Sensory Made Simple

Why does your child behave perfectly at school — but fall apart the moment they get home?  Or maybe it’s the opposite: they’re totally fine with you, but struggling every day at school. In this episode, we’re breaking down why your child’s sensory needs can look completely different depending on where they are — and what that really says about their nervous system. Highlights from this episode: 🎙️...

Some sensory challenges don’t look like sensory issues at all — they show up as little things most parents miss. In this episode, we unpack subtle red flags that might actually be signs your child’s sensory system is struggling. Highlights from this episode: 🎙️ Why falling behind in gymnastics might be more than motor skills 🎙️ What constant leaning or clinginess could really mean 🎙️ The small sig...

Parenting a child with sensory needs? Learn how simple systems can reduce daily overwhelm. If you're constantly putting out fires—mealtime battles, meltdowns, skipped therapies—and wondering how other parents manage it all, this episode is for you. I'm sharing how creating flexible systems helped me stop living in constant reaction mode, and how you can start building your own. Episode Hig...

Family outings with sensory-sensitive kids can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and anything but fun. In this episode, we’re digging into why outings like zoo trips, museums, and family events are so hard for kids with sensory processing challenges—and what might actually help. Highlights from this episode:  🎙️  Why family outings are a perfect storm  for sensory overload 🎙️  A real-life example  fr...

Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage®, shares his journey raising an autistic child—navigating the grief after diagnosis, handling tough transitions, and planning for the future. If you’re a parent trying to figure out how to support your child long-term, this episode has honest, real-life experiences you can relate to. 🎙️  Moving from the initial denial and grief  of his son’s autism dia...

Morning meltdowns? Discover  why  they happen in sensory kids—and what actually helps. This episode is perfect for parents looking for sensory parenting tips, morning routine help, and support for transitions. Episode Highlights: 🎙️  The real reason your child struggles  with morning transitions 🎙️  How sensory needs (and poor sleep) affect behavior  from the moment they wake 🎙️  Simple ways to su...

Why do birthday parties feel so hard for kids with sensory differences? In this episode, we break down what’s really going on and how to make parties feel less overwhelming—for both your child and you. Highlights from this episode: 🎙️ Why birthday parties are a common trigger for sensory overload 🎙️  The difference between sensory avoiding and seeking  behaviors at parties 🎙️  Tips to prepare  bef...

If your child eats the same foods every day, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the small but effective steps I take as an OT and feeding therapist to keep variety in my son’s diet—despite how limited it's been lately. Highlights from this episode: 🎙️  Simple ways to rotate foods  to prevent burnout 🎙️  The importance of always offering a safe food s at meals 🎙️  How continuing to offe...

If your child is hitting, screaming, or flat-out refusing to do anything, it can feel like a never-ending struggle. But what if it’s not “bad behavior”? It could be their sensory system trying to tell you something. Let’s break it down and figure out how to respond in a way that actually helps. 🎙️  Why sensory needs show up as  “behaviors”   🎙️  Common behaviors  & what they mean from a sensor...

Ever wonder if your child is a sensory seeker or avoider—but feel like the answer isn’t so clear-cut? One minute they’re bouncing off the walls, and the next, they refuse to touch something because the texture freaks them out. In this episode, we’re breaking down what sensory seeking and avoiding  really  mean, plus how to tell where your child fits and what to do with that info! 🎙️ What sensory s...

Why do some kids jump, crash, and seek movement while others seem fine—until they suddenly shut down? Understanding active vs. passive sensory responses is the key to decoding your child’s behaviors and preventing meltdowns before they start! Highlights from this episode: 🎙️  What are active and passive  sensory responses 🎙️  Why they matter 🎙️  How understanding this helps you  prevent meltdowns...

Is your child’s meltdown always a surprise? It shouldn't be! You  may  be missing subtle sensory hints you're child's giving you  before  things escalate. In today’s episode, I'm sharing how you can start spotting this hints, and stop walking on eggshells. 🎙️  Recognizing physical signs  like fidgeting, withdrawing, or changing behavior before a meltdown. 🎙️  Why hearing "this is boring"  might be...

Feeling overwhelmed by meltdowns and sensory struggles? Learn why those random sensory strategies aren't working for  your  child, and what you can do better. 🎙️  Why understanding your child’s sensory needs  can reduce meltdowns and predict behaviors. 🎙️  What’s really happening  inside your child’s body 🎙️  How knowing your child’s sensory style helps stop walking on eggshells  and brings pe...

Ever wonder what sensory sensitivity actually  feels  like? As both an OT and a sensory-sensitive mom, I’m sharing my personal experiences—what sets me off, how my body reacts, and what happens when I get completely overwhelmed. 🎙️  The sensory triggers that make my skin crawl  (literally!) 🎙️  The difference between sensory quirks  and true sensory challenges 🎙️  How my sensory sensitivity shows...

For children with sensory sensitivity and overload, simple everyday moments—like a trip to the store or getting dressed—often turn into meltdowns. It’s not just frustrating for them (or you)—it’s emotionally exhausting,  because it feels like  too much  to handle. In this episode, we’ll help you truly understand what sensory sensitivity and overload  mean  for your child and how you can respond in...

If your child struggles with eating, Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) could be the missing piece. Many parents haven’t even heard of PFD, but understanding it could explain why mealtimes are so tough. And navigating insurance for feeding therapy? That’s another challenge entirely. That’s why I sat down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to help break it all down. In this episode: What P...

Struggling with how to discipline your child who has sensory needs? 😔 You’re not alone. When a child is experiencing sensory issues, traditional disciplining often only makes the situation worse. But there’s hope! 🌟 Join me in this episode as we dive into: What is discipline different for children with sensory issues? Does time-out work for sensational children? How do I teach them that somethin...

💍 Want to strengthen your marriage while raising kids with sensory differences? In this episode, Michelle Purta, a mom and marriage coach, shares her personal journey and practical tips for managing parenting challenges and maintaining a strong partnership. In this episode, we’re chatting all about:  The difference between coaching and psychologist  Her personal experience as a mom of 2 children...

Does it feel like your child barely eats? 🫣 Can you count on one hand how many foods your child eats? Does it feel like no matter what you try, they just refuse to try anything new? Then you're going to LOVE this episode. 🎙 What we're chatting about:   Are all kids picky?   When should I be concerned?   Will it always be this way?   I don’t know where to start   My child just refuses when...

Get behind the scenes with me as I answer your most frequently asked questions since the arrival of baby C: How's he sleeping? How's eating What's going on with his neck/head? What's going to happen with the business now? Tune in as I share some personal life insights (which you know is very rare!) Legal***This post/podcast is not sponsored. The opinions and content of this blog/po...

🦸‍♂️ Tired of trying to keep up with the supermom facade? Join Melissa Clampitt and I as we dive into shedding societal expectations, finding authenticity in motherhood, and prioritizing self-care without the guilt. In this episode, we'll explore: Melissa's personal struggle with the supermom facade The liberating power of being true to yourself as a parent Why waiting for the kids to gro...

🧠 Dive into the command center of your child's mind with executive functioning expert Carrie Bonnett! Learn how improving executive functioning skills can unlock your child's full potential and empower them for success in school and beyond. 🚀 In this episode, we discuss: What executive functioning really means and why it's crucial for your child's development. Practical strategie...

🌙 Struggling with bedtime? Dive into the world of restful nights with Lindsey Clark, Autism & Anxiety Sleep Coach! Learn expert tips to help your sensational child snooze more peacefully and through the whole night. 😴 Join us as we chat about: Lindsey's journey into autism & anxiety sleep specialization Differentiating between autism and anxiety sleep issues Tips for soothing sleep r...

🍎 Looking for expert tips on nutrition for your challenging eater? Join us as registered dietitian Chanel Kenner shares invaluable insights on childhood nutrition!   In this episode we cover: Identifying signs that your child may not be eating enough Red flags for parents to watch out for in their child's eating habits Exploring the debate between fruits and veggies for kids Insights into sup...

Uncover the world of autism from a psychologist's point of view with Dr. Taylor Day in this episode, "Inside the Psychologist's Office: From Evaluation to Empowerment." 🌈 🧠 🔍 Join me as I chat with Dr. Tay about: Practical insights on autism evaluation 🤔 Signs parents should look for in their child 👀 Neurodiversity affirming care explained 🤝 Rethinking meltdowns: A psycholo...