parent learning about sensory processing challenges in children

Help Your Child Thrive with Sensory Processing Support

Course · 13 Lessons

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Help Your Child Thrive in a Sensory Overloaded World

Is your child constantly overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or the texture of their clothing? Or do they seek sensory input, always moving, touching, or craving stimulation? Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can impact your child in ways you may not even realize, making it hard for them to focus, behave, and connect with the world. Understanding how SPD affects your child is the first step in helping them navigate a sensory-heavy world. This comprehensive course will equip you with tools and strategies to help your child overcome these sensory challenges.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses. Children with SPD may overreact to sensory stimuli (sensory defensiveness) or underreact and seek out more intense sensory experiences (sensory seeking). This can affect their ability to function in everyday environments, from school to social settings. SPD can impact any of the senses, including the lesser-known "eighth sense"—interoception—which is responsible for helping a person understand what’s happening inside their body, like hunger or the need to use the bathroom. SPD can also disrupt their emotional and physical well-being, making routine tasks feel overwhelming.

Why SPD Matters

When left unaddressed, Sensory Processing Disorder can lead to:

Emotional Dysregulation: Overwhelm from sensory input can result in meltdowns, withdrawal, or intense emotional reactions.

Behavioral Struggles: SPD often triggers frustration, defiance, or outbursts as your child tries to cope with the sensations they experience.

Social and Academic Challenges: Sensory issues can make it difficult for your child to focus, engage in social interactions, and succeed in school, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.

What You’ll Learn

  • How SPD affects your child: Discover how sensory processing issues manifest and impact your child’s daily life, often in subtle or hidden ways.

  • Sensory seeking vs. sensory defensiveness: Learn the key difference between these behaviors and how to respond effectively to each.

  • The hidden "eighth sense": Understand interoception and its critical role in sensory processing—and how it might be the root of some of your child's sensory struggles.

  • Proven strategies to overcome sensory challenges: Explore the world’s most effective techniques for helping your child thrive despite their sensory issues.

Course Format and Features

  • Self-paced online course

  • Short, engaging videos

  • Lifetime access

Empower your child to confidently navigate sensory challenges – join our course today!

Course Preview

What is SPD?

Contents

Course videos

Introduction to SPD
2 mins

What is SPD?
6 mins

Hypersensitivity
8 mins

Hyposensitive
10 mins

Tactile System
19 mins

Proprioception
16 mins

Vestibular System
15 mins

Auditory System
16 mins

Visual System
10 mins

Olfactory System
14 mins

Gustatory System
6 mins

Interoceptive System
12 mins

General Pointers
17 mins

Frequently asked questions

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input. When it’s not working smoothly, it can affect behavior, emotions, and learning.

Who is this sensory course for?

It’s designed for parents, caregivers, and educators of children ages 3–12 who show signs of sensory sensitivity, avoidance, or seeking.

What kind of sensory behaviors does this course address?

Everything from clothing sensitivity,sound intolerance, and emotional dysregulation linked to sensory overload.

Will I learn specific strategies to help my child?

Yes. The course includes practical, real-world tools to support sensory regulation at home or in the classroom.

Is this course appropriate if my child has ADHD or autism?

Yes. Sensory processing differences are common in children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse profiles—and the strategies here are designed to help.

Instructor Expertise

Created by Miriam Manela Frankel, OTR/L CMLD TC, this course brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood aspects of child development. Miriam shares her experience supporting hundreds of children using OT and the Thrive Method to create calm, connection, and confidence.