Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents
Calling all parents! Do you have a neurodivergent child with sensory processing challenges or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Looking for some practical tips and advice from an Occupational Therapist’s expert in sensory development? This podcast is for you! Every week, Laura Petix, (aka The OT Butterfly) will educate you on the impact that sensory processing has on your child’s learning and behavior. She’ll teach you the why behind your child’s behavior, how to identify their sensory profiles, how to support them using sensory strategies and how you can engage with them using the just right challenge. Being a parent of a child with SPD can feel so isolating, but Laura’s here to let you know, you are not alone. Get comfy, press play and imagine yourself hanging out with your new OT mom bestie.
Episodes
134 episodes
The best app for kids that won’t leave them in tears… even when they need to turn it off
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 dys...
“But everyone does that!” and other things people say about neurodiversity
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...
Recess is necessary for all kids- stop taking it away!
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 ...
"Help! My child is so dysregulated after school"
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!).
A kids book about neurodiversity (Author’s notes version)
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 neurotypi...
story time: updates on my medication & diagnosis journey
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.
9 stupid-simple self regulation tools for parents (that don’t include deep breaths)
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 you...
Does my child need classroom accommodations?
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 yo...
Re-AIR: The "size of the problem" lesson & why I don't use it anymore
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...
RE-AIR: How to support regulation around the summer break
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:
Re-writing the script: Unlearning childhood narratives with Stephanie Pinto
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 a...
Keeping sensory seekers entertained AND regulated (easy solutions you can do at home!)
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 acti...
Why Is My Child's Behavior Worse When They're Sick?
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 ...
Breaking generational & cultural cycles as a neurodivergent parent with Marcela Collier
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 ...
Your Body, Your Rules: Masturbation, Orgasms & intimacy with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
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...
THC, CBD and Neurodiversity, with Dr. Miyabe Shields Ph.D.
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 researc...
Why are restaurants so hard for my neurodivergent child and how can I help them?
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" i...
Neurodivergent kids & birthday parties: the struggle is real
Whether attending other celebrations or hosting your own, birthday parties can often be overwhelming due to sensory and emotional regulation challenges. However, with proper preparation and accommodations, we can minimize distress and help our ...
Helping Kids Thrive Outdoors with Nature-Based OT featuring Dr. Laura Park Figueroa
Tune in to hear us discuss the benefits of nature-based occupational therapy with Dr. Laura Park Figueroa. We explore how incorporating natural elements into therapy can help children build skills while regulating their nervous systems. I share...
How an Autism Diagnosis Saved Paige Layle's Life: Interview
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live as an undiagnosed Autistic person living in a neurotypical world? Maybe you’re a parent to a nonspeaking child or a child who’s too young to be able to properly express their experience. Learning fr...
Why wiggle cushions AREN’T helping your child sit still
This week I'm diving into some sneaky reasons why some sensory kids might be wigglers that have nothing to do with needing more movement. Prepare to get your mind blown as I break down the connection between core strength, posture, and focus. I...
Helping Kids Understand Occupational Therapy: A Guide for Parents
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 abo...
Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month 2024
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...
Why does my child hate changes in routine?
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 cogniti...
How to provide regulation in a home with conflicting sensory needs
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.Yo...
