A candid conversation on parenthood with Dr. Ann Louise Lockhart

 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 that framing it this way can help parents be more intentional about supporting their kids' regulation. 

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

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 affirming care. So I invited Alex on today because she does most of her work within the more traditional DSM-medical model, so she can give us more insight into that lens… but more specifically, I invited her on because she and I have both been hearing about how many parents leave this process-their evaluation, their diagnosis with a referral to therapies they aren’t sure about, or they leave with more questions, or they leave feeling icky. 

I’m hoping Alex can peel back some of those layers for us today so we can understand a bit more about the process and the quote unquote system– and more importantly, what’s within our control as parents if we can ONLY access those services through “the system”- what are our options to help our neurodivergent kids thrive as they are? 

Find more from her on instagram @dr_alex_reed

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

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 if you have a hard time getting up 

And so much more!

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

We cannot co-regulate our kids if we aren’t regulated ourselves. And most of us (I’m raising both of my hands here) need to make extra effort to activate our parasympathetic nervous system because our sympathetic nervous systems can go into overdrive so quickly as parents to neurodivergent kids. Chronic dysregulation and chronic sympathetic nervous system activation is definitely a THING, our kids can experience, and we can too. And when we’re chronically dysregulated, literally everything in our day just becomes harder, less efficient, and we become crankier, more burnt out, and less able to access the best parenting skills. I put off creating an exercise routine for a long time because I  just wasn’t the most active person and it didn’t motivate me- which I’ll share in the podcast, but trust me when I say- it’s true! It’s true what they say- consistent movement in a way that feels good to your body, that incorporates a good warm up and cool down can do WONDERS for your mental health, and I am truly a better parent and wife now that I have a fitness regime that works for me.

Dr. Shannon is a former physical therapist and the founder of Evlo Fitness. Her mission is to help women get stronger and build muscle with less strain on their bodies. She believes in the power of educating about the physiology of our bodies to create fitness programs that aren’t overly depleting or exhausting. 

This episode dives in to:

> A little background on my workout journey 

> Why it’s important to NOT skip the cool down in an exercise program 

> What is gentle consistency (™) and how can it help you maintain an active lifestyle that works for you

> How to get started with an exercise routine if you feel completely overwhelmed 

Links: 

Fit Body, Happy Joints podcast episodes Laura recommends: 

Is walking enough?

Productive vs. unproductive stress

Nervous system tools to improve your results

How to train your nervous system

Code THEOTBUTTERFLY on www.evlofitness.com for 1 month free trial 

Evlo fitness instagram

Dr Shannon instagram

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

Let's normalize screen time use in whatever way works for your family. I know as parents we are CONSTANTLY bombarded by a list of shoulds and shouldn’ts and really big, click-baity headlines that really create a lot of fear and guilt among parents. You see this for almost every childhood concern, but I see it a lot around screens. And in 2024, we’re definitely not decreasing our kids’ exposure to screens so let’s lean into it a bit and really find out- do we really need to stress about limiting screen time? Are there differences between the screentime use our kids are having, and what does this say about neurodivergent kids? 

Ash Brandin, EdS (they/them) has been a public school educator for over a decade. In that time they found innovative ways of using student interests- including video games- to increase engagement and make learning more fun and effective. Since February 2021, their Instagram page- TheGamerEducator- has helped tens of thousands of families make screen time beneficial for the whole family. Ash believes screens should be part of our lives, not the center of our lives, and helps caregivers navigate the world of tech using consistent, loving boundaries. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family. 

Links: 
https://thegamereducator.com/

@thegamereducator

20% pokpok discount using code 25OTBUTTERFLY

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

Dr. Joy and I chat about why nervous system regulation is so important for parents and kids to understand, and how you can start to explain it to them. We then touch on how you expand the knowledge of nervous system regulation into understanding that some brains and bodies are different, and their nervous system regulation (and finding the green energy) can look different for neurodivergent kids. 

Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, PsyD (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist who helps children feel seen and grownups heal. She provides regulation and resiliency-based parenting support, specializes in neurodiversity assessments with kids, and presents on nervous system regulation and neurodiversity-affirming assessment. She is a mama of 2, a highly sensitive human, and biracial of South Asian Indian/white descent. She values integrating both Asian contemplative practices and contemporary psychology into her work and is committed to anti-oppressive practices. Dr. Joy understands how challenges with dysregulation create more distress. She believes that understanding nervous system regulation leads to compassion and resiliency and that all families should have access to this information—this book is a start!

You can find more of her work at: 

https://www.drjoymalikhasbrook.com/

drjoy@drjoymalikhasbrook.com

IG  @drjoy_compassionateparenting
Enter for a chance to win BOTH of our books on THIS instagram post
Register here for a FREE meet the author Q&A session on Feb 8th, 5:30 PM PST

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

Welcome to the 100th episode of the sensory W.I.S.E. solutions podcast! I'm so excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you. In this special episode, I'll be reflecting on our journey so far and sharing some of my favorite episodes and key stats from the past 100 shows. You’ll also get to hear from my 6 year old, Lilliana who shares her perspective on neurodiversity and gives some advice to any kids with similar support needs out there. And she'll even read a few pages from my kids book, “A Kids book about neurodiversity”! Thanks so much for listening and supporting the podcast throughout its first 100 episodes. 

Here's to many more insightful discussions around sensory processing and neurodiversity.

Episodes we talked about:
>>What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
>>Sensory Processing Disorder: Sensory Sensitive Profile
>>High Threshold: Sensory Seekers vs. Low Registration
>>Neurodiversity and interoception with Kelly Mahler, MS OTR/L
>>The ABA Therapy Controversy
>> Why Is Your Child Acting Out? Uncovering 'The Gap' in Behavior
>>Why your child is a picky eater, and when to seek help.
>> The Number One Reason Your Kid Hates Hygiene Tasks
>> Bed time battles: Practice strategies and when to work with OT, with Dr. Tina Bryson
>> Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior?
>> Having a mixed threshold child
>>Using “sensory layering” to enhance nervous system regulation
>>  How to Get Started with a Sensory Lifestyle in 5 Easy Steps
>> Proprioception: What is it and How does it Support my Child?
>> Making the most out of OT services
>> When sticker charts backfire
>>How to Talk to Your Child About Their Neurodiversity
>> Accommodation vs. Exposure for Sensory Kids

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

In this episode I chat with Kristi Palmer, founder of Kiva Confection edibles, about how cannabis products can be integrated into our busy lives as parents. Kristi shares how she uses edibles to manage the chaos of dinner time and her kids' bedtime routine. I also discuss how edibles help me relax in the evenings and get a great night's sleep. We talk about dosing, favorite products, educating kids, and more. If you've been curious about edibles but have reservations, give this episode a listen - it may give you the courage to try something new that could make your life a little easier!

Kristi Palmer is the co-founder and President of Kiva Confections. In 2010, Kristi and Scott Palmer were on a mission to bring the highest-quality, safest, most delicious cannabis products to consumers and began making chocolate bars out of their California home kitchen. Now established leaders in the cannabis industry, pioneering product innovation and consumer education, the company is focused on growth and expansion. Kiva offers something for everyone with their award-winning Camino and Lost Farm gummies and fruit chews, Petra mints, Terra chocolate bites, and Kiva chocolate bars. The #1 edibles maker in California, Kiva’s products can be found in 10+ states and thousands of dispensaries across the U.S.

Links:

www.kivaconfections.com

https://www.kivaconfections.com/blog/kristi-palmer-kiva-co-founder-and-canna-mom 

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

Listen to this episode if you’re looking for practical next steps after your child receives an autism, ADHD, anxiety or other DSM diagnosis. Listeners will learn how to navigate the many emotions that come with a diagnosis, as I validate the relief, validation but also overwhelmed, confused or worried feelings parents may experience. I recommend taking time to process the diagnosis before making major decisions. Then I outline a step-by-step approach, including re-reading evaluation reports, starting the process for school services if recommended, researching recommended therapies, and focusing research efforts on priority areas during waiting periods for services. My hope is that by laying out this plan, parents will feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to support their child following a diagnosis.

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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

In this episode, I break down the basics of sensory processing in a step  by step, easy to understand way. Learn how each of the 8 sensory inputs travel through our bodies, how the brain triggers a response and how that manifests in our behaviors. With this information, you’re ready to start tackling those behaviors from a more sensory informed lens!

You’ll learn: 

• The 5-step process of how sensory information is processed and integrated
• How sensory processing happens automatically and constantly in the background to allow us to function
•  Why familiar routines and environments require less brain energy than new situations
• What happens when our basic needs are not met 

Join us for the FREE detecting Dysregulation training happening now until January 19th, 2024

Sensory Detectives Bootcamp 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