114 episodes
Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents Laura Petix, The OT Butterfly
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- Kids & Family
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4.9 • 114 Ratings
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Calling all parents! Do you have a neurodivergent child with sensory processing challenges or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Looking for some practical tips and advice from an Occupational Therapist’s expert in sensory development? This podcast is for you! Every week, Laura Petix, (aka The OT Butterfly) will educate you on the impact that sensory processing has on your child’s learning and behavior. She’ll teach you the why behind your child’s behavior, how to identify their sensory profiles, how to support them using sensory strategies and how you can engage with them using the just right challenge. Being a parent of a child with SPD can feel so isolating, but Laura’s here to let you know, you are not alone. Get comfy, press play and imagine yourself hanging out with your new OT mom bestie.
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Why wiggle cushions AREN’T helping your child sit still
This week I'm diving into some sneaky reasons why some sensory kids might be wigglers that have nothing to do with needing more movement. Prepare to get your mind blown as I break down the connection between core strength, posture, and focus. I'll also give you tons of do's and don'ts for supporting these kiddos in the classroom. By the end you'll be armed with all the deets to help your little learner shine without extra distractions.
You’ll learn:
- The hidden connection between core strength, posture, and attention abilities
- Common signs that weak core muscles may be to blame for fidgety behavior
- Why approaches like weighted vests or inflated seating options can backfire
- Practical seating solutions and positioning tips to support learning
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book -
Helping Kids Understand Occupational Therapy: A Guide for Parents
As an OT, I often get asked how parents should explain why their child has to go to Occupational Therapy visits.
In this episode, parents will have some guidance on preparing children for evaluations, answering their questions about therapy, and explaining OT to siblings.
You'll learn simple scripts tailored to different child ages that will help demystify the process and make OT a more positive experience.
Whether you're new to OT or a seasoned pro, I'll share my tips for communicating effectively with kids about sensory processing and how an occupational therapist can help them feel more comfortable at home and school.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- What questions to ask of the OT clinic to prepare your child best
- Age-appropriate ways to explain the evaluation process to kids
- Sample scripts for talking to children about why they attend OT sessions
- Sample scripts for helping neurotypical siblings understand why their sibling attends OT
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book -
Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month 2024
Get ready for an info-packed episode on Occupational Therapy to celebrate this wonderful field in OT month (for U.S.).
I shared how OT can help with all different kinds of challenges like motor skills, focusing, anxiety and sensory issues. Whether assessing needs, modifying environments or teaching regulating strategies, OTs have creative solutions to support kids' skills and behaviors. From building body awareness to providing customized interventions, we get to play all day while helping kids learn. I hope this gave you a taste of what OT is all about - it was so fun sharing all the insights!
- Episode 30: How to Get Started with OT and how it can change your life
- Episode 93: How to identify neurodiverse affirming therapists and some green flags to look for
- Episode 70: An interview with Dr. Krupa Playforth on advocating for OT with your pediatrician
- Episode 24: Making the most out of OT services
- Episode 69: Understanding IEPs and 504 plans in a school-based OT setting
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book -
Why does my child hate changes in routine?
In this episode, I dive into why some kids – especially neurodivergent ones – thrive on routine and struggle when things change.
As a neurodivergent adult and occupational therapist, I'll share insights into the sensory and cognitive challenges that can make even small changes feel like big disruptions. I'll also dish out practical tips for parents to support their neurodivergent kiddos through these transitions. Join me as we uncover the secrets to smoother sailing in the unpredictable seas of routine changes.
Social story podcast:
https://theotbutterfly.com/social-stories-for-kids/sws-podcast/
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book -
How to provide regulation in a home with conflicting sensory needs
Do you feel pulled in multiple directions trying to meet the unique sensory needs of each child in your home? In this episode, I’ll dish my top strategies for balancing the often conflicting sensory profiles within families.
You'll learn practical ways to create separate sensory spaces, set clear boundaries with alternatives, and rely on sensory layering to make any environment work for everyone.
Whether you have an overstimulated child and a sensory avoider under the same roof or just struggle with dinner time chaos, you'll walk away with immediate tips you can start using tonight.
By prioritizing inclusion, boundaries and regulation for all, you'll feel more confident in your ability to meet the needs of every unique individual in your home.
Link from show:
Sensory Layering podcast episode
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book -
Help! My child wakes up dysregulated. What do I do?
Parents, are you dealing with a kid who just constantly wakes up on the wrong side of the bed? NO matter what you do or offer them, they're just dysregulated no matter what.
This episode is for you. I'll help you make sense of those non-sensical moods and give you an action plan to hopefully curb some of that dysregulation.
Listen into learn:
That chronic dysregulation is a real thing and some children's nervous systems can get stuck in a state of fight or flight activation. Why your child might be chronically dysregulated3 in the moment tips to intercept the morning meltdownHow waking up earlier oneself can help be more present for a dysregulated child.Ideas on how to start proactively regulating their nervous system
SDBC Waitlist
Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast
The OT Butterfly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Work with Laura: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/parentconsult
Buy "A kids book about neurodiversity" : www.theotbutterfly.com/book
Customer Reviews
Q & A with Lilliana
Just listened to the episode that was a Q&A with Liliana. So so sweet. I love hearing her little voice and listening to how she answers the questions. I’m going to listen to it again when my son “just happens to be” within earshot. I think it will be nice for him to hear from a kid almost the same age about some of the same feelings he has.
OT and Mom of a sensory sensitive kid
I’m an OT who works in the public school setting AND I have an almost 3 year old with tactile sensitivity and anxieties that I believe have stemmed from that. I completely related to her story and her life with Liliana. Even as an OT myself I have learned so much from listening to this podcast. Even things I did know have been refreshed and re-framed in my mind in very helpful ways. Thank you for sharing and don’t stop!
A real relatable mom that I can trust
I love listening to Laura. After a long time following her on IG I finally got around to listening to her podcast and I love how much more in depth information I can soak up from her. She talks about real relatable parenting when dealing with neurodivergence, anxiety, etc. and it’s so refreshing to listen to her. Like listening to a mom friend talk (even though you can’t talk back). I find her voice very soothing and comforting as well :-)
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