When you have a child who’s neurodivergent, should you talk to them about their neurodiversity? When should you talk to them about their neurodiversity? And most importantly, HOW do you talk to them about it? [continue reading]
Even when young children drop their last nap, research shows it’s still important for their brain to have downtime and to rest. But how on Earth do you get a young child to stay in their room if they’re not napping? Keep reading to find out more tips. [continue reading]
Did you know that development of handwriting skills depends on a solid foundation of sensory processing skills?
Really, all of our motor output (both gross and fine motor) become refined and developed after sensory skills have been established. So, it’s pretty common for some kids with handwriting challenges to have underlying sensory processing issues.
As an Occupational Therapist, I get asked all the time what my thoughts are on ABA, and if I think [continue reading]
One thing I’m always preaching to my clients, my in person clients, my virtual parent coaching clients and the parents in the Sensory WISE Solutions program is that it’s important to have the “sensory cup” talk with your child. You know, as long as they have the language capabilities to understand. It’s important for your child to understand that their brain processes sensory input differently and it’s even more important for them to understand that there’s nothing wrong with that. Listen to this episode to see how I talk about it with my 4 year old. [continue reading]
It’s so amazing how much a shift in mindset can positively impact progress in your own parenting journey as well as your neurodivergent child’s journey. Sometimes we can feel like we’re stuck, not making progress and we try to find all the right solutions and tricks and hacks, but what we need most is a mindset shift, or at least a mindset re-set.
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My whole experience of motherhood has been completely different than what I had envisioned, and that’s okay, but it needs to be talked about. I don’t love this version of motherhood. I’m not enjoying the role I play as Mom. I miss the old me. Raising a neurodivergent child is hard. So many thoughts are unraveled in this episode, and I share a lot of vulnerable thoughts and feelings about motherhood, in an unscripted way. I also share a lot of confessions and frustrations that other moms have shared with me. [continue reading]
It’s our job as parents and educators to make sure that our children’s learning styles and sensory needs are supported and accommodated in the classroom. What are some of the classroom modifications and accommodations we can ask for to support our children with sensory differences? I’ll answer that in this podcast episode. [continue reading]
Ever wonder what the best preschool program would be for your child with SPD? Find out what questions you should be asking teachers and what to look out for when you tour preschools. [continue reading]
Halloween is coming up and if you have a child with SPD, you may be wondering how you can make it a successful night! I’ve got tips and tricks for you to prepare for Halloween, trick or treating and avoiding as much dysregulation as possible! [continue reading]
What exactly is Sensory Processing Disorder? Who can diagnose SPD? How can I get support if I suspect my child has SPD? I answer all these questions and more in this podcast episode. [continue reading]
Let’s talk about vestibular input. It’s more than just swinging and spinning. There’s actually 5 types of vestibular input, let’s learn about them! [continue reading]
*Note: this post contains affiliate links A high-stimulus environment like the dentist is always troubling as a parent of a [continue reading]
Even though Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not currently listed as a DSM diagnosis, the presentation of SPD as a [continue reading]
So you do the heavy work, you do the home program your OT gives you and follow all the suggestions [continue reading]
If you have a child who has sensory sensitivities and is a sensory avoider, then you’re no stranger to their [continue reading]
I bet if you went to Pinterest or instagram right this very second and typed in: “sensory play ideas”, you’d [continue reading]
Dealing with sensory issues with clothing in children is a daily battle. Sometimes, multiple times a day. But how do [continue reading]
What exactly is proprioceptive input and why do Occupational Therapists keep talking about it? If you’ve never heard of the [continue reading]
We all know a kid who inherently NEEDs to move their body all day long. But have you ever noticed [continue reading]
If you know a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, you probably know what sensory dysregulation looks like, you just might [continue reading]
*note: this post contains affiliate links If you follow me around instagram, you’re no stranger to me talking in length [continue reading]
It’s the height of quarantine, my poor girl is getting tired of the same activities, same people and same toys [continue reading]
One of the challenges of having an under-responsive student is that they don’t initiate the seeking or requesting of particular [continue reading]
Aside from sensory integration and a sensory diet to follow at home, these games/activities below provide good opportunity to practice graded force skills. [continue reading]
Ever wish you could rewind and inject some wisdom into your old self, courtesy of a more wise, experienced, new [continue reading]
Empowering parents to be their child's best advocate.
-Laura Petix MS OTR/L