The Sensory Code Podcast

Laura Petix, The OT Butterfly
  • 4.9 (132)
  • Parenting
  • Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    How do I manage fidget use in my classroom?

    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 neurodiverse studentsReplacing and managing fidget misuseFidgets as tools for emotional regulation and focus  takeaways Fidgets should help students focus and regulate, not distract or harm.It's impossible to tell if a student needs a fidget just by outward behavior.Fidgets should be appropriately sized and used safely, with clear rules.When misused, fidgets should be replaced with appropriate alternatives.Fidget needs are universal, not limited to students with diagnoses.Teachers should model and normalize healthy fidget use.Having a plan for fidget removal and replacement is crucial. ~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

  2. Oct 21

    Can OT help with impulse control for my 5 year old with ADHD?

    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 ADHDTop-down and bottom-up OT strategiesEnvironmental modifications and sensory needsBuilding impulse control through games and self-awareness  takeaways OT can help children participate in daily activities by reducing barriers.Occupational therapy focuses on the things that occupy a child's time, not just jobs.OT strategies include environmental modifications, sensory regulation, and self-awareness.Games like red light, green light, and freeze dance help develop impulse control.Understanding sensory triggers and interoception is key to self-regulation. ~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

  3. Oct 14

    Help! Both my kids have opposite sensory needs. How can I support both?

    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://www.instagram.com/reel/DPt0xKuCYHJ/?igsi=azh2bmF6eG1keGZp https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSQHxiZkaFK/?igsi=MWx3MGlrdGw0d2NodQ== https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCpuRjNzaCI/?igsi=MXJ4aTZ0NXNzajRjZg== The sensory cup lesson   Key  topics Understanding neurodiversity and sensory profilesThe importance of conversations about neurodiversityCreative space management for conflicting sensory needsUsing sensory tools and zones to support regulationManaging limited space with sensory sanctuaries Takeaways You can't meet every child's needs perfectly at all times, especially in shared spaces.Talking openly about neurodiversity helps children understand and manage their needs.Creating designated zones and using sensory tools can reduce dysregulation.Limited space requires creative solutions like pop-up tents and sensory sanctuaries. Recognizing your resource limitations is key to managing expectations.~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

  4. Oct 7

    To the haters who think I’m raising a snowflake

    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 skills and self-advocacy in childrenThe role of parents in creating supportive environmentsMy new book, The Sensory Code, and its message  takeaways Supporting your child's needs does not make them 'soft' or incapable.Accommodations are similar to the strategies adults use to improve their daily lives.Haters often have unmet needs or unresolved childhood issues.Building skills alongside accommodations empowers children to advocate for themselves.Creating a supportive lifestyle benefits children at home and in school.~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

  5. Sep 30

    Proactive Regulation: The Nervous System Budget

    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 schedule  Takeaways The nervous system has a limited 'budget' that gets spent on daily demands.Sensory triggers can 'cost' more for sensitive children, depleting their nervous system budget.Proactively reducing sensory 'costs' and adding 'deposits' can help prevent dysregulation.Understanding the nervous system budget helps foster compassion and patience.Sleep alone does not replenish the nervous system budget; ongoing support is needed.~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

  6. Sep 23

    How much does diagnosis matter for OT intervention?

    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 clinic settingsImpact of specific diagnoses like OCDUsing diagnosis as a guide, not a boxSupporting children with sensory needsTakeaways 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

  7. Sep 16

    Am I over-accommodating my child?

    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

  8. Sep 9

    Top 5 things I'd do if I just realized my child was neurodivergent

    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:LivedexperienceeducatorNeurodivergent_louItsthatparentToren.wolfNeurodivergent_insightsBlackspectrumscholarFidgets.and.friesNeurotatical ~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

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Petix, The OT Butterfly
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Sensory Code Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Sensory Code Podcast

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