Sensory Support Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
People often think sensory support means setting up picture-perfect activities, obstacle courses, or buying loads of sensory equipment to meet their child’s needs.
And I get why you might think that.
I used to believe that too, especially in my early OT days, nearly 27 years ago.
When Writing Hurts: Understanding What Your Child’s Body Is Telling You
Sadly, many adults don’t even believe kids when they say their hands hurt. They assume children are making excuses or trying to avoid work.
But here’s the truth: kids can — and often do — press so hard on their pencil that it genuinely causes pain.
All in a Year: From Pencil Refusal to Confident Writing
Every child’s writing journey looks different — and it doesn’t start with handwriting practice. It starts with supporting the body, the senses, and regulation so writing can feel possible.
Sensory Support Isn’t About Fixing — It’s About Understanding
Understanding Children’s Sensory Needs We often hear words like sensory issues, sensory problems, sensory difficulties… but the truth is, your child’s brain knows exactly what it’s doing. Their nervous system is intact—working hard to protect them, ground them, and keep them safe. Of course, this doesn’t mean things aren’t challenging. It can be very hard […]
Be More Cat: The Value of Cozy Spaces
Just like our feline friends, children often benefit from having cozy spaces where they can retreat, reset, or simply feel contained.
More or Less Sensory Input?
But remember: sensory processing is not static. Children can fluctuate between needing more and less, and many have what we call mixed responsiveness.
The ‘Calm Up to Calm Down’ Way
Most people think that calming down looks like sitting quietly, taking deep breaths, listening to soft music, or doing something still and gentle. And for some, that might work.
But for many neurodivergent people, kids and adults alike, that’s not what calming down feels like at all.
Why Your Child’s Writing Isn’t Improving (Even After All That Practice)
Writing isn’t just a cognitive skill.
It’s a complex coordination of multiple systems and it builds in a specific sequence.
At the base of this developmental pyramid is sensory processing. From there, each layer supports the next.
Join Me at the PDA Space Summit 2025: Exploring Equity for PDA’ers
As a brown, neurodivergent, single parent and Occupational Therapist, I see every day how much our systems ask kids (and families) to change themselves to fit in instead of adapting environments to effectively meet their needs. That’s why I’m so happy about the conversations this summit is bringing to the forefront.
5 Things We Learned from Rosie the Cat About Writing Struggles
She wasn’t regressing.
She was recharging for the next big step.
And it reminded me so much of the kids I’ve worked with especially those with sensitive nervous systems who become overwhelmed and avoid writing.