The Sensory Code Podcast

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

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~
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
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~
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