The Sensory Code Podcast

Let's normalize screen time use in whatever way works for your family. I know as parents we are CONSTANTLY bombarded by a list of shoulds and shouldn’ts and really big, click-baity headlines that really create a lot of fear and guilt among parents. You see this for almost every childhood concern, but I see it a lot around screens. And in 2024, we’re definitely not decreasing our kids’ exposure to screens so let’s lean into it a bit and really find out- do we really need to stress about limiting screen time? Are there differences between the screentime use our kids are having, and what does this say about neurodivergent kids?

Ash Brandin, EdS (they/them) has been a public school educator for over a decade. In that time they found innovative ways of using student interests- including video games- to increase engagement and make learning more fun and effective. Since February 2021, their Instagram page- TheGamerEducator- has helped tens of thousands of families make screen time beneficial for the whole family. Ash believes screens should be part of our lives, not the center of our lives, and helps caregivers navigate the world of tech using consistent, loving boundaries. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.

Links:
https://thegamereducator.com/

@thegamereducator

20% pokpok discount using code 25OTBUTTERFLY

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

Understanding nervous system regulation with Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook Feb 04, 2024

Show notes

https://www.drjoymalikhasbrook.com/

Dr. Joy and I chat about why nervous system regulation is so important for parents and kids to understand, and how you can start to explain it to them. We then touch on how you expand the knowledge of nervous system regulation into understanding that some brains and bodies are different, and their nervous system regulation (and finding the green energy) can look different for neurodivergent kids.

Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, PsyD (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist who helps children feel seen and grownups heal. She provides regulation and resiliency-based parenting support, specializes in neurodiversity assessments with kids, and presents on nervous system regulation and neurodiversity-affirming assessment. She is a mama of 2, a highly sensitive human, and biracial of South Asian Indian/white descent. She values integrating both Asian contemplative practices and contemporary psychology into her work and is committed to anti-oppressive practices. Dr. Joy understands how challenges with dysregulation create more distress. She believes that understanding nervous system regulation leads to compassion and resiliency and that all families should have access to this information—this book is a start!

You can find more of her work at:

drjoy@drjoymalikhasbrook.com

IG @drjoy_compassionateparenting
Enter for a chance to win BOTH of our books on THIS instagram post
Register here for a FREE meet the author Q&A session on Feb 8th, 5:30 PM PST

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

100 episodes “wiser” [with Liliana] Jan 28, 2024

Show notes

Episodes we talked about:
>>What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
>>Sensory Processing Disorder: Sensory Sensitive Profile
>>High Threshold: Sensory Seekers vs. Low Registration
>>Neurodiversity and interoception with Kelly Mahler, MS OTR/L
>>The ABA Therapy Controversy
>> Why Is Your Child Acting Out? Uncovering 'The Gap' in Behavior
>>Why your child is a picky eater, and when to seek help.
>> The Number One Reason Your Kid Hates Hygiene Tasks
>> Bed time battles: Practice strategies and when to work with OT, with Dr. Tina Bryson
>> Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior?
>> Having a mixed threshold child
>>Using “sensory layering” to enhance nervous system regulation
>> How to Get Started with a Sensory Lifestyle in 5 Easy Steps
>> Proprioception: What is it and How does it Support my Child?
>> Making the most out of OT services
>> When sticker charts backfire
>>How to Talk to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity
>> Accommodation vs. Exposure for Sensory Kids

Welcome to the 100th episode of the sensory W.I.S.E. solutions podcast! I'm so excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you. In this special episode, I'll be reflecting on our journey so far and sharing some of my favorite episodes and key stats from the past 100 shows. You’ll also get to hear from my 6 year old, Lilliana who shares her perspective on neurodiversity and gives some advice to any kids with similar support needs out there. And she'll even read a few pages from my kids book, “A Kids book about neurodiversity”! Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast throughout its first 100 episodes.

Here's to many more insightful discussions around sensory processing and neurodiversity.

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

Kristi Palmer {KIVA founder} on de-stigmatizing cannabis use for millennial parents Jan 21, 2024

Show notes

https://www.kivaconfections.com/blog/kristi-palmer-kiva-co-founder-and-canna-mom

In this episode I chat with Kristi Palmer, founder of Kiva Confection edibles, about how cannabis products can be integrated into our busy lives as parents. Kristi shares how she uses edibles to manage the chaos of dinner time and her kids' bedtime routine. I also discuss how edibles help me relax in the evenings and get a great night's sleep. We talk about dosing, favorite products, educating kids, and more. If you've been curious about edibles but have reservations, give this episode a listen - it may give you the courage to try something new that could make your life a little easier!

Kristi Palmer is the co-founder and President of Kiva Confections. In 2010, Kristi and Scott Palmer were on a mission to bring the highest-quality, safest, most delicious cannabis products to consumers and began making chocolate bars out of their California home kitchen. Now established leaders in the cannabis industry, pioneering product innovation and consumer education, the company is focused on growth and expansion. Kiva offers something for everyone with their award-winning Camino and Lost Farm gummies and fruit chews, Petra mints, Terra chocolate bites, and Kiva chocolate bars. The #1 edibles maker in California, Kiva’s products can be found in 10+ states and thousands of dispensaries across the U.S.

Links:

www.kivaconfections.com

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

So your child was just diagnosed, now what? Jan 14, 2024

Show notes

Listen to this episode if you’re looking for practical next steps after your child receives an autism, ADHD, anxiety or other DSM diagnosis. Listeners will learn how to navigate the many emotions that come with a diagnosis, as I validate the relief, validation but also overwhelmed, confused or worried feelings parents may experience. I recommend taking time to process the diagnosis before making major decisions. Then I outline a step-by-step approach, including re-reading evaluation reports, starting the process for school services if recommended, researching recommended therapies, and focusing research efforts on priority areas during waiting periods for services. My hope is that by laying out this plan, parents will feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to support their child following a diagnosis.

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

How does sensory processing actually work? Jan 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I break down the basics of sensory processing in a step by step, easy to understand way. Learn how each of the 8 sensory inputs travel through our bodies, how the brain triggers a response and how that manifests in our behaviors. With this information, you’re ready to start tackling those behaviors from a more sensory informed lens!

You’ll learn:

The 5-step process of how sensory information is processed and integrated
How sensory processing happens automatically and constantly in the background to allow us to function
Why familiar routines and environments require less brain energy than new situations
What happens when our basic needs are not met

Join us for the FREE detecting Dysregulation training happening now until January 19th, 2024

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

Unscripted: My husband was the default parent for 17 days Dec 31, 2023

Show notes

Follow along as my husband and I do a quick recap of the 17 days I spent away from home while I was in the Philippines and Mark took on the role of default parent for our daughter Liliana.
We discussed how he handled the daily routines like school drop offs and meals without any reminders from me. Mark shared some funny stories like when he tried taking Lilianato a 4D movie experience that didn't go as planned (IYKYK).
Overall, Mark rose to the challenge and felt more confident in his parenting abilities after having to fully manage everything alone for over two weeks.
Both Mark and I felt this experience strengthened our family dynamic and we are all better for it.
Listen to our previous episode together more on his experience as a neurodivergent parent.

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

How to introduce neurodiversity and sensory tools to a general ed classroom Dec 17, 2023

Show notes

https://theotbutterfly.com/whole-body-listening/sws-podcast/

It’s one thing to be able to identify the best supports, tools and accommodations for your neurodivergent child, but I find that implementing it successfully in the classroom isn’t always easy. One of the things I recommend parents or teachers to do is to spend some time introducing the entire classroom to sensory tools, what they are, who they’re for, and how they help. The idea is to normalize neurodiversity early on, so that when sensory tools or fidgets are being used by an ND student in the classroom, it’s less of a disruption, there’s less stigma and more overall acceptance and awareness that different brains are beautiful!

Other related podcast episodes:
https://theotbutterfly.com/episode10/sws-podcast/

https://theotbutterfly.com/neurodiversity-talk-with-child/sws-podcast/

https://theotbutterfly.com/gifted/sws-podcast/

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

Navigating Food Allergies with Compassion: A Conversation with the Asian Allergy Mom Dec 10, 2023

Show notes

In this episode,I talk with Ina Chung, known as @theasianallergymom on Instagram. Ina shares her personal story of parenting her daughter who has food allergies to peanut, dairy and egg. She discusses how she educated herself on food allergies as a new mom and advocates tirelessly for inclusion of food allergy families. Ina offers practical tips and strategies for managing her daughter's allergies at school and in social settings. We also explore the intersections of food allergies and neurodiversity. This conversation provides valuable insights for both families living with food allergies as well as those wanting to better support their loved ones. You’ll walk away with actionable steps they can take to make food allergy families feel safe and included.

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

Identifying Neurodiverse Affirming Therapists: Green Flags to look for Dec 03, 2023

Show notes

Listen in as I discuss important signs parents can look for to determine if a therapist or clinic is neurodiverse affirming so they can make the most informed decision when looking into therapy providers for their neurodivergent child.
Links:
episode on making the most out of OT services

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