Reaching the Peak: A Whole-Child Approach to Early Intervention
Reaching the Peak: A Whole-Child Approach to Early Intervention
Podcast Description
Welcome to Reaching the Peak, a podcast exploring early childhood through a whole-child lens. Hosted by Peak to Peak Therapies, we bring together experts in motor and speech therapy, behavior, toileting, parenting, nutrition/feeding, and development to share insights that support every aspect of early intervention. From milestones to mealtimes, speech to sensory, and play to parenting, each episode offers practical guidance to help children—and the adults who support them—reach their full potential.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on a variety of topics related to early childhood development, including atypical development, neurodiversity, and developmental milestones. For example, one episode dives into neurodiversity with insights on autism and ADHD, while another covers key developmental milestones from birth to three years, highlighting areas such as feeding, sleep, and language skills.
Welcome to Reaching the Peak, a podcast exploring early childhood through a whole-child lens. Hosted by Peak to Peak Therapies, we bring together experts in motor and speech therapy, behavior, toileting, parenting, nutrition/feeding, and development to share insights that support every aspect of early intervention. From milestones to mealtimes, speech to sensory, and play to parenting, each episode offers practical guidance to help children—and the adults who support them—reach their full potential.
Influences on Feeding: Genetics, Environment, and Medical Factors
This is the second episode in a three-part series led by Argie Pitsakis, a feeding expert, renowned speech-language pathologist, and owner of Kids Feeding Wellness.
Building upon the foundations introduced in Part 1, this episode dives deeper into the complex web of influences that shape a child’s feeding journey. Pitsakis will explore the interplay of genetic, environmental, and medical factors, highlighting how these elements work together to impact a child’s relationship with food and mealtime experiences.
Parents and professionals alike will gain practical knowledge to better understand when typical feeding challenges are part of natural development, and when difficulties may signal the need for further evaluation or intervention. By recognizing the subtle signs that differentiate developmental phases from feeding concerns, listeners will be empowered to support children with greater confidence and care.
Learning Objectives:
Identify genetic influences—such as taste preferences, sensory processing, and temperament—that affect feeding behaviors.
Recognize the role of environmental factors, including caregiver feeding styles and family mealtime routines, in shaping feeding development.
Understand the natural developmental progressions of children and how these predictable phases impact their relationships with food.
Identify common medical factors that can influence a child’s feeding journey and learn when to consult healthcare providers for further assessment.
With Pitsakis’ expert guidance, this episode equips listeners to see the broader picture of feeding development—providing not only insight but also actionable strategies to foster positive mealtime experiences and support healthy growth in young children.
Disclaimer
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