Using Sensory Integration Strategies to Increase Understanding and Peace at Home

Is your child’s behavior often confusing or concerning? Would you like to feel more confident that you can keep your child’s emotions and behaviors regulated? The “story of why” we tell ourselves about our kids’ behavior can really inform how we react, and whether or not situations escalate or mellow out. We are all sensory beings whose bodies are tasked daily with making sense of all the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and touches in the world around us. Understanding the sensory system and its impact on behavior changed my own family’s life, and has helped countless families in my office find greater calm and connection.

Participants will leave with knowledge of what the sensory system is and how this knowledge can prevent dysregulation. Sensory system know-how can also be a key factor in helping kids cool down and regroup if escalation has occurred. Ultimately, we will discuss concrete sensory-informed strategies to use at home, that help kids and families stay calm and connected.

Presenter: Dr. Laura Anderson has been a licensed child and family psychologist working with kids and teens for twenty-five years. Dr. Anderson has expertise in learning and behavioral assessments, and specialization areas in adoption, gender identity development, anxiety, autism, and third culture kids and families. Dr. Anderson provides training around the United States and the world and has been featured in the New York Times, The Guardian, and Psychology Today. She is also an adoptive parent herself and learns all the time from the lived experience of adoptees. Dr. Anderson is passionate about helping families overcome differences and thrive. When she isn’t in her office, you will find her laughing at herself parenting, on the ocean, or somewhere dancing and eating chocolate.