Sept. 20, 2022

How the Sensory System Impacts Kids’ Behavior | POF167

How the Sensory System Impacts Kids’ Behavior | POF167

This is the second time I’ve had Cindy Utzinger on my show, and I know it won’t be the last! She is an expert on the Sensory System and on kids with “Sensory Differences.” These are kids that don’t necessarily have a Sensory Processing Disorder diagnosis, but have sensitivities to light, sound, smells, touch, etc.

So often we misunderstand the behaviour of our kids, when in fact, they might be acting out because they are overstimulated or under stimulated. Your child hitting you might have more to do with their sensory system than them acting out.

Many parents also wonder, “Is there something wrong with my child?”, “Is my child on the spectrum?” and “Does my child have ADHD?” Cindy and I answer those questions and more!

In this episode we talk about:

  • The Vestibular and Proprioceptive systems, how they work, and how to use them to calm a child.
  • The relationship between the Sensory System and Anxiety
  • How Covid has affected our children’s sensory system
  • What behaviors are typically labelled as “bad” that just might be sensory seeking
  • Giving kids the language to talk about how they’re feeling when they experience sensory overload

For a copy of Cindy’s Sensory Checklist” to see what behaviors fall under the sensory umbrella, you can download it from the Parent Toolbox. www.parent-toolbox.com

Our previous episode together can be found here: https://www.parentingforconnection.com/parentingourfuture/episode/e98a7015/why-is-my-kid-doing-that-a-sensory-approach-to-understanding-your-childs-behavior-or-pof48

About Cindy Utzinger

Cindy Utzinger OTR/L, is a licensed Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics and sensory integration with over 20 years of experience. During her career she has developed outpatient pediatric programs working both one-on-one and with groups of children and their parents in clinical and school settings. After becoming a mom of two children, Cindy found herself asking the question “Why?” and discovered she was not alone. As the author of the book “Why is My Kid Doing That? A sensory approach to understanding your child’s behavior”, Cindy aims to help parents and educators recognize the sensory component to children’s behaviors. Cindy enjoys teaching and speaking at schools and parenting events empowering parents with tools to both understand and help their children succeed.

Contact information:

Email: info@cindyutzinger.com


Social Media:

Website: https://cindyutzinger.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-utzinger-3082ba45

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whyismykiddoingthat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyismykiddoingthat/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cindyu2428/

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvYCgENxxbymniTG3suIddQ


Thanks for listening! For more on Robbin, her work and free resources, keep reading!

READY FOR YOUR FAMILY CHECK UP CALL? If you’re feeling burnt out by bad behavior, worn down from constant battles and bickering and you’ve struggled to get the cooperation, respect and obedience you want from your kids, I’ve been there too. It might be time to learn new tools (that you’ve never been taught) to help you get your kids to listen to you, build teamwork, and grow the harmony in your home.

FREE GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF STRONG-WILLED KIDS: “How to Turn a NO into Cooperation” go to www.strongwilledkids.com

It means so much to me that you listened to my podcast! If you resonate with my message and would like my personal help in your parenting journey, I’d love to talk to you. Please visit my website to book a call with me where we can talk about your parenting frustrations and I’ll share how I can help you. www.parentingforconnection.com

The intention for my show is to build a community of parents that can have open and honest conversations about parenting without judgement or criticism. We all deserve access to help and support when we need it most.  

I honour each parent and their path towards becoming the best parent they can be. My hope is to inspire more parents to consider the practice of Peaceful Parenting.

If you know somebody who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below!

Thanks for listening!

It means so much to me that you listened to my podcast! If you resonate with my message and would like my personal help in your parenting journey, I’d love to talk to you. Please visit my website to book a call with me where we can talk about your parenting frustrations and I’ll share how I can help you. www.parentingforconnection.com

My intention with my show is to build a community of parents that can have open and honest conversations about parenting without judgement or criticism. We have too much of that!

I honor each parent and their path towards becoming the best parent they can be. My hope is to inspire more parents to consider the practice of Peaceful Parenting.

If you know somebody who would benefit from this message, or would be an awesome addition to our community, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below!


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