If you work with or care for people with sensory integration or sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia (DCD) or special needs, Sensory Chat is for you.

Toddlers and Eating: A Sensory Perspective

Series 1, Episode #1

In the first episode of Sensory Chat, the therapists chat over the common challenges that toddlers face with mealtimes. What should we be expecting of 2- and 3-year-olds at mealtimes? What skills do toddlers need to be able to successfully eat? How does their ability to sit up and sit still at the table affect their eating? Are tablets on the table a help or a hindrance? Why do we need to consider family and cultural contexts relating to mealtimes and how do our own sensory preferences affect our children’s mealtime experience? It’s all covered in the podcast along with some handy tips and reassurance for struggling parents and carers.

Eating Out With Children: A Sensory Perspective

Series 1, Episode #2

Eating out with very young children can be a frantic rather than fun experience. Particularly if your child gets easily overwhelmed or over-excited. Listen in as four experienced therapists chat about how to make taking your toddler to a cafe or restaurant be less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family. Get tips on how to help your child be prepared for the experience. Learn how a stomping walk beforehand can help your child sit for longer later. What should you look for when choosing a child-friendly restaurant - and we don’t just mean the menu. This episode of Sensory Chat is aimed at parents but will also be useful for teachers and professionals. 


Getting Dressed: A Sensory Perspective

Series 1, Episode #3

Is every morning a struggle to get your preschooler dressed? This episode of Sensory Chat is for you, particularly if your little one has sensory issues around clothing or struggles with balance, body awareness or fine motor skills. Listen as four international therapists draw on their personal and professional experience to chat over what difficulties your child could be experiencing around clothing and dressing, along with some practical tips to try. 


When Bedtime is Dread-time: Tips for Parents of Toddlers

Series 1, Episode #4

If bedtime means dread-time in your house, listen to this relaxed session of Sensory Chat where four international therapists chat over practical tips on helping your little one move towards a sleepy state. What is down-regulation? How can you use the sensory experiences of light, temperature, touch and taste to help get your toddler ready for sleep?  Why making the transition to bedtime longer and slower helps, even when it’s probably the last thing you want to do!  Listen to this episode to find out how reframing your view of your child's bedtime process can improve both your experiences of it.


"Fussy" eating from a Sensory Integration perspective

Series 2, Episode #1

In this episode, our team thinks about the different factors that might be involved in a child finding it hard to eat the same foods as the rest of the family, and thinks about where sensory integration might fit into that picture.


Sensory Supports for Less-stressful Mealtimes

Series 2, Episode #2

The team share the suggestions and tips from their work as Sensory Integration practitioners supporting children who find it harder to eat the same foods as the rest of the family.


What Is Sensory Processing - and Why Do We All Need It?

Series 2, Episode #3

The Sensory Chat team think about what sensory processing does, and how everyone has an individual combination of preferences and dislikes in their own sensory profile.  We consider how this relates to how we as parents might set up the routines and activities of the day, and what happens when there is a mismatch between the sensory preferences of different family members.  As always, we share practical ideas about to recognise where sensory differences are affecting family relationships, and how to recognise your own sensory style.


The Importance of Regulation and Co-Regulation

Series 2, Episode #4

In this episode, the team discusses regulation, defines the term, and shares the neurology of being regulated and dysregulated. They dive into how we as individuals experience this through our senses as well as through our emotions. In this conversation, they also highlight co-regulation and how co-regulation can support individuals who may need the support of another to regulate their nervous system.



Regulation Strategies That Fit in with Your Family

Series 2, Episode #5

It can be an overwhelming process working with a therapist to help your child's sensory differences. Sure, they have the expertise to offer invaluable strategies to help your child, but how does the home programme fit in with you and your child's needs day-to-day? Could you start by focusing on fewer techniques rather than overloading yourself? We unpick these ideas in this conversation, and we raise important questions to ask you and your child once you begin your home plan. We emphasise self-care and provide small and tangible methods to regulate yourself through everyday activities.