The Sensory Code

Learn how to decode behavior using a nervous system lens and how to incorporate sensory strategies into your daily life by these real life case study examples.
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Lena’s story part 4
    Today we’ll wrap up Lena’s story with learning about how her interoception processing differences impede her ability to self regulate, and how her parents can support her. If you want to catch up on parts 1-3, click here and scroll through each post.    So far, we’ve talked about why transit...
by Laura Petix — Feb 23, 2026 autism interoception low demand morning routine pda potty routines toileting
Lena’s story part 3
    Welcome back for part 3 of Lena’s story. Catch up on part 1 [here] or part 2, [here]   Today we’ll discuss why Lena’s regulation strategies that once were a “game-changer” were now backfiring.    “She is stalling by spending time on the things that we have for regulation like her lycra swin...
by Laura Petix — Feb 16, 2026 demand hyperactive overwhelmed proprioceptive seeking sensory seeker vestibular
Lena’s story part 2
      In last week’s email, we were introduced to Lena — a movement-seeking, hyper-silly kindergartener who hates being told what to do. Today, I want to zoom in on her resistance to instructions and transitions.  As you can imagine as a parent, this affects all parts of every single day. We are...
by Laura Petix — Feb 09, 2026 demand avoidant dysregulation morning routine pda transitions
Meet Lena: A movement seeking, hyper-silly kindergartener who hates being told what to do.
    If you looked at the definition of “marches to the beat of her own drum”, you’d see a photo of 6 year old Lena. You could bet money that at any time during the day, you’d see her climbing, hanging, jumping, laughing uncontrollably, making potty jokes, or doing anything but what was just aske...
by Laura Petix — Feb 02, 2026 pda routines sensory seeking spd transitions
Anya's Story Part 4
*this post includes some affiliate links   We’ve arrived at part 4 of 4 of Anya’s story. To catch up, click here to find parts 1-3.   We’ve already covered tips for Anya managing overwhelm during the school day, and we’ve shared some adjustments and accommodations to manage the transitions at ho...
by Laura Petix — Jan 26, 2026 calming strategies heavy work proprioception self regulation sensory seeker
Anya's Story Part 3
  I’m back today for part 3 of Anya’s story. Catch up on part 1 [here] or part 2, [here].   Some of Anya’s dysregulation stems from holding it together all day at school (which we talked about last week), but she also displays some dysregulation during transitions, especially in the morning and ...
by Laura Petix — Jan 19, 2026 after school bedtime routine morning routine
Anya's Story Part 2
    Let’s pick back up with Anya’s story, for part 2. If you missed last week’s, click here to catch up.   Anya attends a 3 day/week preK program and I asked her parents to share some insights from her teachers at school. As a reminder, Anya is generally described as a highly active, propriocept...
by Laura Petix — Jan 12, 2026 classroom accommodations dysregulation imposed touch nervous system transitions
Meet Anya: a rough housing, Disney princess girly girl who loves art and HATES transitions
      If you took a glimpse into Anya’s day—whether she was at school on the playground or at home in her living room—there was a 99.9999% chance you’d see her jumping, stomping her feet, or crashing. She loved and often sought out these big actions, even if it became a safety hazard or her peer...
by Laura Petix — Jan 05, 2026 heavy work independence morning routine restraint collapse
Meeting a sensory seeker’s needs at home
        We’ve talked about Jacob’s behaviors at school and some classroom supports, but his parents were just as desperate for ideas to make home life a little less chaotic. They shared these challenges: Struggles to get out the door on time in the mornings Big meltdowns when told “no” (like...
by Laura Petix — Oct 06, 2025 after school extra curricular heavy work
Classroom regulation and accommodations to prevent aggression
    *this publication includes a few affiliate links*   Let’s jump right back into Jacob’s story.[Start at part 1 here, or catch up on part 2 here] Jacob’s parents were eager to try anything that might decrease his aggressive behaviors at his co-op preschool. Based on what we knew (that he seeks...
by Laura Petix — Sep 29, 2025 aggression classroom heavy work meltdowns mixed thresholds repair social skills tactile sensitivity
Sensitive to touch, but rough in play
    Welcome to part 2 of Jacob’s story, you can check out part 1 [here].   Jacob’s parents were doing their best to keep up with his big sensory cup and constant need for movement, but there also seemed to be big emotions tied up in that cup.   While some kids mask at school and save their meltd...
by Laura Petix — Sep 22, 2025 aggression classroom meltdowns mixed thresholds social skills tactile sensitivity
Meet Jacob: A fearless, adventurous preschooler with feelings bigger than his sensory cup.
    At the fresh age of 3, Jacob already knew exactly what he wanted out of each day: get as muddy as possible, jump from the tallest tree he could find, be the loudest kid in the room aaannnndddd keep his parents and teachers on their toes—because life would be boring otherwise, right?   Sensor...
by Laura Petix — Sep 15, 2025 aggression big feelings hitting meltdowns preschool sensory seeking

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The Sensory Code

Learn how to decode behavior using a nervous system lens and how to incorporate sensory strategies into your daily life by these real life case study examples.
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