#175 - Empathizing with Individuals Who Have Sensory Differences

Having empathy in everyday life is important, but it's also crucial for creating a supportive connection with your child.  What is empathy and how can we use it? We talk about the process of empathizing, and discuss the benefits for you and connecting with your loved ones, while keeping shame and anger at bay. From dealing with a sensory meltdown to other moms who aren't going through what you are, empathy provides us with tools to raise the emotional intelligence of everyone in the room. And, while it's not always easy, empathizing with your little one can create a safer and calmer space for you to come together in difficult moments. By putting on your sensory goggles, you can understand why they're doing something and then assess their needs from there, building rapport and trust in the process. We identify the different types of empathy, chat about managing real-world scenarios, and cover specific language and questions you can use to deepen understanding.Lastly, we love hearing from you so we've started a new section at the end of each episode where we answer your questions! Key Points From This Episode:The importance of teaching empathy for special-needs kiddos who may struggle with it.What is empathy and how it will benefit your mental health and everyone around you?Empathy creates safe spaces allowing you to bond more deeply with your child.As a therapist/caregiver, empathy creates deeper bonds of trust.Using empathy with your little one models and teaches them how to be empathetic.3 types of empathy.How to respond when your child is having a fight/flight response.Specific vocabulary and questions you can use.Empathy allows you to put on your sensory 'goggles' and view the world differently.Naturally creating a pathway to empathy.Safe sensory activities with a little one who puts everything in their mouth.What to do if your kiddo is being aggressive towards a pet.Be sure to check out the show notes on our blog at  Harkla.Co/Podcast.Brought To You By HarklaThis podcast is brought to you by Harkla.  Our mission at Harkla is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives. We accomplish this through high-quality sensory products, child development courses, & The Harkla Sensory Club.Podcast listeners get 10% off their first order at Harkla with the discount code "sensory". Head to Harkla.co/sensory to start shopping now.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Harkla BlogHarkla on YoutubeHarkla on InstagramHarkla “Sensory” 10% Discount CodeUniversity of Washington Autism CenterHIPAA GuidelinesThe Sensory ProjectThe Sensory Project on FacebookThe Sensory Project on InstagramAll Things Sensory on FacebookAll Things Sensory on Instagram

Om Podcasten

Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, are two passionate Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who answer your questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and health, from a therapist’s perspective. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas, and strategies, for parents and families to implement into daily life. Great for those who work with children with sensory processing disorder, special needs, autism, and ADHD. This podcast is brought to you by Harkla. At Harkla, our goal is to help those with special needs live happy and healthy lives.