The Sensory Code Podcast

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! In this episode of the Sensory Code Podcast, I reflect on a personal realization about my daughter's accommodations as she turned nine. I discuss the complacency that can arise in parenting, particularly in providing support for children with sensory processing differences. I emphasize the importance of encouraging independence in daily tasks and the need for continuous assessment of accommodations to foster self-advocacy and personal growth in children. Takeaways I was complacent with the routine accommodations for my daughter. I realized I was holding her back by not reassessing her needs. Accommodations can become habitual and unexamined over time. It's important to encourage independence in daily living skills. Children should learn to ask for the accommodations they need. Development happens under the surface, and children can surprise us. We should continuously check in with our children's needs. Teaching children to advocate for themselves is crucial. Accommodations may be lifelong, and that's okay. The goal is to help children understand their sensory needs. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Summary Let me tell you about the top five actions I would take if I just discovered my child was neurodivergent. I emphasize the importance of pausing to process the information, embracing accommodations, documenting progress, taking proactive steps for occupational therapy, and communicating about neurodivergence in a positive and affirming light. Takeaways Pause and process before taking action. Accommodations can make daily life easier. Documenting progress helps recognize growth. Don't wait for referrals; seek occupational therapy directly. Communicate about neurodivergence in a positive way. Links & Resources: Instagram video: how to ask your pediatrician for an OT referral Autistic/ Neurodivergent content creators: Livedexperienceeducator Neurodivergent_lou Itsthatparent Toren.wolf Neurodivergent_insights Blackspectrumscholar Fidgets.and.fries Neurotatical ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast — now The Sensory Code Podcast. Every week, pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix helps you view behavior through a nervous system lens. When parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists understand how sensory processing differences affect learning and behavior, it changes the game forever. Laura brings a unique POV to the table: her clinical experience as a pediatric OT, her lived experience as a neurodivergent, ADHD, sensory-sensitive person, and her firsthand knowledge of parenting a neurodivergent child. However you're showing up — parent, provider, or both — you're in the right place. Just pull up a chair, grab your fidget, and lock in. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! I’m an Occupational Therapist, and I’m also a Mom with an invisible mental load that never ends. Screen time is a tool that I am NOT afraid to use. But not all screen time is created equal. Some games or apps are more dysregulating than others, which is probably a HUGE reason for the meltdowns and behaviors that come up when it comes to turning off the device. Since the day I was introduced to Pok Pok (in 2021) until now, this has remained our ONE app that has never, and I mean NEVER caused behaviors or meltdowns. Melissa Cash is the Co-Founder and CEO at Pok Pok, the award-winning company reinventing healthy screen time for kids. One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2024, Melissa is also an advocate and start-up advisor for women and underrepresented founders. Previously, she was a Product Designer for the Walt Disney Company and worked at start-ups in Europe and Canada. Esther Huybreghts is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Pok Pok. With a Master's degree in Animation from the RITCS institute in Brussels, Belgium, she's the creative visionary behind the award-winning children's app Pok Pok, reimagining the way young children interact with technology from the ground up. Ready to try Pok Pok for yourself? Click [ here ] and use code 25OTBUTTERFLY for a 25% off annual subscription, and a 7 day free trial! ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Listen to this short and sweet episode to help you understand the difference between kids who enjoy some sensory input, and kids who NEED some sensory input to function properly in their day. I'm tired of hearing comments like "but all kids do that!" or "aren't we all a little on the spectrum?" and this episode is my attempt to address those conversations. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Did you know some kids are getting their recess taken away as punishment for not focusing, being distracted, not getting their work done, and other behavioral issues in the classroom? Maybe you’re the parent to a child who has had this done to them. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have both made public statements emphasizing the necessity of at least 20 minutes of recess for elementary aged kids, and they both further state that recess should never be taken away as a punitive measure. This episode breaks down those research briefs and gives you the tools to advocate so that your child never misses out on their right to recess again. Here are the links mentioned: AAP statement State Policies Database CDC + springboard brief Results from the School Health Policies and Practices Study 2014 Sign up for the Sensory Detectives BootCamp ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Many of us are back into the swing of things at school, and with that comes so much more dysregulation! Listen in as I talk about where that dysregulation comes from and how you can try to get ahead of it (key word: try!). You’ll learn: What dysregulated behaviors are common to see after school How after school restraint collapse looks different for neurodivergent kids Some immediate ways to regulate the nervous system right at school pick up What kinds of sensory strategies to try after school once you get home ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Listen in to this episode to hear more context and insight behind some of the wording and passages I used in my book, A kids book about neurodiversity. You might be surprised to learn that this book’s intended audience is actually neurotypical kids, because I want to spread awareness and acceptance and celebration for our neurodivergent kids; it shouldn’t always be left up to us neurodivergent folks and families to constantly explain ourselves and our kids’ behaviors and needs to the world; what if we lived in a world where everyone just knew that there are variations among humans? Register for the free 60 minute masterclass here. Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" here. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Listen in to this casual, story time episode where I catch you up to speed with my anxiety/ADHD journey and why I stopped medication. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Do you ever feel like your patience runs out before your coffee does? In this episode, we focus on why it's essential for parents, teachers, and caregivers to prioritize their own regulation. It's not just about being able to stay calm when your child spills cereal all over the floor—it's about being equipped to handle life's daily challenges with a sense of calm and control. Join me as I share some straightforward and practical strategies for self-regulation that you might already be doing without realizing their true potential. From chewing gum to changing your clothes, discover how these simple acts can actually help you maintain your cool. We’ll dive into the science behind why our bodies react the way they do and explore how we can proactively use these sensory strategies to reclaim our brain's resources and be the best versions of ourselves for our kids. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The importance of self-regulation for parents and caregivers. How to identify your own cues of dysregulation and what they might look like for you. The neuroscience behind why our bodies go into "protective mode" during stress and how it affects our ability to multi-task. Simple sensory strategies you can use throughout the day My most IMPORTANT tip for implementing these sensory strategies ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Are you receiving constant feedback about your child's behavior or learning challenges in the classroom? In this episode, we explore why classroom accommodations are crucial for neurodivergent children and how they can transform your child's educational experience. I'll touch on sensory needs, emotional regulation, and executive functioning, offering general starting points to advocate for your child's unique needs. Join us for the upcoming school accommodations workshop on August 11th https://theotbutterfly.com/schoolworkshop ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! The size of the problem is a common lesson therapists and teachers use to teach kids emotional regulation skills. As I have learned more about the neurodivergent community, I’ve started thinking about this lesson in a different late and want to share that with you in this episode. Don’t worry, it’s not all bad! ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! The transition to summer comes with so many emotions and behaviors, it can be really exhausting. There are ways to support your neurodivergent child through this transition. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the transition from end of school to summer vacation is difficult How to handle big feelings around the end of school How to optimize regulation at home How to structure your time at home ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Calling all millennial parents! Did you grow up hearing things like: "Because I said so!" "You're too old to be acting like that!" "Give your Grandma a hug, don't be rude!" "If you don't clean up these toys, I'm throwing them away!" "I told you that would happen! You never listen." Our parents were doing the best with the information they had-- not to mention, many of them also growing up with the same narrative. Well, in the age of gentle parenting and respectful parenting, our generation is now doing the work to unlearn all of those and go off script as we try to raise a more emotionally intelligent generation. In this episode, Stephanie and I share examples of what it sounds like to set healthy boundaries in a respectful way with your kids. Register for the Chaos 2 Connection Summit for free HERE. Stephanie lives in Sydney, Australia with her family and is a certified Emotional Intelligence coach, paediatric anxiety therapist, and ex-speech pathologist. She is the founder of Let's Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids, an online community of over 90,000 parents. Her ground-breaking book, From Chaos to Connection, was published in March 2023 and was an immediate Amazon Best Seller. Stephanie was appointed as the Emotional Intelligence Mentor for Australia’s Nurture Parenting Magazine in 2021. She has also been featured in numerous international parenting summits and conferences and has now hosted 2 virtual parenting conferences with speakers from across the globe. Her platform focuses on supporting parents in learning how to manage their emotions, frustrations and stress so that they are happier, calmer and connect more deeply with their kids. She also helps parents to raise emotionally intelligent kids, who are self-aware and positively manage their emotions and behaviour. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! If you have a sensory seeker and you're in need of easy, indoor ideas to keep them both entertained AND regulated... this is the episode for you. Listen to this episode (sponsored in part, by Figgy) to hear 7 sensory based movement activities to do inside with your sensory seeker. Here's a link to grab your own Figgy couch with a $20 discount ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! If you have a child who’s been sick recently, you’ve probably found yourself wondering “Why are they so moody?” “why do they seem more sensitive than before?” You’re not imagining it. The nervous system is in a state of stress when it’s fighting viruses, ailments and bugs. Sensory systems are more impacted and so is behavior. Listen to this episode to feel validated for an experience you might have had recently or a reminder for what to expect next time. Stay till the end to hear my practical tips that I think every neurodivergent parent needs to know when helping their child transition back to “normal life” after an illness. PS- If you’re listening to this episode before June 30th, there’s time to register for my FREE masterclass, “4 steps to less stressful daily routines with your sensory sensitive child (without using punishments or sticker charts)” Register at THEOTBUTTERFLY.COM/4Steps Can’t wait to see you there! ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Are you a late diagnosed adult with childhood trauma relating to their missed/ignored neurodivergent needs who is NOW trying to provide better support for their own neurodivergent child? *Sigh* us too. Join Marcela Collier, certified parenting coach and neurodivergent mom to discuss our journey to accepting our neurodivergent brains and advocating for our own needs so we can better show up for our kids. Marcela Collier is a certified Parenting coach and former Therapeutic Care Provider-TFC, who specializes in helping parents break free from angry reactions, become secure parents, and raise emotionally healthy children. She is the founder of HIC Parenting Education Agency who has supported 14,151 parents to date in becoming secure parents through courses and coaching programs. She is a neurodivergent mom of twins with sensory processing needs. Instagram @highimpactclub Marcela interviews me on her podcast: Spotify link apple link Website: HICparenting.com ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! It’s 2024, self-pleasure, masturbation, orgasms…. It’s one of the most natural, fun, immediate ways to regulate our bodies, why should we be ashamed of it? Listen in to this unfiltered discussion about changes to intimacy after becoming parents and how burnt out, touched out moms can start getting bringing sexy back! Dr. Tracy Dalgleish helps empower women and couples to improve their communication and build strong and healthy connections with themselves and their partner through therapy, wellness seminars, and her work outside of the therapy room. She contributes to popular media sites, including Motherly, Huffington Post, and Bustle. In addition to hosting the podcast, “I’m not your shrink” where she dives deeper into clinical knowledge and research in a relatable and informal way, her book “I Didn’t Sign Up For This: Stories of Unlocking Old Patterns and Finding Joy in Your Relationship” is a fantastic resource, which I highly recommend. Dr. Tracy is a mom of two young children and owner of Ottawa’s mental health clinic, Integrated Wellness, she knows what it means to balance the full load. Learn more from Dr. Tracy: Dr. Tracy website Dr. Tracy’s free guide to nurturing intimacy Dr. Tracy instagram Dr. Tracy book Come as you are book ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Dr. Miyabe Shields, is a Ph.D. pharmaceutical scientist who specialized in the structural biochemistry of the endocannabinoid system for drug discovery. They have received national and international recognition for their pre-doctoral research in the endocannabinoid system and industrial accomplishments in the cannabis and emerging psychedelics industries. After co-founding a cannabis research startup post-PhD, they delved into rare extract and formulation research, exploring heat-transformed cannabinoids and developed a novel form of cannabis extraction. Miyabe transitioned to community education and science advocacy through social media and podcasts, reaching over 6 million people. Shifting away from production-focused roles, they now advocate for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and psychedelics for neurodivergent brains. They co-founded the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), a new research non-profit, to disseminate real-world applications of the synergies of nature by analyzing data and communicating research and educational information to the public. In this episode, we’ll talk all about the difference between ways to take in cannabis, the different ingredients, and how this can be helpful (or harmful) to various neurotypes. Again, please keep in mind- this is not medical advice. This is just a discussion between 2 neurodivergent adults who happen to use cannabis as a tool in our regulation toolbox, sharing our lived experience and clinical research. Miyabe's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyabeshields Miyabe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miyabephd/ Miyaboe's Research: https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity

What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Restaurants are a multi-sensory experience, and if you've got a neurodivergent child, you know that multi-sensory doesn't always necessarily mean a good thing. Between the sensory overload, confined space and social expectations of "behaving" in a restaurant, it makes sense why eating out as a family feels stressful for some families. Today I'll peel back the layers and talk about the specific triggers that are contributing to dysregulation, and give strategies to best support your children. Plus hacks for keeping busy at the table. Related episodes: Social stories Postural Endurance and wiggly kids Interoception episode with Kelly Mahler Interoception episode (Laura only) ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT Butterfly Instagram Work with Laura The Sensory Code Book The Sensory Code Newsletter A Kids Book About Neurodiversity