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...
Oct 21, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 133
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. **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist Episode tr...
Sep 16, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 132
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 kids...
Sep 09, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 131
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 kids Some immediate ways to regulate the nervous system right at school pick up What...
Sep 02, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 130
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 and...
Aug 26, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 129
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. **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Sensory Detectives Boot camp 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....
Aug 19, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 128
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 sel...
Aug 12, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 127
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 the upcoming school...
Aug 05, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 126
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! **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podca...
Jul 29, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 125
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 difficult How to handle big feelings around the end of school How to optimize regulation at home How to structure your time at home **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Sensory De...
Jul 22, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 124
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Calling all millennial parents! Did you grow up hearing things like: "Because I said so!" "You're too old to be acting like that!" "Give your Grandma a hug, don't be rude!" "If you don't clean up these toys, I'm throwing them away!" "I told you that would happen! You never listen." Our parents were doing the best with the information they had-- not to mention, many of them also growing up with the same narrative. Well, in the age of gentle parenti...
Jul 15, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 123
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! If you have a sensory seeker and you're in need of easy, indoor ideas to keep them both entertained AND regulated... this is the episode for you. Listen to this episode (sponsored in part, by Figgy) to hear 7 sensory based movement activities to do inside with your sensory seeker. Here's a link to grab your own Figgy couch with a $20 discount **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Sensory Detectives Boot camp Waitlist Episode transcript: http...
Jul 08, 2024•18 min•Season 3Ep. 122
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! If you have a child who’s been sick recently, you’ve probably found yourself wondering “Why are they so moody?” “why do they seem more sensitive than before?” You’re not imagining it. The nervous system is in a state of stress when it’s fighting viruses, ailments and bugs. Sensory systems are more impacted and so is behavior. Listen to this episode to feel validated for an experience you might have had recently or a reminder for what to expect nex...
Jun 24, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 121
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Are you a late diagnosed adult with childhood trauma relating to their missed/ignored neurodivergent needs who is NOW trying to provide better support for their own neurodivergent child? *Sigh* us too. Join Marcela Collier, certified parenting coach and neurodivergent mom to discuss our journey to accepting our neurodivergent brains and advocating for our own needs so we can better show up for our kids. Marcela Collier is a certified Parenting coa...
Jun 17, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 120
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! It’s 2024, self-pleasure, masturbation, orgasms…. It’s one of the most natural, fun, immediate ways to regulate our bodies, why should we be ashamed of it? Listen in to this unfiltered discussion about changes to intimacy after becoming parents and how burnt out, touched out moms can start getting bringing sexy back! Dr. Tracy Dalgleish helps empower women and couples to improve their communication and build strong and healthy connections with the...
Jun 10, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 119
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Dr. Miyabe Shields, is a Ph.D. pharmaceutical scientist who specialized in the structural biochemistry of the endocannabinoid system for drug discovery. They have received national and international recognition for their pre-doctoral research in the endocannabinoid system and industrial accomplishments in the cannabis and emerging psychedelics industries. After co-founding a cannabis research startup post-PhD, they delved into rare extract and for...
Jun 03, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 118
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Restaurants are a multi-sensory experience, and if you've got a neurodivergent child, you know that multi-sensory doesn't always necessarily mean a good thing. Between the sensory overload, confined space and social expectations of "behaving" in a restaurant, it makes sense why eating out as a family feels stressful for some families. Today I'll peel back the layers and talk about the specific triggers that are contributing to dysregulation, and g...
May 27, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 117
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Whether attending other celebrations or hosting your own, birthday parties can often be overwhelming due to sensory and emotional regulation challenges. However, with proper preparation and accommodations, we can minimize distress and help our neurodivergent kids fully participate and enjoy the experience. In this episode, I'll share my go-to strategies for birthday party guest OR host preparation. **We are currently on a hiatus until 2025** Senso...
May 20, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 116
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Tune in to hear us discuss the benefits of nature-based occupational therapy with Dr. Laura Park Figueroa. We explore how incorporating natural elements into therapy can help children build skills while regulating their nervous systems. I share some of my own experiences as an "indoor cat" to highlight how nature-based approaches aren’t always inherently sought out, but still incredibly important. Dr. Laura Park Figueroa, PhD, OTR/L is a pediatric...
May 13, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 115
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live as an undiagnosed Autistic person living in a neurotypical world? Maybe you’re a parent to a nonspeaking child or a child who’s too young to be able to properly express their experience. Learning from actually Autistic adults is one of the most valuable things you can do for your Autistic child and other Autistic individuals in the world, and today, we’re lucky enough to be hearing from one of my favor...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 114
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 lear...
Apr 29, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 113
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 p...
Apr 22, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 112
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 interven...
Apr 15, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 111
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 ...
Apr 08, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 110
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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 sens...
Apr 01, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 109
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! 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...
Mar 25, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 108
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! In this episode, I'm exploring an approach I've found really effective called collaborative problem-solving. I'll break down the steps so you can understand the process. And I'll share a real example from my own parenting journey - what happened when I tried validating my daughter's perspective and attacking the problem objectively (minimizing emotions) to find a creative solution that she could agree to? Collaborative problem solving has really s...
Mar 18, 2024•16 min•Season 3Ep. 107
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! I wanted to share a new concept I've been thinking about called the "nervous system budget." Basically, it's a way to visualize how different tasks and environments affect our nervous systems. I'll explain how we all have a limited amount of "nervous system cash" each day, and how certain things can cost more than others. I'll also give some ideas for how parents can help kids spend less and save more for the things that really matter. My hope is ...
Mar 11, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 106
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Dr. Alex Reed is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and support of neurodevelopmental diagnoses across the lifespan Alex and I are both contributors in Dr. Becky’s goodinside community- a movement and platform that we really enjoy supporting. Alex and I have so many sideline conversations about neurodiversity and are constantly sharing resources and posts that speak to our souls— they usually have to do with finding ND affir...
Mar 04, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 105
What'd you think of the episode? Send me a note! Liliana surprises me every single day. She’s intelligent, well spoken, mature, empathetic and so so caring. You can see all of those qualities through her in this episode, which was in part created by you who submitted questions for her to answer! In this episode, you’ll hear Liliana give advice about What to do when you’re worried about going to school What to do when you can’t fall asleep Her favorite calming techniques What to do in the morning...
Feb 26, 2024•26 min•Season 3Ep. 104
