Sensory Solutions for Parents - Sensory, Behavior, Regulation, Parenting

About Sensory Solutions for Parents - Sensory, Behavior, Regulation, Parenting

Do you ever wonder if what your child is doing is “normal,” and worry that you might be missing something important? Are daily meltdowns leaving you overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure how to help your child - or yourself - feel more regulated? Does all the talk about “sensory needs” feel confusing, and you’re not even sure where to begin? Is your child rarely content, at home or out in the world, and you’re struggling to understand why? I’m so excited you’re here!  This podcast will help you understand what’s really going on beneath your child’s behavior and what you see on the outside, with simple, real-life examples and strategies that actually help.  Because at the end of the day, you want your child and yourself, to feel more regulated and able to handle everyday life with fewer meltdowns and more adaptability. Hi there, I’m Alison. I’m a Mom and pediatric occupational therapist who has spent over 20 years on living room floors helping families make sense of sensory differences and big behaviors. And honestly? Nothing has taught me more than navigating my own child’s sensory needs and BIG emotions in those early years. It changed how I see the work I do, and showed me how powerful it is when we stop picking battles, start understanding our child’s sensory needs, and start to find real solutions that bring more peace to our homes. If you’re ready to start understanding your child’s behaviors and this “sensory stuff” more… Have days with fewer meltdowns… Feel more confident and regulated yourself… And build more connection with your child - this podcast is for you! Alright friend… You were made to be this child’s mom, and you’re exactly who they need, especially on the tough days. Grab your coffee, take a breath and let’s make sense of this sensory stuff!  Let’s dive in!

Publisher

Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L - Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Mom

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Mar 2026

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

32 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   32 Does Your Child Explode at the Simplest Ask? The Truth About Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (or PDA) and What Finally Works

   32 Does your child explode at the simplest ask? The Truth About Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (or PDA) and What Finally Works Does your child resist even the things they want to do? Does a simple "time to put your shoes on" turn into an explosive meltdown? Today we’re talking about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which many families and clinicians now call a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. In previous episodes we've talked about sensory versus behavior, sensory seeking and avoiding, and why the nervous system can override a child's motivation to “behave.” For kids and individuals with PDA, a demand doesn't feel like a request. It feels like a threat, and their nervous system responds that way. 💛 In this episode, you'll learn: What PDA is and what it looks like in daily life Why demand avoidance is a threat response, not manipulation or "bad behavior" How PDA can look different from typical oppositional behavior, and why traditional reward-and-consequence approaches backfire What happens in your child's nervous system when they feel a loss of control Practical shifts you can try at home: Declarative language ("I notice the shoes are by the door") instead of direct instructions Reducing and "disguising" demands Offering real choices and shared control Collaborating rather than commanding Regulating first, for your child and for you Why your own calm matters so much, and how to protect it on hard days Key takeaway: When a child with a PDA profile says "no," their nervous system is often saying "I don't feel safe." When we recognize and then lower the sense of threat, cooperation becomes possible. 💛 Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes as we continue exploring how the sensory system shapes behavior. Step 3: This week, spend a few moments recognizing your own nervous system and regulation, especially in times when your child may be dysregulated. 💛 Related Resources: At Peace Parents on TikTok: @atpeaceparents PDA North America: https://pdanorthamerica.org/ Dr. Ross Greene’s book “The Explosive Child” Child Mind Institute’s info on PDA in Kids: https://childmind.org/article/pathological-demand-avoidance-in-kids/ 💛 Related Episodes: Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment Episode 24: Can't Get Your Child to Calm Down? The Sensory Science Behind Co-Regulation Episode 31: Got a Defiant Child?  Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead! 💛 Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values. Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guida

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   31 Got a Defiant Child? Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead!

   Got a Defiant Child?  Why Sticker Charts and Bribery Don't Work and What to Try Instead! Your child isn’t choosing to misbehave, their nervous system might be overriding their motivation to do the right thing in that moment. In this episode, we’re breaking down why "they know better" so often falls apart in the moment it matters, what's actually happening in a child's brain during a meltdown or a power struggle, and why sticker charts and consequences fail when a child's nervous system has already taken the wheel. 💛 In this episode, you'll learn: ·      Why motivation isn't the problem when your child "won't" listen — and what actually is ·      The difference between a fight-or-flight meltdown and a freeze/shutdown response, and why both can look like defiance ·      How to shift from "won't" to "can't right now" without dropping your boundaries ·      Practical, sensory-first strategies: co-regulating before correcting, catching dysregulation early, and teaching skills only once your child is calm enough to learn 💛 Next Steps: Step 1: Join our free Facebook community and connect with other parents who are learning to understand behavior through a sensory and nervous system lens. Step 2: Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes in the Sensory Solutions Framework series as we continue exploring how the sensory system shapes behavior. Step 3: This week, spend a few moments recognizing your own nervous system and regulation, especially in times when your child may be dysregulated. 💛 Related Resources: Dr. Ross Greene: https://drrossgreene.com There are also additional free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach and the idea that "kids do well if they can." https://livesinthebalance.org 💛 Related Episodes: Episode 10: Struggling with Your Child's Intense Meltdowns? What's Really Happening and What to Do in the Moment Episode 13: Why Your Toddler Falls Apart After Daycare (And What to Do About It!) Episode 22: Does Your Child Have a Behavior Problem…or a Skill Problem? The 5 Skills Behind Better Behavior that Every Parent Needs to Know 💛 Connecting with Us! Connect on FB -> Join our Free Facebook Community Podcast -> Sensory Solutions for Parents Instagram -> @SensorySolutionsforParents DISCLAIMER This podcast, Sensory Solutions for Parents, is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, occupational therapy, or other professional advice. The host is a licensed occupational therapist; however, the information shared in this podcast is general in nature and may not apply to your specific child or situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and Alison Foura, PhD, OTR/L. Any strategies, ideas, or suggestions shared are offered as general support for parents and caregivers and should be used at your own discretion, with consideration for your child’s individual needs and your family’s values. Always seek the guidance of your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s development, behavior, or health. This podcast may also include personal experiences and, at times, faith-based perspectives. These are shared as part of Alison’s personal and professional lens and are not intended to replace individualized care or professional guidance.

3. 

   22 Sept 2026

   30 Why 'Just Take a Bite' Doesn't Work for Extremely Picky Eaters (And What To Do Instead!)

   Extreme picky eating doesn’t just take one single skill but a whole sequence of smaller skills, and jumping straight to ”just take a bite” skips many of the steps most kids haven’t built yet. We’ll talk about why extreme picky eating is different from typical toddler pickiness, why a new food can genuinely register as a threat to a child’s nervous system and why proper seating and the right environment frees things up in your child’s body for the harder work of trying new foods

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.