38. Revisiting Tricky Behaviors & The Holidays Through A Sensory Emotional Lens

The holidays can be stressful for our sensory-emotional children and their caregivers. That’s why we want to revisit an earlier episode and share resources that may be helpful as we navigate the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

You may have noticed some behaviors resurfacing in recent weeks. The period leading up to the holidays and major events can be challenging for our sensory-emotional kids and their families. At Great Kids, several of our families have reported that their children are experiencing increased neediness and are asking for help with tasks they were previously able to handle on their own. We are also seeing more intense emotions, increased meltdowns, yelling, hitting, and avoidance.

This behavior is to be expected. In this episode, "Revisiting Tricky Behaviors & The Holidays Through A Sensory-Emotional Lens," Michele and special guest Kristin Ray delve into these issues and provide expert insights.

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Why these behaviors are resurfacing (hint: it’s not regression)

• Different reactions that you can expect using a sensory emotional lens

• How to monitor your expectations, emotions, and responses to the situation

• Overall tips on how to handle these tricky moments 

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About

Michele Parkins MS, OTR/L IMH-E®

Founder & Director, Great Kids Place Founder, Sensory Emotional Engagement Model™

Michele is an Occupational Therapist specializing in working with children and families with Sensory Processing and Integration Disorders and challenges in social-emotional development. She is also a parent of two sensory kids. She works and lives sensational kids! Michele is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR, and Sensory Treatment and Research Institute faculty.

Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and continues to do so as a clinician and educator. She educates therapists from all over the country and world and continues to provide consultation to schools on treatment for sensory processing disorder. Michele has co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the textbook for sensory evaluation and treatment, alongside world-renowned pioneers in the field, and is currently writing a book to help support parents and families to understand better the impact of SPD on family dynamics and relationships and the day to day demands of life with sensory processing differences.

Kristin Ray, MOT, OTR

Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place

Kristin is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder with advanced training from the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute on the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder.  Kristin has also completed the infant toddler pyramid model training, which focuses on evidence-based practices for promoting social and emotional development.  Along with this specialized training, Kristin is a mom of 2 young children, one of whom has sensory processing differences, and draws on her personal experience to inform her practice.  She is particularly passionate about the impact of SPD on family relationships, daily routines, and social-emotional engagement.