Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! --- We're joined by Lindsey Larson, an inspiring OT professional and homeschooling mom who found herself unexpectedly all-in on homeschooling following her daughter's severe stroke. Lindsey opens up about her unexpected shift into pediatrics and the creation of her impactful children's book, "Meeting Exceptional Friends." During our conversation, Lindsey discusses her mission to educate both children and their caregivers about disabilities through engaging storytelling. She also shares her exciting role as the incoming director of Disability Book Week, an initiative aimed at promoting disability-inclusive literature. In this episode you'll hear about: Lindsey’s Journey to Pediatric Occupational Therapy (Peds)Birth of her child and the subsequent strokeTransition to Pediatrics out of necessityInitial reluctance and societal perceptions of homeschoolingDaughter’s preschool experienceHomeschooling her second daughterTransition of her second daughter to public schoolTailoring education to fit family needsFlexibility and adaptation in educational approachesObservations in the community regarding disabilitiesResponse to the need for inclusive educationCreation of her book "Meeting Exceptional Friends"Aimed at educating both children and parents about disabilitiesThe concept of the book: playground setting and inclusionThe repetitive phrase, "That's a great question"Encouraging open discussion about disabilitiesAmber Johnston’s concept: Windows and MirrorsRecommendations for other books and authorsDisability Book Week and its missionExpansion of booklists to include more disability representationsLimited physical book collections due to military lifeHeavy reliance on library resourcesEmphasis on supporting self-published authorsThe positive influence of inclusive books on her childrenDaughter’s essay on fire safety considering disabilitiesEncouragement to use Disability Book Week as a resourceImportance of advocating for more inclusive books in libraries Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Handwriting Focus Group from Homeschool OTVision Therapy Screening Assessment from Homeschool OTMeeting Exceptional Friends by Lindsey LarsenDisability Book Week Website Books to Uplift Perspectives and Experiences of Disability from NEA Books as Mirrors & Windows With Simply Charlotte MasonEpisode 20: Tailored Kid’s Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill Connect with our Guest, Lindsey Larsen Lindsey Larsen earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. She currently works as a clinical abstractor for a genetic company. She is also the mother to two amazing daughters, a homeschool educator, parenting coach, military spouse, children’s book author, and the incoming director of Disability Book Week. Lindsey’s older daughter, Madelyn, survived a massive stroke in infancy which resulted in a variety of disabilities. Lindsey began homeschooling her children, so both of her children could succeed in their own unique way. In 2022, Lindsey decided to write a children’s picture book based on her personal experiences, to educate all children about visible and invisible disabilities. Lindsey’s book, Meeting Exceptional Friends recently won the 2023 Nautilus Book Awards for best picture book/fiction ages 2-6 and the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award for best Educational Picture Book. Lindsey is leaping into a new role as the director of Disability Book Week, a volunteer organization that promotes and celebrates disability-inclusive books as well as authors with disabilities.
