A Sensory Emotional Lens

71. Exploring the Neuroscience of Love and Connection through a Sensory Emotional Lens - Special Valentine’s Edition

In this special Valentine’s Day episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, we explore the real first love the brain ever knows: the bond between parent and child. Before hearts, flowers, and romance, the brain learns love through the senses. This episode dives into how touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste shape attachment, regulate the nervous system, and wire the brain for connection—long before we have words for any of it.  In this episode, you’ll discover: Why the brain doesn’t develop in isolation—it develops in relationship How touch and oxytocin support co-regulation and emotional safety How a caregiver’s voice and tone shape a child’s stress and reward systems Why being seen (eye contact and attunement) fuels motivation and connection How smell anchors emotional memory and a sense of belonging How feeding and taste build trust in both caregivers and the body What happens when sensory processing or early experiences are unpredictable Why these patterns are not failures of love, but survival strategies The hopeful truth: the brain remains plastic—and healing connection is possible at any age Love isn’t about what you buy—it’s about presence, attunement, and showing up. The small, everyday sensory moments of connection are what shape the brain and build secure attachment over time. Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMentAnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding. Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them. Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.

70. Neuroscience Foundations: How Actions and Behaviors are Hard-Wired through Development through a Sensory Emotional Lens (Part 3)

In this episode of A Sensory Emotional Lens, we’re continuing the Neurological Foundations series with a deep dive into how actions and behaviors are shaped by brain development. AnnMarie is joined by Laura Baldwin, licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist, for a powerful conversation about how behavior is not “misbehavior,” but communication from a developing nervous system. Together, they explore how the brain builds itself from the bottom up and inside out—and how sensory experiences, relationships, and emotional safety literally wire the brain for regulation, learning, and connection. From toddlers to teens, this episode reframes challenging behaviors as skills under construction, not character flaws—and offers practical, compassionate ways adults can support children at every stage. In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why the brain develops in layers—and how early sensory and emotional experiences shape behaviorHow repetition in play helps children process emotions and build neural pathwaysWhy “challenging” behaviors in young children are often signs of healthy developmentThe real meaning behind boundary-pushing, big feelings, and the powerful toddler “no”What “afterschool restraint collapse” is—and why school-aged kids often unravel at homeHow sensory input supports regulation, attention, and emotional controlWhat’s really happening in the adolescent brain (hello, another limbic leap!)Why regulation comes before reasoning at every ageThe difference between fear-based behavior control and connection-based skill-buildingHow to respond with co-regulation, validation, and supportive boundaries instead of punishment When we understand brain development, we stop seeing behavior as something to eliminate—and start seeing it as communication from a growing nervous system. With connection, play, sensory support, and co-regulation, we help children build the neural pathways they need for lifelong emotional regulation, learning, and resilience.AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceAnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics. Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSP Licensed Professional Counselor, Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience supporting children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric mental health, play therapy, and relationship-based interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children and their families.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E® Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding. Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them. Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.

69. Neuroscience Foundations: Understanding Behavior with Brain Science through a Sensory Emotional Lens (Part 2)

In today’s episode, occupational therapist AnnMarie Murphy is joined by Laura Baldwin, licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, and beloved member of the Great Kids Place team. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind behavior—specifically how the brain’s structure, stress responses, and sensory processing shape the everyday emotional and behavioral reactions of our sensory kids. This episode offers a rich blend of brain science, practical examples, and compassionate guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to better understand what drives challenging behavior—and how to support kids through it with connection, regulation, and empathy. In this episode, you’ll discover:The “Flipped Lid” TheoryWhat Dysregulation Looks Like in Real LifeThe Window of Tolerance as a “Staircase”What Adults Can Do: Co-Regulation StrategiesHow Kids Can Learn to Self-RegulatePractical Tools to Use at Home Emotional regulation is a developmental process—one shaped by brain maturation, sensory systems, relational support, and repeated co-regulation. Neuroplasticity allows these pathways to grow stronger over time, but it requires consistency, patience, and grace for both kids and caregivers. Teaching kids to understand and support their emotions is not just a gift for today—it shapes their future relationships, resilience, and well-being.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Want more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMentAnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics. Laura Baldwin, MA, LPC, ACS, RPT™, NCC, ADHD-CCSPLicensed Professional Counselor, Great Kids PlaceLaura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience supporting children with sensory, emotional, and developmental needs. She specializes in pediatric mental health, play therapy, and relationship-based interventions that improve the physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being of children and their families.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding. Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them. Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.

68. Neuroscience Foundations through a Sensory Emotional Lens

We’re kicking off our new Neuroscience Foundations series—a deep dive into how the brain develops, processes sensory information, manages emotions, and shapes behavior. This foundational conversation explores why children don’t simply “know better,” how sensory systems guide development, and why understanding the nervous system transforms the way we support, teach, and connect with kids. Drawing from the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent (SEEM) Frame of Reference and the pioneering work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, we examine how sensory integration builds the groundwork for regulation, learning, postural control, motor planning, and emotional resilience. We also unpack neuroplasticity—how the brain changes through repeated, meaningful, emotionally safe experiences—and how play accelerates learning. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or therapist, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding behavior through a brain-based, compassionate lens. In this episode, you’ll discover how:Children’s behavior is the language of their nervous system.Sensory processing forms the foundation for attention, regulation, learning, motor skills, and social connection.The brain changes through relationship, repetition, meaning, and multisensory play.Stress creates maladaptive wiring; safety creates adaptive wiring.Progress isn’t linear—because development isn’t linear.Both children and adults can rewire their brains. Join Us Next Week! We’ll be joined by a special guest who will unpack the neuroscience of behavior—including what’s actually happening in the brain during big emotions, stress responses, and challenging moments, and how adults can respond in ways that build regulation, resilience, and connection.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E® Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding. Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them. Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.

67. Winter Sports through a Sensory Emotional Lens

Winter sports often feel different for sensory kids—and parents notice it right away. Children who struggle with overheating, overwhelm, or emotional shutdown during other seasons may suddenly seem calmer, more regulated, and able to engage longer in cold-weather activities. In this episode, we explore why winter can be so regulating, how different winter sports impact the nervous system, and how parents can use a Sensory Emotional Lens to support connection, confidence, and joy—without pressure or pushing. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why cold weather, fresh air, and movement can have a powerful organizing effect on the nervous systemHow different Sensory Emotional Personalities experience winter sports—and why the same activity can feel regulating for one child and overwhelming for anotherThe hidden sensory demands of common winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding, and snowshoeingHow sensory sensitivity, sensory seeking, motor planning, and postural challenges shape a child’s response to winter sportsPractical, OT-informed strategies to help you find the just-right challenge for your childHow shifting from “pushing participation” to understanding experience can transform winter into a season of connection and growthThe goal isn’t to push children to “get used to” winter sports—it’s to understand them.When we approach winter activities with curiosity instead of pressure, we gain insight into our children’s nervous systems. That understanding allows us to support regulation, confidence, connection, and joy, not just participation.Join our community!@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on ⁠Instagram⁠@GreatKidsPlace on ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠Facebook⁠Visit our Learning Center We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.comWant more resources? Please visit our blog: https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/and https://sensoryemotional.org/AboutAnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAPOccupational Therapist, Great Kids PlaceCo-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E. Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.  A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent Frame of ReferenceMichele Parkins dedicated her life to supporting children and families with sensory processing and social-emotional challenges. As both a professional and a parent of two sensory children, she combined expertise with deep personal understanding. Passionate about empowering families and mentoring therapists, Michele taught internationally, consulted with schools, and co-authored a chapter in the 3rd edition of Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice, the leading textbook in the field. At the time of her passing, she was writing books to help families recognize their Sensory Emotional Personality styles and discover strength and joy within them. Though gone too soon, Michele’s legacy endures in the lives she touched, the community she built, and the vision she entrusted us to carry forward.