Empowered Pathways LLC

☀️Summer Sensory Series ☀️

Once we have a better understanding of our unique sensory profile, our sensory needs, preferences, and sensory triggers we can begin to identify activities and environments that may contribute to sensory overload and dysregulation.

Since there will be times that we cannot avoid sensory challenging environments and situations, it can be helpful to create a sensory safety plan. A sensory safety plan is a blueprint of specific strategies and accommodations to help us manage our unique sensory needs and minimize sensory overwhelm.

Thank you for following along with Empowered Pathways LLC "Summer Sensory Series!" As a gift, please feel free to use the included sensory safety planning which includes an example of a completed plan and a blank template.

Something exciting is taking shape behind the scenes, and we can't wait to share it with you. 💙

We're creating a new online learning platform featuring neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based educational opportunities for mental health professionals and individuals alike. The platform will include professional development and self-study resources, IDFPR-approved CEUs for Illinois Licensed Professional Counselors (with additional continuing education opportunities for other licensed mental health professionals, as applicable), and so much more.

We're hoping to launch in the next couple of weeks, so stay connected and keep an eye on our page for updates. We can't wait to share what's coming!

☀️ Summer Sensory Series ☀️

Now that we better understand our nervous system and our sensory profiles, let's learn about sensory tools. Sensory tools allow us to meet our sensory seeking needs by intentionally engaging with these soothing senses for purposes of calming, regulating, and staying focused.

We've included a few sensory tools below, but we'd love to hear from you - which tools do you find helpful? Please share in the comments below.

Stay tuned because in our next post we will be discussing Sensory Safety Planning and will be sharing a FREE Sensory Safety Planning Template!

☀️ Summer Sensory Series ☀️

Interoception is our ability to notice and understand signals from inside our bodies—like hunger, thirst, needing the restroom, feeling tired, or recognizing emotions.

Some people may have difficulty noticing these signals, while others may feel them very intensely. Challenges with interoception can impact daily routines, self-regulation, and overall well-being.

Interoception Under-Responsive: High pain tolerance, not noticing or seeking care for injuries or illness until severe; not remembering to eat, drink, or continuing to eat until painfully full; struggling to understand and communicate what they are feeling; waiting to go to the restroom until it's an emergency. Helpful strategies include utilizing external routines and schedules; focusing on concrete physical sensations and practicing body scans; linking routines to transitions.

Interoception Over-Responsive: Heightened anxiety and frequent panic attacks from minor bodily fluctuations; easily distracted and preoccupied by internal stimuli; mistaking everyday bodily sensations (e.g. hunger) for severe illness or pain; frequently fearing nauseous or generally unwell; frequent bathroom use; avoiding activities that bring attention to internal states (e.g. vigorous exercise). Helpful strategies include neutral language and descriptors; building more predictable environments and routines; and considering occupational therapy.

💭 What are some examples of your hypersensitive/hyposensitive interoception at work? Have you found any helpful strategies? Share in the comments!

Now that we know all about our nervous system and our sensory profile, we'll be wrapping up our with practical tools and strategies to support your unique sensory needs. Stay tuned! 👀

☀️ Summer Sensory Series ☀️

Understanding our sensory needs can help us stay calm, regulated, and remain within our window of tolerance (WOT). We can use our sensory soothers to help us self-regulate and if we're aware of our sensory aversions, we can create accommodations and supports to prevent overstimulation and overwhelm.

Most of us are already aware of our five senses - sight, touch, smell, taste, hearing and we can use our 5 senses to remain grounded, calm, and present. Try out the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique to practice using your senses to keep your nervous system regulated and balanced.

Do you have any sensory grounding techniques you love using? Please share in the comments below!

Want to learn about your 3 hidden senses? 👀 Stay tuned and follow along to learn more during our