Episode 64: Understanding Sensory Profiles in Children with ADHD

Update: 2025-07-22

Description

👀 In this episode, Sharon Collon interviews Rebecca Torpie, founder of Sensory Smart Kids, about:

✅ What sensory profiles actually mean for children with ADHD

✅ The difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding (and why your child might flip between the two)

✅ How to spot common sensory challenges—and what to do about them

✅ The truth about all those sensory tools (where to invest, what to skip)

✅ Real-life strategies to make home life calmer, happier, and less…well, sticky!

⏰ Timestamps ⏰

00:00 Discovering Sensory Integration Passion

05:03 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Children

09:39 "Regulation and Sensory Processing Impact"

11:16 Managing Sensory Overwhelm

16:15 Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents

18:04 Managing Post-School Emotions

22:42 Family Dynamics and Emotional Regulation

25:05 Invest in OT; Encourage Active Play

30:43 "Morning Sensory Routines for Kids"

33:46 Evening Playtime and Activity Tips

36:39 "OTs: Embracing Deeper Problem Solving"

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Rebecca Torpie is the founder of Sensory Smart Kids, an Occupational Therapy clinic in Belmont, and support children and families in the Greater Geelong area.

They see children in their clinic as well as offering home and community based intervention.

Connect with Rebecca:

Website: https://www.sensorysmartkidsot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensorysmartkidsot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sensorysmartkidsot/

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KEY POINTS

Sensory profiles help you understand your child’s unique likes, dislikes, and triggers.

Children with ADHD often have stronger sensory seeking or avoiding behaviours.

Sensory overload can lead to overwhelm or “meltdowns” for both kids and parents.

Heavy work activities (like pushing or pulling) help kids feel more regulated.

Not every sensory tool works for every child—find what fits your family!

NEXT STEPS

Subscribe to Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefunctionalfamily

Book 1:1 Discover Call: https://calendly.com/sharonthefunctionalfamily/15-min-discovery-call-with-sharon

WORK WITH Sharon Collon

Sharon Collon helps parents of children with ADHD through her:

ADHD Family Foundations program: Hi there! The ADHD Family Foundations Program is a comprehensive, tailored approach designed to systematically review and improve processes around your home to work effectively with the ADHD brain. This program, perfect for families with primary school-age children, offers practical strategies, support, and tools to make life easier for the whole family living with ADHD. By focusing on creating ADHD-friendly environments and routines, the program aims to reduce chaos, increase functionality, and create more space for positive family interactions. As an award-winning, credentialed ADHD Coach and Parenting Expert, I've developed this program based on years of personal experience and professional expertise to help families like yours transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Enrol Now: https://thefunctionalfamily.com