Episode Summary
People are sensory beings and all day everyday our bodies are hard at work processing the sensory stimuli that exists in our world. Some of us are sensitive to sensory input and may shy away from certain types of stimuli, while others might crave input and go out of their way to seek it out. Problems within the sensory systems occur when people have difficulty processing and integrating the information which leads to negative effects on how people function within their daily lives.
Laura Petix, MS, OTR/L joins the show today to talk about all things sensory. She shares her role as an occupational therapist working within a sensory gym and the importance of educating parents to explain what sensory integration is and how it affects development. We dive deep into how to bridge the gap between providing therapy in a sensory clinic and how best to facilitate carry over for the clients at home, school and in the community.
In addition to her work as an occupational therapist working in pediatrics, Laura also shares her personal journey as a mom with a child who has sensory needs and how this has impacted her practice. To hear more from Laura, you can follow her @TheOTButterfly.
Show Notes
Sarah and Laura discuss:
- Her favorite weekend occupation
- The lack of lunch breaks as a pediatric OT
- My secret to hot lunches on the go: https://amzn.to/3212ums
- Laura’s favorite food
- Our sensory quirks
- How she explains sensory processing to parents
- Facilitating parents to be validated with their feelings
- The importance of education for the caregivers in order to carry-over techniques at home
- Bridging the gap between working in the clinic environment and home or school
- Using the just right challenge for the kids and when providing strategies for the parents
- How she structures her sensory treatments
- Following the child’s lead
- Celebrating the small wins
- Her path into OT
- Her journey with sensory difficulties with her daughter
- How she navigates being an OT and a mom
- The impact of being a parent of a child with sensory needs on her practice as an OT
- Advice for therapists
- What is the meaning behind the name The OT Butterfly?
- Teachers Pay Teachers- The OT Butterfly: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Ot-Butterfly
- Classroom Sensory Strategies Guidebook: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Sensory-Strategies-Editable-Guidebook-for-Teachers-4704627
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theotbutterfly
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theotbutterfly
Website: https://www.theotbutterfly.com