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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Lucas' Story Part 4
    We’re back to finish up Lucas’s story today. You can find part 3 [here], part 2 [here] and part 1[here]. Today we’re tackling his limited safe food list and how that directly impacted his regulation.  Lucas’s Safe Foods Lucas had around 30 foods in his safe food list, which, by feeding thera...
by Laura Petix — Oct 05, 2026 food exploring picky eating
Lucas' Story Part 3
  Welcome back to part 3 of Lucas’ story. If you missed part 1, click [here]. Part 2 can be found [here]  Today we’re looking closer into the transition times that seem to be a challenge for Lucas. We’re also going to share what strategies Amy was already using, and my hypothesis about why it’s ...
by Laura Petix — Sep 28, 2026 after school fight or flight morning routine transitions
Lucas' Story Part 2
    We’re back today for part 2 of Lucas’ story. Part 1 can be found [here].    Morning routines were a challenge for several reasons, but one of the constant pressure points was getting dressed for school. Lucas was most comfortable wearing pajamas, and Amy and Trevor eventually realized that w...
by Laura Petix — Sep 21, 2026 clothing sensitivity just right challenge playful practice tactile sensitivity
Meet Lucas, a 4 year old who needs help with transitions, trying new food and getting dressed
  Amy and Trevor reached out for parent coaching to help them create smoother routines at home and school for their 4 year old, Lucas. Amy and Trevor were both very involved parents, and had already started to put things into place, but they were seeking just a bit more guidance on understanding...
by Laura Petix — Sep 14, 2026 bath meltdowns picky eating sensory sensitivity transitions
Anika's Story Part 4
    We're back today with Anika's story, Part 4, the last one in this series. You can go back and read part 3 [here] and part 2 [here]. Today we're bringing it all together and talking about what Anika's care team should look like moving forward, including whether OT belongs back in the mix.   R...
by Laura Petix — Sep 07, 2026 mental health occupational therapy play therapy social group
Anika's Story Part 3
    We’re back today with Anika’s story, Part 3. You can go back and read part 2 [here]. Today we’re going to be teaching her how her brain works, giving her parents some scripts to try, and building an in-the-moment toolkit for the next time a tooth feels wiggly. Why Bring Anika Into This At Al...
by Laura Petix — Aug 31, 2026 oral sensitivity self regulation talk to kids
Anika's Story Part 2
    Hello! And welcome back to Anika’s story. You can go back and read part 1 [here]. Today we’re going to focus on the oral sensitivities that were leading to Anika’s panic attacks and shut downs.  Oral Sensory Input The mouth is one of the most densely wired parts of the entire body. It's why ...
by Laura Petix — Aug 24, 2026 dentist emotional regulation freeze meltdowns occupational therapy oral sensitivity
Meet Anika, the 6 year-old who stopped talking
    Anika is 6, and by every account she's an easy kid at school. Rule follower. Loves routine. Thrives when she knows exactly what's coming next. No concerns in the classroom at all. At home is a different story, and that discrepancy is what prompted her parents to reach out. Here's what her pa...
by Laura Petix — Aug 17, 2026 dentist emotional regulation freeze meltdowns occupational therapy oral sensitivity
Cora's Story Part 4 (Featuring Expert Speech Therapist)
    Back again for the last part of Cora’s story. Catch up on posts 1-3 here, here and here.  Today we’re tackling Cora’s communication differences. She had limited expressive language, and was already receiving speech therapy. With the accompanying sensory sensitivities and daily meltdowns, the...
by Elizabeth Sautter, Laura Petix — Aug 10, 2026 communication dysregulation emotional regulation
Cora's Story Part 3
    Here we are at Part 3 of Cora’s story. [Catch up here] for part 1, [and here] for part 2. Once mom understood the sensory piece to Cora’s behavior, we were in a better place to start talking about specific strategies. I intentionally started small, with subtle changes and shifts to her daily...
by Laura Petix — Aug 03, 2026 emotional regulation sensory overload sensory sensitive socks tactile input transitions
Cora's Story Part 2
    Welcome back to Cora's story. If you missed part 1, [catch up here] to meet her and her mom first. Today I want to zoom in on the concept I introduced last week: the skills gap. This is one of the most useful frameworks I share with parents, because it takes the question "why does she act li...
by Laura Petix — Jul 27, 2026 frustration tolerance sensory overload sensory sensitive socks tactile input
Meet Cora, a 3-year-old whose meltdowns looked like frustration tolerance until we looked closer.
    Cora is newly 3, and by the time her mom reached out to me, she had a full therapy team in place. Cora was already receiving Speech, ABA, and OT, but her mom still needed more tools for the moments that happen at home, between sessions, when there's no one else in the room to help.   Here's ...
by Laura Petix — Jul 20, 2026 frustration tolerance hairbrush sensory sensitive socks tactile input

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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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