The Science Behind Play-Based Therapy for Children | Episode 92 with Rita Sverdlova

The Science Behind Play-Based Therapy for Children | Episode 92 with Rita Sverdlova

Rita Sverdlova is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and the founder of Playwell Brooklyn. We sat down with Rita to talk about how a simple idea grew into a community-centered space where children can play, build skills, and connect with others outside of traditional therapy settings. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience working with children and families, Rita shares what she learned about the gap between therapy and real-life experiences, and why play is one of the most powerful tools for child development. We also explore how the challenges of the pandemic helped shape the vision for Playwell Brooklyn, the role community plays in supporting children and families, and why creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and child-centered matters. Rita discusses her unique model that blends play, education, and therapeutic support while helping families better understand child development in a natural and engaging environment. If you’re interested in learning more about Rita's work, you can visit Playwell's website, https://www.playwellbrooklyn.com [https://www.playwellbrooklyn.com/about], for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

Picky Eating vs. ARFID: What Every Parent Needs to Know | Episode 91 with Kelly Komisaruk

Kelly Komisaruk is a feeding specialist and speech language pathologist with Food 4 Thought Therapy. We sat down with Kelly to talk about the difference between typical picky eating and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition that can have a major impact on a child’s nutrition, development, and quality of life. We explored how feeding challenges develop, the role anxiety and sensory sensitivities can play, and why some children become increasingly restrictive with food over time. We also discussed common misconceptions about picky eating, warning signs that families should not ignore, and how evidence-based feeding therapy can help children build confidence around food. Kelly shares practical insights on early intervention, reducing mealtime stress, supporting children with food fears, and helping families navigate feeding challenges with compassion and patience. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or clinician, this conversation offers valuable perspective on one of the most misunderstood areas of child development. If you’re interested in learning more about Kelly’s work, you can visit her at Food 4 Thought Therapy on Instagram and Facebook for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

Why Food Allergies Are Skyrocketing in Children | Episode 90 with Dr. Alice Hoyt

Dr. Alice Hoyt is an allergist and the leader of the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy. We sat down with Dr. Hoyt to unpack the growing rise of food allergies, what may actually be driving the increase, and how modern medicine is evolving when it comes to prevention and treatment. From peanut allergies and anaphylaxis to lesser-known conditions like FPIES and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we explored the different ways food-related immune conditions can show up in kids and why many cases are still being missed or misunderstood. We also discussed early allergen introduction, oral immunotherapy, the importance of individualized care, and the need for more honest conversations between doctors and parents. Dr. Hoyt shares her perspective on immune system development, environmental factors potentially impacting allergies, and why listening carefully to patients and families matters more than ever. This conversation dives into the nuance behind some of today’s biggest health questions while emphasizing curiosity, research, and collaborative decision-making for families navigating food allergies and immune-related conditions. To learn more about Dr. Hoyt’s work and the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, you can follow along for more resources, research, and treatment information at https://www.hoytallergy.com/ [https://www.hoytallergy.com/]. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

Why Neurofeedback Is Helping Kids and First Responders Thrive | Episode 89 with Rebecca Louth

Rebecca Louth is a neurofeedback specialist and founder of Waves Matter LLC in Virginia. We sat down with Rebecca to break down what neurofeedback actually is, how it works, and why it has become such a powerful tool for helping children and adults struggling with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, sleep issues, emotional regulation, and more. Drawing from her background in education, Rebecca explains how her own experience with neurofeedback led her to leave the classroom and dedicate her career to helping people better understand and heal their brains. Throughout the conversation, we explore how neurofeedback helps the brain develop flexibility and improve its ability to respond to stress, emotions, and daily life. Rebecca shares stories from working with kids, veterans, first responders, and families, while also discussing the differences between neurofeedback and medication, concerns about at-home devices, and why accessibility and insurance coverage remain major challenges in the field. If you’re interested in learning more about Rebecca's work, you can visit Sea Level Counseling's website, https://www.sealevelcounselingandwellness.com/ [https://www.sealevelcounselingandwellness.com/], for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

The ADHD Study Changing Psychiatry: Theory into Clinical Practice | Episode 88 with Towny Robinson

Towny Robinson is the CEO of JayMac Pharmaceuticals and an expert in methylation, genetics, and psychiatric disorders. We talk with Towny about a newly published ADHD study involving Enlyte, a nutritional supplement designed to support methylation pathways in children with ADHD. Together, we break down what methylation is, how genetic mutations can impact brain chemistry, and why these pathways may play a major role in ADHD, emotional dysregulation, autism, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. We also dive into the results of the 90-day study, which followed 42 children diagnosed with ADHD and found major improvements in attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and academic performance after taking Enlyte. Throughout the conversation, we discuss real patient success stories, the connection between inflammation and psychiatric symptoms, and how early intervention may help improve long-term mental health outcomes for children and families. To read the full ADHD study discussed in this episode, click here: https://www.enlyterx.com/trials [https://www.enlyterx.com/trials] If you’re interested in learning more about Towny’s work, you can visit EnLyte's website, https://www.enlyterx.com/ [https://www.enlyterx.com/] , for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]