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Overcoming ADHD and Sensory Processing Challenges as a Professional, with Kelsea, OTR/L
Kelsea is an Occupational Therapist, Sensory Specialist, and Proud ADHDer. Her passion is spreading the word about the power of Sensory Therapy and empowering kids and adults everywhere by learning how to live a Sensory Lifestyle that nourishes their unique Sensory and Nervous System Needs!
You can find all of her links below.
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Links
Kelsea’s Instagram @sensory_therapist
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Ep. 94 - Therapy Burnout Part 1
Ep. 95 - Therapy Burnout Part 2
Ep. 194 - The Just Right Challenge
Overcoming ADHD And Sensory Processing Challenges As A Professional, With Kelsea Newman, OTR-L
Living with sensory processing challenges or supporting someone who does can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a parent of a child with sensory sensitivities or a therapist looking to enhance your practice, understanding the role of sensory integration is essential.
Kelsey Newman, a dedicated occupational therapist and sensory specialist with ADHD, shares her journey while offering valuable insights into creating sensory lifestyles supporting nervous system regulation. Let’s dive into her story and practical advice for building sensory-friendly environments for children and adults alike.
Understanding The Connection Between ADHD And Sensory Processing
Did you know that ADHD and sensory processing challenges are deeply interconnected? Kelsey describes ADHD as inherently sensory.
Whether it’s difficulty focusing due to auditory distractions or the constant need for movement, these experiences stem from how the brain processes sensory input. For Kelsey, understanding this connection was life-changing.
“When I learned about sensory processing and integration, I finally felt understood,” she shares. “It wasn’t just about a label—it was about understanding the ‘why’ behind my challenges, like emotional regulation and picky eating.”
This perspective is critical for anyone supporting individuals with sensory sensitivities. Recognizing the sensory roots of behavior can help guide effective interventions.
Kelsey’s Journey: From Challenges To Empowerment
Kelsey’s passion for sensory therapy began with her own experiences. As a child, she struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and sensory sensitivities.
It wasn’t until college, during her occupational therapy training, that she made the connection. Discovering sensory integration gave her the tools to address lifelong challenges and inspired her to help others.
“I realized I still had active primitive reflexes,” she recalls, referring to reflexes that should integrate naturally as we grow but can remain present, leading to sensory and motor challenges. Through activities like yoga, which encourages bilateral coordination and head position changes, Kelsey found effective ways to support reflex integration.
Practical Tips For Building A Sensory Lifestyle
Creating a sensory lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips inspired by Kelsey’s routine:
1. Start Your Day with Movement
Incorporate activities like jumping on a mini trampoline or practicing yoga. These can provide vestibular input (movement) and proprioceptive input (deep pressure), which are calming and grounding.
2. Use Sensory Tools at Work or School
Noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, or even dimmed lighting can help reduce sensory overload in busy environments.
3. Take Sensory Breaks
A few moments to close your eyes, stretch, or use an acupressure mat can help regulate your nervous system throughout the day.
4. Communicate Your Needs
Advocating for yourself or your child’s sensory needs is crucial. Clear communication can make a big difference in explaining the importance of movement breaks to a teacher or setting boundaries at home.
The Healing Power Of Sensory Integration
Sensory therapy isn’t just about managing behaviors—it’s about healing the nervous system. Kelsey emphasizes how sensory processing differences, when unmet, can feel like trauma to the body and are stored in the nervous system leading to long-term challenges.
The good news is that it’s never too late to begin sensory healing. Through sensory strengthening activities such as yoga or guided meditation, individuals can experience profound improvements in emotional regulation, focus, and overall well-being.
Sensory-Friendly Environments: At Home And In Schools
Making spaces more sensory-friendly can transform daily life for children and adults with sensory needs. Here are some ideas:
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At Home: Try sensory tools like swings, weighted blankets, and textured fidgets. Create calming spaces with dim lighting or noise-reducing materials.
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In Schools: Advocate for movement breaks, flexible seating, or even sensory gyms to meet the diverse needs of students.
Kelsey highlights the importance of personalizing sensory strategies to fit unique needs. Every individual’s sensory profile is different, so experimentation is key.
Empowering Parents And Professionals
Through parent coaching, she helps families create personalized sensory routines tailored to their children’s needs. Her adult group programs focus on building sensory lifestyles that promote nervous system regulation.
For therapists, Kelsey serves as an inspiring example of how personal experience can inform professional practice. She integrates her sensory journey into her work, helping clients while continuing to heal and grow herself.
Final Thoughts
As Kelsey advises, find the “just right challenge” for yourself or your child. Whether a five-minute trampoline session in the morning or using noise-canceling headphones during work, every small step contributes to a more balanced nervous system.
The growing awareness of sensory processing challenges is a step in the right direction. By learning more about sensory lifestyles and sharing this knowledge, we can create environments where everyone feels understood and supported.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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