The Sensory Code Podcast

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Summary

In this episode, I explore how occupational therapy can support children with ADHD, especially in managing impulse control. I share insights on how OTs assess and tailor interventions to help kids participate fully in their daily occupations and develop lifelong self-regulation skills.

 key  topics

What occupational therapy is and isn't
How OT helps with developmental milestones
Occupations and barriers for children with ADHD
Top-down and bottom-up OT strategies
Environmental modifications and sensory needs
Building impulse control through games and self-awareness

 takeaways

OT can help children participate in daily activities by reducing barriers.
Occupational therapy focuses on the things that occupy a child's time, not just jobs.
OT strategies include environmental modifications, sensory regulation, and self-awareness.
Games like red light, green light, and freeze dance help develop impulse control.
Understanding sensory triggers and interoception is key to self-regulation.

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book
Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist 
The OT Butterfly Instagram
Work with Laura
The Sensory Code Newsletter
A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note!
Summary
Learn how to manage conflicting sensory needs among children, especially in limited spaces, and emphasize the importance of understanding neurodiversity. I’ll also share some practical strategies for creating supportive environments and fostering better communication about sensory needs.

Check these reels for examples of talking to kids about neurodiversity
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_08gSxS0_/?igsi=MWdtbXB1NW12dGg4dg==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPt0xKuCYHJ/?igsi=azh2bmF6eG1keGZp
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSQHxiZkaFK/?igsi=MWx3MGlrdGw0d2NodQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCpuRjNzaCI/?igsi=MXJ4aTZ0NXNzajRjZg==
The sensory cup lesson 

 Key  topics
Understanding neurodiversity and sensory profiles
The importance of conversations about neurodiversity
Creative space management for conflicting sensory needs
Using sensory tools and zones to support regulation
Managing limited space with sensory sanctuaries
 Takeaways
You can't meet every child's needs perfectly at all times, especially in shared spaces.
Talking openly about neurodiversity helps children understand and manage their needs.
Creating designated zones and using sensory tools can reduce dysregulation.
Limited space requires creative solutions like pop-up tents and sensory sanctuaries.
 Recognizing your resource limitations is key to managing expectations.
~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book
Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist 
The OT Butterfly Instagram
Work with Laura
The Sensory Code Newsletter
A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note!
I share my thoughts on supporting neurodivergent children through accommodations and how to handle critics who oppose this approach. With my new book, The Sensory Code, out now, I want to encourage parents to embrace a lifestyle that meets their child's needs without guilt.

 key  topics

The importance of sensory accommodations for neurodivergent children
Addressing criticism and misconceptions about supporting children
Building skills and self-advocacy in children
The role of parents in creating supportive environments
My new book, The Sensory Code, and its message

 takeaways

Supporting your child's needs does not make them 'soft' or incapable.
Accommodations are similar to the strategies adults use to improve their daily lives.
Haters often have unmet needs or unresolved childhood issues.
Building skills alongside accommodations empowers children to advocate for themselves.
Creating a supportive lifestyle benefits children at home and in school.
~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book
Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist 
The OT Butterfly Instagram
Work with Laura
The Sensory Code Newsletter
A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note!
I share insights from my upcoming book, The Sensory Code, and introduce the nervous system budget framework to help parents and educators understand and support children's sensory processing differences proactively.

 Key  Topics:
Nervous system budget framework
Proactive sensory support strategies
Sensory processing differences and behavior
Application of the spoon theory to sensory regulation
How to build a sensory-friendly daily schedule

 Takeaways
The nervous system has a limited 'budget' that gets spent on daily demands.
Sensory triggers can 'cost' more for sensitive children, depleting their nervous system budget.
Proactively reducing sensory 'costs' and adding 'deposits' can help prevent dysregulation.
Understanding the nervous system budget helps foster compassion and patience.
Sleep alone does not replenish the nervous system budget; ongoing support is needed.
~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book
Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist 
The OT Butterfly Instagram
Work with Laura
The Sensory Code Newsletter
A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note!
I discuss whether a child's diagnosis influences occupational therapy treatment plans, emphasizing that while diagnoses can provide helpful context, they shouldn't define the intervention approach. I also highlight the importance of focusing on the child's current skills and needs, and when specific diagnoses like OCD require tailored strategies.

Points Discussed
Diagnosis's role in OT treatment
Focus on child's current skills
Differences in clinic settings
Impact of specific diagnoses like OCD
Using diagnosis as a guide, not a box
Supporting children with sensory needs
Takeaways
Diagnosis shouldn't be the primary focus in intervention planning.
Focus on the child's current skills and goals.
Diagnosis can inform but shouldn't limit therapy.
OCD requires specific considerations in therapy.
Many children have misdiagnoses or no diagnosis.
~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book
Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist 
The OT Butterfly Instagram
Work with Laura
The Sensory Code Newsletter
A Kids Book About Neurodiversity