The Sensory Code Podcast

Episodes

• 
  Morning Routine tips for executive functioning/adhd overwhelm and refusal 04.11.2026 13m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Let’s talk about effective morning routine strategies for children with executive functioning challenges, particularly those with ADHD. I’ll talk about the importance of simplifying routines, setting realistic expectations, and using visual cues to help children navigate their mornings more smoothly. This conversation covers practical tips for parents to streamline tasks, encourage independence, and create a less chaotic start to the day. Tak...
• 
  How do I manage fidget use in my classroom? 28.10.2026 11m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! In this episode, I discuss the nuances of using fidgets in the classroom, addressing common challenges teachers face and sharing practical rules to support neurodiverse students while maintaining a focused learning environment. key topics Fidget rules and boundaries in the classroomDifferentiating students who need fidgets from those who don'tGuidelines for safe and effective fidget useThe importance of inclusive strategies for ne...
• 
  Can OT help with impulse control for my 5 year old with ADHD? 21.10.2026 12m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Summary In this episode, I explore how occupational therapy can support children with ADHD, especially in managing impulse control. I share insights on how OTs assess and tailor interventions to help kids participate fully in their daily occupations and develop lifelong self-regulation skills. key topics What occupational therapy is and isn'tHow OT helps with developmental milestonesOccupations and barriers for children with ADH...
• 
  Help! Both my kids have opposite sensory needs. How can I support both? 14.10.2026 11m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Summary Learn how to manage conflicting sensory needs among children, especially in limited spaces, and emphasize the importance of understanding neurodiversity. I’ll also share some practical strategies for creating supportive environments and fostering better communication about sensory needs. Check these reels for examples of talking to kids about neurodiversity https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_08gSxS0_/?igsi=MWdtbXB1NW12dGg4dg== https://...
• 
  To the haters who think I’m raising a snowflake 07.10.2026 11m

  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 childrenAddressing criticism and misconceptions about supporting childrenBuilding ski...
• 
  Proactive Regulation: The Nervous System Budget 30.09.2026 14m

  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 frameworkProactive sensory support strategiesSensory processing differences and behaviorApplication of the spoon theory to sensory regulationHow to build a sensory-friendly daily schedu...
• 
  How much does diagnosis matter for OT intervention? 23.09.2026 13m

  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 treatmentFocus on child's current skillsDifferences in cl...
• 
  Am I over-accommodating my child? 16.09.2026 12m

  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...
• 
  Top 5 things I'd do if I just realized my child was neurodivergent 09.09.2026 13m

  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 eas...
• 
  WELCOME TO THE SENSORY CODE PODCAST 25.08.2026 2m

  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 liv...
• 
  The best app for kids that won’t leave them in tears… even when they need to turn it off 20.10.2024 49m

  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 remai...
• 
  “But everyone does that!” and other things people say about neurodiversity 15.09.2024 17m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 all kids do that!" or "aren't we all a little on the spectrum?" and this episode is my attempt to address those conversations. ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ The Sensory Code Boo...
• 
  Recess is necessary for all kids- stop taking it away! 08.09.2024 27m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 to them. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have both made public statements emphasizing the necessity of at least 20 minutes of recess for elementary aged k...
• 
  "Help! My child is so dysregulated after school" 01.09.2024 26m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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!). You’ll learn: What dysregulated behaviors are common to see after school How after school restraint collapse looks different for neurodivergent kidsSome immediate ways to regulate the nervous system right a...
• 
  A kids book about neurodiversity (Author’s notes version) 25.08.2024 22m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 neurotypical kids, because I want to spread awareness and acceptance and celebration for our neurodivergent kids; it shouldn’t always be left up to us neurodivergent folks and families to constantly explain ourselves ...
• 
  story time: updates on my medication & diagnosis journey 18.08.2024 35m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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. ~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
• 
  9 stupid-simple self regulation tools for parents (that don’t include deep breaths) 11.08.2024 22m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 your child spills cereal all over the floor—it's about being equipped to handle life's daily challenges with a sense of calm and control. Join me as I share some straightforward and practical strategies for ...
• 
  Does my child need classroom accommodations? 04.08.2024 27m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 your child's educational experience. I'll touch on sensory needs, emotional regulation, and executive functioning, offering general starting points to advocate for your child's unique needs. Join us for th...
• 
  Re-AIR: The "size of the problem" lesson & why I don't use it anymore 28.07.2024 28m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 share that with you in this episode. Don’t worry, it’s not all bad! ~Formerly known as The Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Pocast~ The Sensory Code Book Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist The OT But...
• 
  RE-AIR: How to support regulation around the summer break 21.07.2024 24m

  What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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: Why the transition from end of school to summer vacation is difficultHow to handle big feelings around the end of school How to optimize regulation at home How to structure your time at home ~Formerly known as The Sens...