Sensory Diets for Kids with ADHD and Autism to Improve Focus and Regulate Behavior with Julie Abrams

Feb 17, 2025

Julie Abrams, an occupational therapist and ADHD parent coach from Colorado, brings over 20 years of experience in supporting neurodiverse children. She shares valuable insights into sensory processing challenges in children with ADHD and autism. Julie explains how sensory systems impact everyday activities and offers practical strategies for parents to create sensory-friendly environments. Key topics include the importance of sensory diets, the role of movement in focus and regulation, and recognizing when to seek professional help for children’s development.

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ADVICE

Desensitize Tactile Challenges

If tactile input is misperceived, it disrupts focus, such as being distracted by clothing tags.
Work to desensitize tactile challenges so children can direct attention to learning.

ADVICE

Build Core and Balance

Strengthen core and vestibular system through movement to support balance and upright posture.
Core stability is essential for sitting upright and paying attention in learning environments.

ADVICE

Use Proprioception to Regulate

Proprioceptive input through muscles and joints is calming and organizing for the nervous system.
Activities like running or exercise are powerful sensory regulation tools for kids.

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Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
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In this episode, Kate Brownfield from The ADHD Kids Can Thrive interviews Julie Abrams, an occupational therapist (OT) specializing in neurodiverse children and an ADHD parent coach based in Colorado. Julie brings her expertise in sensory systems to shed light on how sensory challenges manifest in children with ADHD and autism, offering parents actionable strategies to support their kids' development.

Julie Abrams discusses the foundational role of a child's sensory system in everyday activities like being a student, a friend, and just being a child. She breaks down the tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, explains how sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviors present, and provides practical tips for creating sensory-friendly routines at home. Whether you're navigating a recent diagnosis or just curious about supporting your child's sensory needs, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Julie Abrams is an occupational therapist for neurodiverse children and an ADHD parent coach with over 20 years of experience. Based in Colorado, Julie specializes in helping families understand and manage sensory processing challenges in children with ADHD and autism. Her work focuses on improving fine and gross motor skills, attention, and social engagement, empowering both children and their parents to thrive.

📚 Expect to Learn

✔ The role of occupational therapy (OT) in supporting children with ADHD and autism.

✔ How sensory systems—tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive—impact a child’s daily life.

✔ Signs that your child may have sensory processing challenges and when to seek professional help.

✔ Practical strategies for managing sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviors at home.

✔ How to build a "sensory diet" to support your child's regulation and focus throughout the day.

⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳

📌[00:01:42] – Introduction to Julie Abrams 📌[00:02:24] – What is Occupational Therapy (OT) and how it helps ADHD kids 📌[00:05:22] – Understanding the sensory system 📌[00:08:16] – sensory challenges with ADHD kids and autism. 📌[00:09:26] – Teaching parents to understand and support their child’s sensory needs.

📌[00:9:50] – The impact of sensory misperceptions on learning and behavior.

📌[00:14:34] – Can sensory systems be strengthened over time?

📌[00:19:47] – Building a sensory diet

📌[00:24:34] – When to seek professional OT support and what to expect in therapy

📌[00:27:07] – The importance of seasonal adjustments in sensory routines

📌[00:29:43] – Advocating for movement and sensory breaks in school settings.

📌[00:31:30] – Final advice for parents raising neurodiverse children

Connect with our Guest Julie Abrams:
👉 Website:https://www.julieabramsot.com/

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👉 Join Parent Support Group: Sign up for details here

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