The Sensory Code Podcast

As an OT, I often get asked how parents should explain why their child has to go to Occupational Therapy visits.
In this episode, parents will have some guidance on preparing children for evaluations, answering their questions about therapy, and explaining OT to siblings.
You'll learn simple scripts tailored to different child ages that will help demystify the process and make OT a more positive experience.
Whether you're new to OT or a seasoned pro, I'll share my tips for communicating effectively with kids about sensory processing and how an occupational therapist can help them feel more comfortable at home and school.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What questions to ask of the OT clinic to prepare your child best
- Age-appropriate ways to explain the evaluation process to kids
- Sample scripts for talking to children about why they attend OT sessions
- Sample scripts for helping neurotypical siblings understand why their sibling attends OT

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month 2024 Apr 14, 2024

Show notes

- Episode 93: How to identify neurodiverse affirming therapists and some green flags to look for

Get ready for an info-packed episode on Occupational Therapy to celebrate this wonderful field in OT month (for U.S.).
I shared how OT can help with all different kinds of challenges like motor skills, focusing, anxiety and sensory issues. Whether assessing needs, modifying environments or teaching regulating strategies, OTs have creative solutions to support kids' skills and behaviors. From building body awareness to providing customized interventions, we get to play all day while helping kids learn. I hope this gave you a taste of what OT is all about - it was so fun sharing all the insights!
- Episode 30: How to Get Started with OT and how it can change your life

- Episode 70: An interview with Dr. Krupa Playforth on advocating for OT with your pediatrician

- Episode 24: Making the most out of OT services

- Episode 69: Understanding IEPs and 504 plans in a school-based OT setting

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Why does my child hate changes in routine? Apr 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I dive into why some kids – especially neurodivergent ones – thrive on routine and struggle when things change.
As a neurodivergent adult and occupational therapist, I'll share insights into the sensory and cognitive challenges that can make even small changes feel like big disruptions. I'll also dish out practical tips for parents to support their neurodivergent kiddos through these transitions. Join me as we uncover the secrets to smoother sailing in the unpredictable seas of routine changes.
Social story podcast:
https://theotbutterfly.com/social-stories-for-kids/sws-podcast/

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

How to provide regulation in a home with conflicting sensory needs Mar 31, 2024

Show notes

Do you feel pulled in multiple directions trying to meet the unique sensory needs of each child in your home? In this episode, I’ll dish my top strategies for balancing the often conflicting sensory profiles within families.

You'll learn practical ways to create separate sensory spaces, set clear boundaries with alternatives, and rely on sensory layering to make any environment work for everyone.

Whether you have an overstimulated child and a sensory avoider under the same roof or just struggle with dinner time chaos, you'll walk away with immediate tips you can start using tonight.

By prioritizing inclusion, boundaries and regulation for all, you'll feel more confident in your ability to meet the needs of every unique individual in your home.

Link from show:
Sensory Layering podcast episode

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Help! My child wakes up dysregulated. What do I do? Mar 24, 2024

Show notes

Parents, are you dealing with a kid who just constantly wakes up on the wrong side of the bed? NO matter what you do or offer them, they're just dysregulated no matter what.
This episode is for you. I'll help you make sense of those non-sensical moods and give you an action plan to hopefully curb some of that dysregulation.
Listen into learn:

That chronic dysregulation is a real thing and some children's nervous systems can get stuck in a state of fight or flight activation.
Why your child might be chronically dysregulated
3 in the moment tips to intercept the morning meltdown
How waking up earlier oneself can help be more present for a dysregulated child.
Ideas on how to start proactively regulating their nervous system

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Brainstorming solutions WITH our kids, instead of for them. Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I'm exploring an approach I've found really effective called collaborative problem-solving. I'll break down the steps so you can understand the process. And I'll share a real example from my own parenting journey - what happened when I tried validating my daughter's perspective and attacking the problem objectively (minimizing emotions) to find a creative solution that she could agree to? Collaborative problem solving has really shifted our dynamic from a battle of wills to a feeling of partnership.
Dr. Ross Greene's Book "The Explosive Child"

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

The Nervous System Budget: a new way to think about accommodations for neurodivergent individuals Mar 10, 2024

Show notes

I wanted to share a new concept I've been thinking about called the "nervous system budget." Basically, it's a way to visualize how different tasks and environments affect our nervous systems. I'll explain how we all have a limited amount of "nervous system cash" each day, and how certain things can cost more than others.
I'll also give some ideas for how parents can help kids spend less and save more for the things that really matter. My hope is that framing it this way can help parents be more intentional about supporting their kids' regulation.

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Journey from Referral to Recommendations: what to expect (Tips from a Clinical Psychologist) Mar 03, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Alex Reed is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and support of neurodevelopmental diagnoses across the lifespan

Alex and I are both contributors in Dr. Becky’s goodinside community- a movement and platform that we really enjoy supporting. Alex and I have so many sideline conversations about neurodiversity and are constantly sharing resources and posts that speak to our souls— they usually have to do with finding ND affirming care. So I invited Alex on today because she does most of her work within the more traditional DSM-medical model, so she can give us more insight into that lens… but more specifically, I invited her on because she and I have both been hearing about how many parents leave this process-their evaluation, their diagnosis with a referral to therapies they aren’t sure about, or they leave with more questions, or they leave feeling icky.

I’m hoping Alex can peel back some of those layers for us today so we can understand a bit more about the process and the quote unquote system– and more importantly, what’s within our control as parents if we can ONLY access those services through “the system”- what are our options to help our neurodivergent kids thrive as they are?

Find more from her on instagram @dr_alex_reed

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

Advice from a 6 year old (Lliana Q&A) Feb 25, 2024

Show notes

Liliana surprises me every single day. She’s intelligent, well spoken, mature, empathetic and so so caring. You can see all of those qualities through her in this episode, which was in part created by you who submitted questions for her to answer!

In this episode, you’ll hear Liliana give advice about

What to do when you’re worried about going to school
What to do when you can’t fall asleep
Her favorite calming techniques
What to do in the morning if you have a hard time getting up

And so much more!

~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~
The Sensory Code Book

How to use exercise to regulate your nervous system with Dr. Shannon Ritchey Feb 18, 2024

Show notes