The Sensory Code Podcast

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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

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~
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’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~
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