Coaching Parents Toward Self-Reflection: Building Stronger Connections with Neurodivergent Children
All human beings experience the world through their senses. When sensory processing factors are mismatched with one’s surroundings, it can lead to discomfort and stress in daily life. Within a family system, each person’s unique sensory profile influences and interacts with those around them. The patterns of interaction and emotional regulation that occur may be missed, contribute to conflict, or feel overwhelming. When understood, they can promote co-regulation, respect, and understanding for stronger connections among family members. This presentation shares processes implemented through coaching by an OT and the perspective of a parent who finds value in having developed awareness of her own sensory and regulation needs/responses fostering more empathy and a stronger sense of agency when supporting the individual needs of her neurodivergent children.