Bare Feet Occupational Therapy

18/08/2026

Kids process through play.

Episode 5 of The Nook Podcast features TimberNook founder, Angela Hanscom.

Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist, author of Balanced and Barefoot, and the founder of TimberNook. Through her work, she has helped reshape the conversation around child development by advocating for more outdoor play, healthy risk-taking, and child-led experiences.

🎧 Listen to Episode 5 now!

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/30KxzUUlpi9mgxHvwunAPv

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nook/id1876676722

12/03/2026

That’s what we aim for! Adaptive response after adaptive response!!

Adaptive Response is more than just a “correct reaction.”
It is a purposeful, successful response to a challenge in the environment — one that reflects the brain organizing sensory information effectively to support action.

When a child adjusts their grip so a pencil doesn’t break, regains balance after tripping, tolerates a new texture at mealtime, or modifies a throw after missing the target — these are adaptive responses. The brain receives sensory input, organizes it, and produces a more effective action.

Adaptive responses are central to Ayres Sensory Integration®. Each successful response builds more efficient neural organization for the next challenge.

In daily life, adaptive responses allow children (and adults) to:
• Adjust posture without thinking about it
• Navigate playground equipment safely
• Regulate emotions when plans change
• Participate in learning without constant overwhelm

When adaptive responses are limited, we may see frustration, avoidance, or rigidity — not because the individual is unwilling, but because the sensory foundations for flexible action are less efficient.

Adaptive responses are the building blocks of participation.