The Happy Sensory Corner

Mendability
The Happy Sensory Corner

Welcome to 'The Happy Sensory Corner' – the podcast where we explore the world of sensory enrichment and environmental enrichment to treat neurological conditions. Through insightful discussions, interviews with experienced experts in a variety of fields, from nutrition to psychology, and inspiring stories of resilience, we uncover the secrets to success in raising a child with complex needs. Discover practical strategies, sensory enrichment protocols, and evidence-based practices that can transform lives one episode at a time.

  1. Chakras, brain plasticity, and neurodivergence - Vantana Atara

    -3 H

    Chakras, brain plasticity, and neurodivergence - Vantana Atara

    Vandana Atara Aura, a certified medical Reiki master, shares how energy healing can regulate the nervous system, why neurodivergent individuals often have heightened intuitive abilities, and how gentle touch can help those who struggle with sensory overwhelm. These are areas close to Vandana’s heart, as she has seen firsthand how energy healing has helped her neurodivergent son find calm and balance. Claudie Pomares, co-founder of Mendability, brings in the neuroscience perspective, explaining how soft touch releases serotonin and fosters brain plasticity. She shares practical sensory enrichment strategies, including how to use scent in a way that helps de-escalate meltdowns and promote relaxation. Episode Highlights 08:03 – What does it mean for a chakra to be “open” or “blocked”? Vandana explains how energy imbalances show up in neurodivergent individuals. 15:40 – Are neurodivergent people naturally more intuitive? Vandana shares her perspective on why people on the spectrum often have heightened telepathic abilities. 19:33 – Reiki for self-regulation: Why it works so well for people who struggle to calm themselves down. 27:35 – A powerful story: How Reiki helped bullied neurodivergent teens regain confidence and reclaim their personal power. 29:43 – The surprising way smell can trigger dopamine and how parents can use olfactory enrichment at home. 30:55 – Essential oils vs. food flavoring for scent therapy—what works best and why Mendability takes a different approach. 35:26 – A simple way to introduce scents without overwhelming sensory-sensitive kids. 39:40 – How brain plasticity plays a role in sensory healing, and why personalized therapy plans matter. 42:40 – Claudie explains how soft touch directly impacts the brain, triggering serotonin release and fostering relaxation. 51:43 – The most rewarding part of Vandana’s work: Teaching neurodivergent kids Reiki and watching them thrive.

    49 min
  2. Stretching, not stressing: A better way to help kids grow - Andrea Pollack

    -5 J

    Stretching, not stressing: A better way to help kids grow - Andrea Pollack

    How can parents move beyond managing behavior to truly understanding their child's needs? In this episode, Andrea Polalck—founder of Autism Parent Solutions and an expert in parenting children with autism—shares her approach to addressing the root causes of behavior rather than just reacting to it. We discuss: • Shifting from discipline to connection: Why focusing on a child’s unmet needs creates lasting change. • Building parenting confidence: How parents can trust their instincts and move past guilt. • Meeting children where they are: Why setting realistic expectations isn’t lowering the bar but creating a path for growth. We also explore how sensory enrichment can help children self-regulate after a stressful day. Claudie shares practical, brain-based strategies—including a simple routine to restore serotonin levels and help kids transition smoothly from school to home. Episode Highlights (00:10:14) “The universe channeled me right back where I was meant to be.” Andrea shares how she went from being a lawyer to homeschooling her autistic son. (00:15:10) “Managing behavior felt like playing whack-a-mole.” Andrea explains why behavior-focused parenting wasn’t working and what changed everything. (00:16:53) “It’s not just negative behaviors—positive behaviors can be misunderstood too.” Andrea on why recognizing a child’s strengths is just as important. (00:22:27) Claudie breaks down how serotonin depletion impacts behavior and what parents can do to naturally restore it. (00:23:00) A bath-time sensory routine that helps children transition from overstimulation to calm. (00:41:28) “Meeting a child where they’re at isn’t giving up—it’s the only way they’ll move forward.” Andrea reframes expectations in a way that empowers parents. (00:52:42) Claudie explains how smell interrupts meltdowns by triggering a reset in the brain.

    41 min
  3. DNA Testing to Find Out Why You’re Always Tired (And What to Do) - Dr. Tamar Lawful

    1 MARS

    DNA Testing to Find Out Why You’re Always Tired (And What to Do) - Dr. Tamar Lawful

    This episode covers: How genetics affect your health – Dr. Tamar Lawful, a top pharmacist blending genomics and nutrition, explains how DNA can shape your body's response to stress, inflammation, and energy levels.Why parents need to prioritize their own well-being – Dr. Tamar shares why parents should put their health first and how doing so ultimately benefits their child.Practical ways to improve brain function through nutrition – Dr. Tamar breaks down simple dietary changes that can help optimize brain health and reduce inflammation.Dr. Tamar explains how genetic testing can help parents understand their unique health needs and make small but powerful changes that impact their energy, mood, and overall well-being. She also discusses how common stress-related health issues—like inflammation and oxidative stress—can be managed through food, sleep, and lifestyle changes. Claudie shares how sensory enrichment therapy helps children regulate stress and build resilience. She discusses specific techniques, like using scent and touch, to naturally boost serotonin and improve sleep. Key moments you don’t want to miss: [11:09] – Why Dr. Tamar became a pharmacist: A personal story about her grandmother’s illness and how it shaped her mission to help people stay healthy before they get sick.[18:19] – The surprising reason why parents should give themselves a bigger share of time and energy before giving to their kids.[22:06] – The math behind burnout: Kim breaks down how parents who give 120% to their child are actually giving 120% of nothing.[27:51] – How long does it take to feel better? Dr. Tamar reveals that many parents see results—better energy, sleep, and mood—within 7-10 days of making simple health changes.[38:26] – Inflammation and autism: Why reducing inflammation might help children with developmental delays.[43:39] – Does DNA testing work for kids? Dr. Tamar confirms that children can benefit from personalized nutrition based on their genetics.[50:00] – Can sensory enrichment build resilience to stress? Claudie explains how sensory activities help regulate cortisol and strengthen the brain’s ability to handle anxiety.[56:35] – Kim considers taking a DNA test after realizing how much genetics influence stress and health.[1:06:29] – The ultimate brain-boosting foods: Dr. Tamar reveals what to eat for better focus, mood, and long-term cognitive health (hint: kale is on the list).[1:19:11] – Why generic health advice doesn’t work: Dr. Tamar explains how genetic testing gives parents their own personal health roadmap—no more guessing or Googling.

    1 h 16 min
  4. How we react to our kids teaches them who they are - DJ Stutz

    24 FÉVR.

    How we react to our kids teaches them who they are - DJ Stutz

    In this episode, we welcome DJ Stutz, an experienced educator and parenting coach, to talk about three key topics that shape the way we raise and support children with special needs: - Managing Power Struggles - Avoiding Situations Where Children Internalize Self-Doubt. - How to Handle Public Meltdowns Without Being Judged. Claudie joins the conversation to explain how brain development plays a role in emotional regulation and learning, and she shares practical sensory enrichment techniques to help children feel calmer, safer, and more engaged. Episode Highlights: [3:39] DJ shares how being the eldest of seven siblings shaped her lifelong passion for parenting and education. [6:02] Kim reacts to DJ’s realization that many “challenging” childhood behaviors are completely normal—just misunderstood. [10:15] DJ explains how subtle parental behaviors can reinforce negative self-perceptions in children. [15:54] Claudie breaks down how sensory processing impacts emotional regulation and learning. [19:06] Claudie shares a simple but powerful technique using physical contact and wait time to encourage language development. [20:00] Kim passionately explains how traditional therapies can unintentionally make kids feel broken rather than supported. [22:15] Claudie explains why parents should encourage babbling in older children as a stepping stone for speech development. [26:00] DJ tells a heartwarming story about a stranger’s kindness during a public meltdown—and why parents should let go of embarrassment. [28:15] DJ encourages parents to “ditch embarrassment” and focus on what their child truly needs. [33:00] Claudie describes how sensory enrichment activities help children with self-regulation and speech development. [38:27] DJ gives a practical grocery shopping strategy that helps children feel trusted, involved, and calm. DJ is offering a FREE Parent Perspectives Workshop on the 4th Thursday of every month to help you navigate various parenting challenges and connect with other parents. Sign up here: imperfectheroes.com

    47 min
  5. Labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves - Anne Poirier

    18 FÉVR.

    Labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves - Anne Poirier

    Anne Poirier, intuitive eating counselor and author of The Body Joyful, shares: - How parental food beliefs shape children’s eating habits and relationships with food. - Strategies for parents to navigate sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating. - Why self-care for parents is critical to fostering a positive family food culture. Claudie adds practical sensory enrichment techniques, like playful games, to help children feel less anxious and more curious about food. Episode Highlights [05:11] Anne shares her personal journey: “Helping others not struggle with food the way I did is my mission.” [09:10] Anne challenges food morality: “Labeling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ impacts how children see themselves.” [10:47] Anne discusses emotional connections to food: “For many, food equals relaxation and pulls us out of negative emotions.” [16:36] Anne on trusting children with food choices: “If they eat candy all day, they’ll learn how it makes them feel.” [20:10] Anne on sneaking nutrients: “Smoothies respect texture preferences while adding variety.” [25:30] Claudie highlights cultural food experiences: “Warm, rich dishes engage senses better than bland ones.” [27:43] Anne on parental influence: “Parents often transfer their own food beliefs onto their children, creating unnecessary stress.” [35:09] Anne on long-term learning: “Food choices, even candy, are an opportunity to teach children how different foods make them feel.” [37:56] Claudie describes sensory enrichment: “Turn food into play with creative landscapes using rice, celery, and beans.” [48:49] Anne explains the ripple effect: “When parents relax about food, it creates a calmer atmosphere for the whole family.” [51:45] Anne on self-awareness for parents: “Pay attention to how often you say ‘should’ when making food choices—it’s a clue about your relationship with food.” Links: https://shapingperspectives.com/meet-annie-poirier/

    42 min
  6. Learned to read at 62... time to rethink dyslexia? - David Chalk

    3 FÉVR.

    Learned to read at 62... time to rethink dyslexia? - David Chalk

    Topics covered in this episode: • Overcoming Reading Challenges: David Chalk shares his personal journey—from struggling with dyslexia, face blindness, and other cognitive hurdles to learning to read at 62—and explains how a flow-based, gamified method can revolutionize learning for neurodivergent children and adults. • Gamification & Flow in Education: David details how creating a state of flow through focused attention, immediate feedback, and belief transforms the traditional reading process into an engaging, almost magical experience. • Sensory Enrichment for Emotional Regulation: Claudie demonstrates a practical sensory enrichment technique—using an ice pack paired with a vanilla scent—to stimulate dopamine release and reset the brain, helping ease stress and improve emotional regulation. Episode Highlights [2:00] – He candidly shares, “I could understand some words but. But the context of reading was the impossibility for me." [8:00] – David recalls vivid childhood memories—the boat ride to Canada, the train ride, and sensory details—that illustrate his remarkable, photographic memory. [13:00] – He recounts the painful humiliation in school when he was singled out and labeled “dumb,” a turning point that fueled his fierce determination to learn. [29:35] – David reveals the transformative moment in his breakthrough: “I found the secret was the focus, the flow, the attention, the belief. Reading transformed into something almost magical.” [32:12] – He describes entering a state of flow during his reading breakthrough: “Time disappeared... it was like magic,” capturing the moment learning became effortless. [34:53] – David reflects on how this breakthrough shifted his reading ability from struggling with simple words to reading fluidly, emphasizing that he wasn’t unintelligent—he simply wasn’t taught correctly. [40:43] – David explains his natural flow of reading: he sees words as part of an uninterrupted stream, reinforcing his innovative, holistic approach. [50:32] – Claudie introduces a sensory enrichment game by explaining how an ice pack combined with a vanilla scent can trigger dopamine release, effectively resetting the brain’s state and easing stress.

    52 min
  7. Every meltdown or fear is a window into what your child needs most from you - Carrie Lingenfelter

    29 JANV.

    Every meltdown or fear is a window into what your child needs most from you - Carrie Lingenfelter

    In this episode, we explore three transformative topics with Carrie Lingenfelter, a former speech therapist, early childhood interventionist, and advocate for conscious parenting: The role of spiritual awareness and high sensitivity in children’s development – Carrie shares how parents can support neurodiverse and highly sensitive children by nurturing their emotional and spiritual connections. Reducing pressure and fostering connection for better communication – Carrie discusses how parental energy and mindful approaches can empower children to express themselves. Practical strategies to balance demands and fill the "love bucket" – Carrie provides tools for helping children manage sensory and emotional overload in today’s fast-paced world. Claudie Pomares, creator of Sensory Enrichment Therapy, contributes her expertise on how specific sensory activities can rewire the brain for better resilience and emotional regulation. She also shares practical, brain-based protocols parents can use at home to help their children feel happier and more grounded. [0:07] Carrie explains how parents’ energy and pressure can either support or hinder a child’s communication, highlighting the importance of slowing down and connecting. [11:01] Carrie shares how hypersensitivity may be part of humanity's evolution and why it’s crucial to embrace children’s unique sensitivities rather than trying to suppress them. [16:33] Claudie describes a sensory enrichment activity involving walking on a narrow beam with a blindfold and cold object to foster self-awareness and build brain connections. [23:39] Carrie discusses the concept of the “demand bucket” and how parents can avoid overloading their children with stress by balancing expectations with emotional support. [28:42] Claudie introduces a calming after-school protocol involving a lavender-scented bath, warm robes, foot massages, and art slideshows with music to restore serotonin and oxytocin levels. [34:49] Carrie shares a heartfelt story of how her son overcame his fear of water through slow, intentional exposure, emphasizing the importance of trust and patience. [47:08] Carrie and Claudie discuss the lasting impact of trauma and why gradual progress is essential for children with heightened sensitivities. [54:47] Claudie explains how sensory enrichment activities can help children recognize themselves as individuals, boosting self-esteem and promoting emotional growth.

    58 min
  8. The power of bedtime and car rides for meaningful conversations - Dara Erck

    21 JANV.

    The power of bedtime and car rides for meaningful conversations - Dara Erck

    This episode features Dara Erck, founder of SAM+LEO, a company creating innovative health products specifically for teens. We explore three key topics: - The role of family conversations in fostering emotional well-being and how parents can use tools like "news highlights" to connect with their teens. - Practical strategies for managing screen time and supporting mental health in today’s digital age. - The pressure to be perfect is crushing kids. Repair is a parenting superpower—don’t let guilt stop you from using it. Episode Highlights 00:00 Dara identifies the gap in teen-specific health products and shares how SAM+LEO fills this void with accessible and empowering solutions for teens. 06:14 Dara highlights the importance of family conversations and shares her favorite tools, such as using news highlights during car rides to spark meaningful discussions. 11:03 Dara explains why screen time isn’t just about hours spent but also the type of engagement (e.g., scrolling vs. purposeful interaction). 15:37 Dara discusses how schools can complement home efforts in supporting teens’ mental health and academics. 20:39 Dara shares her personal experience with co-parenting and navigating differing opinions about parenting decisions. 27:33 Claudie explains how sensory enrichment games at Mendability work by stimulating multiple parts of the brain simultaneously to foster natural growth and happiness in children. 31:12 Dara emphasizes the importance of modeling imperfection for kids, sharing how showing vulnerability can reduce perfectionist tendencies in children. 38:02 Dara introduces the concept of repair in parenting and why it’s never too late to apologize and reconnect with your child.

    43 min
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À propos

Welcome to 'The Happy Sensory Corner' – the podcast where we explore the world of sensory enrichment and environmental enrichment to treat neurological conditions. Through insightful discussions, interviews with experienced experts in a variety of fields, from nutrition to psychology, and inspiring stories of resilience, we uncover the secrets to success in raising a child with complex needs. Discover practical strategies, sensory enrichment protocols, and evidence-based practices that can transform lives one episode at a time.

Informations

  • Création
    Mendability
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    54
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Mendability
  • Site web de l’émission
    The Happy Sensory Corner

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