The Sensory Obsession with Dr Lynette Louise

What if your autistic child never learns to like something like sand? Will it hold them back? Will it mean they’re not “regulated”? In this episode, I’m joined once again by my mentor, Dr. Lynette Louise, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the world of autism: sensory regulation.

I open the conversation with a story about my autistic brother—his intense stims, the sounds, the taps, the stillness. These sensory experiences are deeply familiar to so many of us, but what do they actually mean? Are they obstacles to learning? Clues to something deeper? Or simply part of the child’s natural way of being?

Together, we challenge the way sensory sensitivities are often pathologized or treated like checkboxes in therapy. From a parent worrying about her son’s aversion to sand to the over-reliance on sensory rooms and swings, we dive into how misunderstanding sensory behavior can distract us from the real work of connection, teaching, and growth.

Dr. Lynette reminds us: it’s not about fixing everything—it’s about understanding what matters to your child and what doesn’t. Because sometimes, nothing bad happens if your child doesn’t like sand.

This episode is an invitation to look beyond the obsession with regulation and see the child in front of you.

Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com for resources on how best to support your neurodivergent child at home and in real life.