Ep. 251: Sensory Processing & Regulation: How Play Rewires the Brain with Dr. Allie Ticktin, MA, OTD, OTR/L

We happily welcome Dr. Allie Ticktin to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Dr. Ticktin is dedicated to helping children and their families thrive through sensory-based play, having founded Play 2 Progress and writing Play to Progress, introducing parents to all eight senses and offering practical ways to support them at home. Blending child development science with playful learning, Dr. Ticktin focuses on building kids’ confidence and supporting their growth across emotional, social, physical, and academic areas. At the core of her philosophy is the belief that empowering parents from the very beginning is the best way to set children up for lifelong success!

Throughout our conversation, we explore the topic of sensory processing and sensory motor integration - often misunderstood but nevertheless foundational to how children learn, regulate, and thrive. Dr. Ticktin, an occupational therapist and author, explains that sensory processing involves more than just the five basic senses, that there are actually eight senses that children need to effectively process, including the "hidden" senses of vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive!

Dr. Ticktin highlights the fact that sensory issues are not simply behavioral problems but are rather neurological differences in how a child's brain processes sensory information. This can manifest in various ways, from being overly sensitive to certain textures to having trouble regulating emotions and attention. She stresses the importance of reframing these challenges as differences in sensory processing, rather than just automatically resorting to labeling them as "bad behavior."

As we discuss, an especially important part of supporting children with sensory needs is teaching them to recognize and communicate their needs, and Allie discusses "body tools” - often referred to as fidget spinners or sensory toys - and how empowering children to identify and use whatever tools help them self-regulate can dramatically improve their ability to focus, learn, and interact socially.

Our discussion also covers how sensory integration therapy can positively affect not just motor skills but also social-emotional functioning, with Dr. Ticktin reflecting on how she has seen children learn to self-regulate and even start advocating for their sensory needs and those of their peers. Our discussion provides you with a comprehensive overview of sensory processing, its importance in child development, and effective strategies for supporting children with sensory needs via a collaborative approach based on children’s strengths!

 

Show Notes:

[2:29] - Sensory processing involves eight senses, not just tactile experiences such as messy play.
[5:10] - Dr. Ticktin argues that a child’s sensory system forms the unseen “roots” supporting all higher developmental skills.
[7:05] - Some kids struggle to filter irrelevant sensory input, resulting in classrooms feeling overwhelming.
[9:08] - Dr. Ticktin points out that many “bad behaviors” actually stem from unsatisfied sensory needs.
[11:28] - Dr. Ticktin explains how “body tools” can help children self-regulate, reducing behavioral issues via sensory support.
[13:30] - Sensory inputs can raise or lower excitement depending on how the child processes them.
[17:38] - Misread behaviors in daily tasks might signal underlying sensory-motor challenges.
[18:22] - Hear how sensory issues can appear as rough play, clumsiness, withdrawal, or shutdowns.
[21:09] - Dr. Ticktin argues that self-regulation often crosses over with sensory needs.
[24:49] - Young kids may tantrum from sensory overwhelm because they lack the language to explain their feelings.
[25:12] - Dr. Ticktin explains how teaching kids to “empty their bucket” prevents overload, very similar to adults managing stress.
[28:33] - Learn how play-based therapy strengthens sensory foundations with purposeful activities appearing as simple play.
[31:54] - Excessive screen time limits ideation, rendering open-ended, unscheduled play especially important for development.
[33:25] - Consistent family involvement is so important, since progress relies on using tools beyond therapy sessions.
[36:14] - Dr. Ticktin encourages listeners to buy her book.

Links and Related Resources:

• Episode 42: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder with Courtney Duckworth-Harris, MA, OTR/L

• Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent M.S., CCC-SLP

• Episode 221: Would a Behavioral Aide/Shadow Help My Child?

• Episode 233: Body-Based Interventions for Neurodivergent Students with Megan Beardmore, PhD, NCSP

• Allie Ticktin - Play to Progress: Lead Your Child to Success Using the Power of Sensory Play

 

Connect with Dr. Allie Ticktin:

• Play2Progress Website

• Phone: [phone]