Virtual, October 7, 2026, with Families Like Ours. Sensory Processing: Beginning Strategies for Parents Part 1. Why does my child cover their ears? Why do they hate certain clothes? Why are they constantly moving, jumping, crashing, or chewing? Why can a seemingly simple activity turn into a major struggle?
* Sometimes, these behaviors are connected to the way a child processes sensory information.
* This introductory virtual workshop will help parents and caregivers better understand sensory processing and how it can impact a child’s behavior, emotions, communication, regulation, and participation in everyday activities.
* Led by Donna Klein, Occupational Therapist, the workshop will focus on practical, parent-friendly strategies that families can begin using at home and in the community.
Explore:
Understanding Sensory Processing /What sensory processing is and why it matters
How the brain receives and responds to sensory information
The different sensory systems and how they affect everyday life
Why children can respond very differently to the same sensory experience
Recognizing Sensory Differences / Sensory-seeking behaviors / Sensory-avoiding behaviors /Signs of sensory overload
Understanding the connection between sensory needs and behavior
Recognizing a child’s early signs of dysregulation
Practical Strategies for Parents
Creating a more sensory-friendly environment
Supporting children during transitions
Using movement and other sensory strategies to support regulation
Helping children prepare for challenging environments
Strategies for common challenges such as dressing, mealtimes, haircuts, bedtime, school, and community outings
Building Your Child’s Sensory Toolkit
Identifying what helps your child feel calm and regulated
Choosing simple sensory tools that fit your child’s individual needs
Creating a portable sensory toolkit for school and community activities
Learning how to introduce strategies without overwhelming your child
* This workshop is not about finding a “quick fix”or changing the way a child experiences the world. Instead, focus on understanding what your child’sbehavior may be communicating, recognizing their individual sensory needs, and finding supportive strategies that can make everyday experiences more manageable.
This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of children who:
* Have autism or ADHD Have developmental or intellectual disabilities
* Experience sensory processing differences
* Become easily overwhelmed by sounds, textures, crowds, or environments
* Seek out movement or sensory input
* Struggle with transitions or everyday routines
* Have difficulty regulating their emotions or behavior
* Or simply seem to experience the world differently
No prior knowledge of sensory processing is necessary.
* By the end of the workshop, parents will have a betterunderstanding of:
What their child may be experiencing
Why certain behaviorsmay occur
How to recognize sensory needs
What strategies they can try
How to support regulation in everyday life.
