assignment
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we dust off the backpack, polish up our shoes, and go back to grade 11 as we answer a student who asked if we could help them finish their ...
Is Your Child a Dandelion or an Orchid, Following Instructions & Control, Tiredness & Regulation
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your child a dandelion or an orchid? This week Eleanor unpacks the child development theory that helps you understand what your child might need t...
Primitive Reflexes 101
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the episode about all about Primitive Reflexes. This week, Michael and Eleanor cover what primitive reflexes are, why they matter, and h...
When Parents Aren't on Board With Therapy and Reasonable Parental Expectations (according to the NDIS)
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Michael and Eleanor take a parent focus and unpack what to do when you have one parent who understands the process of OT and the other does...
Occupational Therapy 101
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Integration Station, Michael takes us back to basics. We unpack what occupational therapy really is. He'll be covering: - Purpose o...
Regulation Strategies For The Classroom & Dysregulation When Riding a Bike
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Michael and Eleanor return to the Q&A format, answering all of your question submissions. This week we're back in the classroom to provide...
The SENSES Model
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SENSES model has been developed through many years of applying the theory and practice of Ayres Sensory Integration, mental health supports and functi...
Managing Self-Loathing, Audio Sensitivity at School Behavior & Comfort Item for Young People
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a while since we answered your questions and this week we have some really pertinent topics to discuss. We unpack how you can manage self-l...
CampCast - CampEVOLVE Edition.
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! This week we're breaking format to take you to CampEVOLVE where Eleanor & Michael hand the microphones over to our clients.CampEVOLVE is ...
Children & Adolescent Mental Health Conference - Wrap
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, we travelled all the way up to the Gold Coast for the annual Children and Adolescent Mental Health Conference #CAMH25 to hear from industry...
The Default Mode Network, Neuroaffirming Language & The Double Empathy Problem
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discover what Milton's double empathy problem is and how it can affect the young people in our lives and we learn all about the default m...
Sensory Integration for the Neurodiverse Population - The Research
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we field your questions asking more about Sensory Integration for the neurodiverse population and walk you through some strategies to help y...
Exploring an Adult ADHD Diagnosis - A Conversation with Siena
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's Neurodiversity Month all this month on The Integration Station. This week we have the privilege of sitting down with one of our OT's Siena to tal...
Celebrating Neurodiversity Month - What is Neurodiversity?
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Neurodiversity Week is coming up on March 17th-23rd and we thought it was appropriate to celebrate neurodiversity for the entire month of March. To k...
Why do children lie & unpacking the research of ASI® & ADHD
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're unpacking why children lie and how to manage it and we answer your question about the research of ASI® and ADHD. If you liked some...
Baby Sensory vs ASI® - What's the difference?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's all this sensory stuff about? Is sensory play ASI“? What's the difference? Michael and Eleanor unpack all this and more and how and when you...
What are Function Capacity Assessments? Applying Executive Function in ASI®
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we delve into the history of Functional Capacity Assessments and why their outcomes, and how ASI® helps our young friends with their execut...
Working with Non-Verbal Clients & Reinforcement Behaviour Explained
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we take a look at the best way we can support non-speaking and non-verbal clients, and unpack what reinforcement behaviour is. If you li...
A Lesson In Stress Management - Michelle Mennillo
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we take the back seat and let our CEO Michelle Mennillo to walk us through a lesson in Stress Management. Michelle has spent the past 20...
The National Autism Strategy, Back To School Tips & Humour in Therapy
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week we cover the recently released National Autism Strategy and get how it will practically help the community, cover some strategies to manage ...
Helping young people listen to their body, Stimming & Regulation.
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back for season 5 in 2025. We take the questions that have been sent in by our audience about interception and helping your young person to stim...
Holiday Activities, Generalised Learning for Sensory Integration, Increasing Interoceptive Awareness
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Michael and Edie have popped into the studio to facilitate your questions about fun activities you can do ...
NDIS Funding Changes to Music Therapy, Therapressure Brushing, Harm in ABA
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Edie joins Michael to unpack questions about other therapies outside of the ASI® scope. We cover funding changes in the NDIS regarding musi...
Personal Space Bubbles, Highly Sensitive Kids & School Refusal
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Michael is joined by our Parkside Clinical Lead, Edie! We dive into your questions about how to teach your young person about personal space...
Audio Sensitivity, Sensory vs Attention Difficulties, My Young Person Doesn't Like Therapy
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and Eleanor unpack a few questions from our parents like why do children with auditory sensitivities tend to make a lot of noise themselves, w...
Teeth Grinding, Core Strength, How To Choose The Right School
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back to regular programming this week with Eleanor and Michael tackling a few questions asked by our parents in our OT sessions. We delve into why t...
Dr Susanne Smith Roley - The Future of Sensory Integration Q&A
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This special episode sees Dr Susanne Smith Roley host a Q&A session at our Parkside Clinic. Susanne is an occupational therapist with more than 30 y...
Early Intervention, Disengaging At School, Body Socks
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michael and Eleanor run through your questions about early intervention criteria, managing challenges at school, and how to use a body sock to regulat...
Handling big emotions, Handwriting Assessments, ISIC 2024 Wrap
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Global Developmental Delay, Figdet Toys, High School Transitions
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Dyspraxia Picky Eating, W Sitting Position - What does is mean?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Disc-o-seats and regulation strategies at school
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Handwriting, co-regulating with opposite needs and big emotions at drop off
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Screen Time, Impusivity, Kicking and screaming at home after school
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station continues its Q&A format. We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In this...
Can you help my child find a job, ADHD Interventions, Continence Care Plans
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Integration Station returns with a Q&A format! We take your questions, share some knowledge and try to find the fun in what we are learning.In thi...
Season 4 trailer & R U OK? Day
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have been on quite a hiatus, however the Integration Station is looking to return for a Fourth Season in the coming weeks. We are previewing this w...
Part 2 of The Aarts and Science of Marte Meo with Maria Aarts
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maria Aarts is in Australia for the first time in 6 years and joins us for part two of a two part series to discuss the Marte Meo Approach. In part tw...
The Aarts and Science of Marte Meo with Maria Aarts
10 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maria Aarts is in Australia for the first time in 6 years and joins us for a two part series to discuss the Marte Meo Approach. In part one, Maria dis...
Singing the song of music therapy with Natalie Oliveri
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We return for a third season of the Integration Station with Michael hosting music therapist Natalie Oliveri. Natalie gives us an insight into how mus...
A diamond tiara or nothing at all: the neurodiverse brain with Becky Blake
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the season finale, Michael and Dino chat to Becky Blake - tutor, mentor, mother and musician. Having a lived experience of ADHD, Becky discusses th...
'Still sleepy, but awake': Annie O'Connell's sleep wisdom, Pt.2
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Occupational Therapist and Sleep Specialist Annie O'Connell joins Michael and Dino to discuss how good sleep is one of the biggest factors in quality ...
'Sleepy but awake': Annie O'Connell's sleep wisdom, Pt.1
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Occupational Therapist and Sleep Specialist Annie O'Connell joins Michael and Dino to discuss how good sleep is one of the biggest factors in quality ...
The Three Pillars of Dr Libby Weaver
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nutritional Biochemist, Dr Libby Weaver, joins Michael and Dino to discuss her approach to health, food and wellbeing. Libby discusses her three pill...
Mel Pt.2: The doctor behind Child Psychiatrist Dr Melanie Turner
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Melaine Turner, or Mel to her clients, is a one of Adelaide's few Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists. I the first part, Mel discusses more about he...
From A to C: Alana Lenart's pivot
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael and Dino are joined by counsellor Alana Lenart. Alana reveals how she moved from her long career in aviation to counselling as...
California Dreamin Pt.2 (feat. Dr Susanne Smith Roley)
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are fortunate enough to speak to Dr Smith Roley for a second time.Dr Smith Roley is an occupational therapist with over 40 years of...
Mel: The person behind Child Psychiatrist Dr Melanie Turner
05 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Melaine Turner discusses her upbringing, school life, undertaking a medical exam with a one year old and answering a quick Psychiatrists quiz!Dr Tu...
Putting the Occupation in Occupational Therapy with Dr Ben Sellar
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Michael talks with Dr Ben Sellar, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of South Australia. Ben gives insights on the Uni...
The Principal of Special Education is the family's choice: In conversation with Cathy Sires
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we will hear from Cathy Sires, the Principal of St Patrick’s Special School in Dulwich. From Principal positions in rural South Aus...
Navigating the Abyss: Thomas' lived experience as a young person on the autism spectrum
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thomas provides an engaging insight into his experiences growing up as a young person on the spectrum. If you like this episode, please subscribe to ...
OTFC's Bigger Brother: Ten years of Tyson Klaassen-Smith
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks Tyson Klaassen-Smith's 10th year at OTFC and we couldn't help but take up the opportunity to chat to one of OTFC’s most loved, and l...
California Dreamin: an hour with Dr Susanne Smith Roley
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout the chat, Susanne makes reference to aspects of SI research and the role of her organisation, CLASI. Links to some of these areas can be fo...
Integration Station Season 2 Trailer
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are excited to announce that The Integration Station will soon be returning for a second season!Dino, along with new host, Michael, will be introdu...
Fletcher's Story: Parenting a Complex Needs Child
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kellie Halpin shares her powerful journey caring for her beautiful 8-year-old son, Fletcher, a beloved OTFC client who lives with various diagnoses. K...
Occupational Therapy Student, Autism Spectrum Disorder Advocate, Actor, Dancer, Producer, Mentor: Kate's Story
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Esther unpacks Kate Watts inspiring story. Kate is an OTFC client and University of South Australia Occupational Therapy student who advocates for you...
A Paediatrician's view on childhood development, medication and what every child needs
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dino and Esther interview Paediatrician Dr Anthony Chitti, from Adelaide Peadiatrics, Flinders Medical Centre and Calvary Hospital. Dr Chitti unpacks ...
The story behind Occupational Therapy For Children
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dino and Esther chat with Occupational Therapist and Kinesiologist, Veronica Steer, who founded OTFC over 30 years ago. Veronica shares how OTFC came ...
Communication is more than words: the Speech Pathology role
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dino and Esther catch up with Andrea Ferguson, Senior Speech Pathologist and Clinical Manager of TALK Speech Pathology. Andrea shares key communicatio...
Understanding the anxious child with Kerry Burke
10 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dino and Esther chat with Senior Clinical Psychologist Kerry Burke, who established the Children's Early Development Assessment Service (CEDAS) at Psy...
Parenting 'tough' kids with Mark Le Messurier
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark shares his heart behind the internationally acclaimed 'What's the Buzz?' program. He also unpacks his top parenting tips when caring for 'tough' ...
Talking all things sensory with Dr Zoe Mailloux
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Calling in from California, Zoe shares her experience working as an Occupational Therapist during a global pandemic. Zoe describes the origin, evidenc...