The Sensory Savvy Momma Podcast | Nervous system-first strategies for moms raising sensory kids—with more calm, confidence, and connection.

Ep 21 // Attunement over Perfection: Neurodivergent Parenting from the Perspective of the Sensory Savvy Momma

Are you constantly reacting instead of responding to your child—and feeling ashamed afterward?
Do you feel like you're losing yourself while trying to support your neurodivergent child?
Are you wondering how to balance your child’s needs with your own without falling apart?
In this episode, let’s break down what it truly means to be a sensory savvy mama. It’s not about mastering strategies—it’s about showing up with presence, awareness, and aligned action.
Let’s dismantle the myth of the perfect mom and offers three core qualities that define a sensory-savvy parent:
Attuned Observation
Self-Regulation as a Foundation for Co-Regulation
Aligned Action: Rewriting Cultural Scripts About Worth and Parenting
Looking for more support?
The Clarity Lab – A self-paced introduction to the sensory system and your child’s nervous system patterns. Start here
The Sensory Blueprint – A customized, collaborative roadmap to help you decode your child’s sensory profile and create rhythms that work. 🎉 Save $100 through August
 Join the Weekly Newsletter – For exclusive sensory tips, podcast extras, and supportive encouragement. Sign up

Ep 20 //Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn? Decoding Your Neurodivergent Child’s Stress Responses

Are you constantly in crisis management for your child?
Do you wonder why your child goes into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn—even in seemingly safe situations?
Have you noticed your own reactions feel automatic or overwhelming… and you’re not sure how to shift them?
 
In this episode, we go deeper into the nervous system’s protective responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and how they show up in both our kids and ourselves.
You’ll learn how sensory overload can trigger survival responses that are often mislabeled as bad behavior, and why recognizing your own patterns is a powerful first step toward better co-regulation. In this episode I share a client case study that beautifully illustrates the power of understanding your child’s neuro-signature—and your own.
With one powerful question we can create a gentle reframe that can turn moments of chaos into opportunities for connection.
 
The Clarity Lab – A self-paced introduction to the sensory system and your child’s nervous system patterns. Start here
The Sensory Blueprint – A customized, collaborative roadmap to help you decode your child’s sensory profile and create rhythms that work. Get $100 off through August
 Join the Weekly Newsletter – For exclusive sensory tips, podcast extras, and supportive encouragement. Sign up
If this episode resonated, the next step is simple but powerful: Start by asking what your child’s nervous system might be trying to protect them from—not just what you need to stop. That reframe can change everything.
If you're craving more clarity or personalized support, explore The Sensory Blueprint while it’s $100 off through August. 
You don’t have to figure this out alone—and I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Episode 19 // Understanding the Sensory System: The First Step to Calmer Days with Your Neurodivergent Child

Do you ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells around your child, bracing for the next meltdown?
Have you been told your child "just processes differently"—but no one explained what that actually means?
Are you craving clarity about your child’s behavior and how to respond without burnout?
 
In this episode we revisit the heart of The Sensory Savvy Mama—the clarity, connection, and nervous system-informed approach she brings to her parenting. Together we unpack the sensory system and why understanding your child’s unique neuro-signature is the game-changer most moms have never been told about.
You’ll learn why behavior is sensory at its core, how the eight sensory systems impact daily life, and what it means to support—not fix—your child. This episode has gentle guidance to help you reframe your child’s behavior through curiosity rather than control.
This episode is the first in a four-part August 2025 series designed to reconnect you with the “why” behind your child’s behavior and give you tools to prevent meltdowns and foster connection.
🧠 The Clarity Lab – A self-paced nervous system guide for parents. 
📋 The Sensory Blueprint – $100 off for the month of August- no code needed. This is bespoke, personalized support to decode your child’s sensory needs together. 
💌 Join the Weekly Newsletter – Exclusive tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus sensory support. Plus it's free!!
 If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of this powerful series. Share it with a mama friend who needs support.
 
You don’t have to figure this out alone—and you’re already doing better than you think.

Ep 18 // Raising Neurodivergent Kids with a Sensory Lens: A Conversation on Sensory Clarity and Co-Regulation with Erin

Ep 18 // Raising Neurodivergent Kids with a Sensory Lens: A Conversation on Sensory Clarity and Co-Regulation with Erin
What if your child’s meltdowns weren’t misbehavior… but mirrors?
Today’s guest is Erin—neurodivergent mom of three, sensory advocate, and the heart behind @spinsandstomps—for a raw, validating conversation about what it really looks like to raise neurodivergent kids through the lens of co-regulation, emotional safety, and sensory clarity.
Together we explore:
How Erin’s sensory-aware parenting began with her own rediscovery of being autistic and ADHD
The moment she recognized her child’s hardest behaviors as familiar
What happens when we stop trying to control the chaos—and start supporting the sensory system
How to parent in alignment with your values, even when you’re dysregulated
The power of family Venn diagrams for meeting everyone’s needs (yes, even yours)
This episode is a gentle reminder that you're not doing it wrong—you just may be looking through the wrong lens. You’ll walk away feeling seen, softened, and more equipped to build a sensory-informed family rhythm that honors everyone in your household.
🧠 Want more sensory-savvy support like this? Join our free weekly newsletter for bite-sized tips, nervous system insights, and behind-the-scenes reflections from inside The Edison Collective. It’s where we share what’s working now—with real families like yours. 👉 Subscribe to the newsletter
💫 Ready to decode your child’s behaviors through the sensory system? Start with The Clarity Lab—a short, self-paced workshop designed to help you understand why your child reacts the way they do, and how to support them without overwhelm. 🎧 Just $9 for Summer 2025 👉 Grab The Clarity Lab
💛 You are the parent your child needs. And you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Ep 17 // When Sensory Profiles Shift: Curiosity, Curveballs, and Parenting Through Change with Jess Caraway (Part 2)

Hey Momma, 
Have you ever felt thrown off when your child’s sensory needs suddenly change?
Do you find yourself stuck in “behavior mode” when what your child really needs is support?
Are you trying to parent intuitively but feel like the rulebook keeps changing?
 
In Part 2 of our conversation with autism advocate and outdoor-loving mama Jess Caraway, we dig deeper into what happens when your child’s sensory world evolves—and how to stay grounded when nothing goes as expected.
Jess opens up about how her daughter Eliza’s sensory profile shifted dramatically, and what it taught her about staying responsive rather than reactive. We talk about school struggles, the importance of modeling language, and how parenting through a neuro-affirming lens helped transform even the most intense challenges into connection opportunities.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that sensory needs aren’t static—and neither is parenting. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to stay curious.
💡 Micro-Shift Moment: What if your child’s “behavior” isn’t bad... Is it brilliant communication in disguise?
🎧 Missed Part 1? Listen to Episode 16 
Resources and Links
🌟 The Clarity Lab – Decode meltdowns and sensory needs in 10 minutes a day (Just $9!) 📣 Jess Caraway on Instagram: @jess_ifyouknowone 🎧 Related Episodes:
[Ep. 3 // One Small Shift Can Change Everything]
[Ep. 5 // What if Meltdowns Are Messages]
[Ep. 16 // Cracking the Sensory Code (Part 1 with Jess)]
Connecting  and Next Steps
💌 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for sensory strategies and soul-rooted parenting support. 💛 If this episode supported you, share it with a friend or leave a quick review—your words help other moms find hope and clarity too.
 
📲 Follow @the_edison_collective for tools, encouragement, and real-life shares.
Remember: you are not behind. You are becoming. Stay curious. Stay kind. We’re walking this path together.

Ep 16 // Cracking the Sensory Code: How Paddleboards, OT, and Intuition Helped One Mom Understand Her Autistic Child’s Sensory World with Jess Caraway

Hey Momma,
 
​​Do you ever feel like you’re constantly playing sensory detective but can’t quite decode what your child needs?
Are you navigating conflicting advice and second-guessing your parenting when your child “acts out”?
Do you wonder how to support your neurodivergent child when their needs feel totally different from the rest of the family?
 
In this 2-part guest episode with Jess Caraway—autism advocate, outdoor-loving mama, and founder of the If You Know One project—we sit down to unpack the powerful shift that happens when parents start seeing behavior through a sensory lens.
Jess shares the story of her daughter Aliza, a vibrant and deeply intuitive autistic child and Gestalt language processor. From paddleboarding breakthroughs to climbing door frames for proprioceptive input, Jess reflects on how their family has learned to observe with compassion, accommodate needs, and redefine “good parenting.”
Whether you're new to the sensory world or craving deeper connection with your child, this episode offers practical insights, paradigm-shifting stories, and a powerful reminder: our children aren’t broken—they’re brilliant. We just need the right lens.
💡Don’t miss the micro-shift offer mid-episode—it could change the way you see every meltdown or quirky behavior.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation—come back next week for more!
Resources and Links
🌟 The Clarity Lab – Your sensory lens starter kit (Only $9!)
📣 Jess Caraway on Instagram: @jess_ifyouknowone
🎧 Related Episodes:
[Ep. 3 // One Small Shift Can Change Everything]
[Ep. 5 // What if Meltdowns are Messages]
Part 4: Connecting with You and Next Steps
Let’s keep the conversation going!
💌 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for neuro-affirming, sensory tips, grounded encouragement, and behind-the-scenes podcast updates.
🎙️ Love this episode? Share it with a fellow mama and leave a quick review—it helps others find the calm and clarity they deserve.
💛 Reminder: You are the perfect mom for your child. Keep showing up with curiosity and love—we’re in this together. 

Ep 15 // Feeling Resourced Too: Redefining Support for Neurodivergent Families with Iris

Hey Mama, Ever feel like the strategies or schedules you try, just don’t fit your family? Like you’re constantly adapting, adjusting, and absorbing without much support? You’re not failing—you're responding to a system that wasn’t built for your child… or you.
In this deeply affirming episode, we explore the journey of showing up as your full, neurodivergent self in parenting, in practice, and in life. It’s a conversation about honoring your humanity and your child’s—without burning out.
🌱 The shift from fixing kids to supporting families as full ecosystems 🌱 How lived experience deepens our capacity to support (and respect) each other 🌱 Letting go of auto-pilot parenting and embracing seasonal rhythms 🌱 Why community care and co-regulation starts with dropping the expert mask
This episode is tender, unfiltered, and filled with hard-earned wisdom and playful metaphors. I hope you’ll walk away feeling seen, softened, and maybe a little more courageous.
Key Moments: (00:00) From SLP to peer support: what changed and why (07:30) A personal story of compassion fatigue and reparenting (15:10) Redefining "support" beyond systems and service hours (20:55) Parenting on purpose: slowing down, showing up, shifting the legacy
Resources:
🎧 Find Iris at EFToolKit
💡 Subscribe to Flip the Switch — our weekly love note with sensory tips, co-regulation strategies, and honest reflections to help you feel more anchored in your parenting. Join here
🌀 Start with the Clarity Lab — Your first step to understanding your child’s (and your own) nervous system blueprint. Learn more
🤍 Need deeper support? Let’s talk. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to explore if 1:1 support could help, book a free clarity call. No pressure—just presence.
Stay Connected: 🌐 Website → theedisoncollective.com 📸 Instagram → @the_edison_collective ✉️ victoria@theedisoncollective.com
Don’t forget: ✨ Tap “Follow” so you don’t miss an episode ✨ Share with a friend who could use a little neuro-affirming encouragement ✨ Leave a review if this resonated—it helps more mamas find this life-giving work

Ep 14 // Motherhood, Meltdowns and Mirror Moments with Bettina Lopez Lam

Hey Momma.
If you've ever looked at your child mid-meltdown and thought, "Why is this so hard?"—this episode is for you.
This week on The Sensory Savvy Mama, I sat down with the brilliant Bettina for an unscripted, soul-nourishing conversation that explores the raw, real intersections of motherhood, neurodivergence, and the healing journey so many of us don’t expect to begin after having kids.
Together, we unpack:
Why your child’s behavior might actually be reflecting your unmet needs
The unraveling (and unmasking) that happens when neurodivergent mothers step into parenting
What postpartum really feels like when you're carrying invisible sensory needs
How professional expertise often doesn’t prepare you for the identity quake of becoming a mom
Why it's not about "fixing" your child—but honoring the dyad unit of you and your little one
Tiny, nervous system–aligned shifts that can create massive peace in your home
This one feels like sitting down with a cup of something warm and being seen—deeply.
✨ Mentioned in this episode:
Bettina Lopez Lam @beeingaudhd and @notatigermompodcast
The Sensory Blueprint: your personalized roadmap to peaceful, connected parenting. Learn more here →
Meg Farrell from Learn Play Thrive
If you're navigating this messy, magical, sensory-rich life with your child and wondering where you fit in, press play. This one’s for you.
>> Ready to explore your own sensory needs and create a roadmap for more calm? Click here to learn more about The Sensory Blueprint.

Episode 13 // Seeing Through Joe’s Eyes — A Sensory Journey to Advocacy and Representation

Hey Mama,
Today we are talking with Mariam—a mother, advocate, and now children’s book author—about her journey raising her neurodivergent son Joe. From early signs of sensory differences to challenges with accessing affirming therapy and speech support, Miriam shares her story with honesty and hope.
You’ll hear about:
The signs that made her realize her son processes the world differently
The gaps in traditional assessments and therapies—and what helped instead
How her sensory journey with Joe inspired her to write Joe’s Special Gifts, a vibrant and affirming picture book celebrating neurodivergent children
Real-life sensory tools and strategies that support Joe’s regulation at home and school
The importance of trusting your instincts, choosing aligned professionals, and staying curious about your child’s inner world
Whether you’re navigating early evaluations, feeling burnout, or just looking for representation that reflects your family’s truth, Miriam’s story will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.
What We’re Chatting About Today:
We’ll explore:
🌀 Why traditional assessments can miss what matters most—and what to watch for instead 🌀 How sensory sensitivities show up in everyday life (and why it’s not “just a quirk”) 🌀 The role of assistive communication tools and why verbal speech isn’t the only goal 🌀 How one mom turned her story into an affirming children’s book that celebrates neurodivergence
This episode is a mix of real talk, nervous system support, and an invitation to slow down and see your child—and yourself—with more compassion.
Resources + Next Steps:
💡 Subscribe to Flip the Switch — our weekly love note with sensory tips, co-regulation strategies, and honest reflections to help you feel more anchored in your parenting. Join here 🌀 Start with the Clarity Lab — Your first step to understanding your child’s (and your own) nervous system blueprint. Learn more 🤍 Curious about working with me? Let’s talk. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to explore if 1:1 support could help, book a free call- to be curious and ask any questions you may have. No pressure—just presence.
Final Reminders:
✨ Tap “Follow” so you don’t miss a single episode ✨ If this resonated, leave a review—it helps more mommas find this safe corner of the internet ✨ Share this with a friend who needs to know she’s not alone in this work

Episode 12 // Inclusion Starts Now: Modeling Curiosity, Compassion, and Conversations with Kayla Coburn

Hey Momma,
In this podcast episode, we sit down with author and inclusion educator Kayla Coburn to talk about the everyday power of representation—especially in children’s books—and how it can help shape our kids' views of the world and help us as parents to start some of those more challenging conversations. Kayla shares her journey from special education para to author, and how her lived experiences and identity as a white, non-disabled mom prompted her to examine implicit bias and model intentional language and inclusion in her home.
Together, we unpack:
The subtle messages we send (without meaning to) through our language and actions
How to start real conversations with your kids about disability, race, and identity—even when you don’t have all the answers
Why your modeling matters more than perfect wording
The importance of listening to disabled voices and honoring personal language preferences
How children’s books can serve as powerful bridges for compassion and curiosity
This episode will leave you encouraged, reflective, and ready to take small, meaningful steps toward raising more inclusive humans—starting with yourself.
 
Learn more about Kayla and her work: inclusionstartsnow.com
Click here for my list of favorite neuro-affirming children’s books:
Interested in exploring your own nervous system and starting more inclusive parenting practices? 
Check out The Clarity Lab
Loved this episode? Let’s stay connected.
✨ Join the email list for weekly encouragement, nervous system insights, and behind-the-scenes peeks. ✨ Subscribe to The Sensory Savvy Mama so you never miss an episode. ✨ Leave a review—it helps more moms like you find their calm and confidence.
And remember, mama: you are doing beautiful, brave work. Every curious question, every inclusive book, every moment you model empathy—it's planting seeds for a more compassionate world. We're with you every step of the way.