68. Neuroscience Foundations through a Sensory Emotional Lens

<p>We’re kicking off our new Neuroscience Foundations series—a deep dive into how the brain develops, processes sensory information, manages emotions, and shapes behavior. This foundational conversation explores why children don’t simply “know better,” how sensory systems guide development, and why understanding the nervous system transforms the way we support, teach, and connect with kids.</p><p> </p><p>Drawing from the Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent (SEEM) Frame of Reference and the pioneering work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, we examine how sensory integration builds the groundwork for regulation, learning, postural control, motor planning, and emotional resilience. We also unpack neuroplasticity—how the brain changes through repeated, meaningful, emotionally safe experiences—and how play accelerates learning.</p><p> </p><p>Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or therapist, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding behavior through a brain-based, compassionate lens.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode, you’ll discover how:</p><ul><li><p>Children’s behavior is the language of their nervous system.</p></li><li><p>Sensory processing forms the foundation for attention, regulation, learning, motor skills, and social connection.</p></li><li><p>The brain changes through relationship, repetition, meaning, and multisensory play.</p></li><li><p>Stress creates maladaptive wiring; safety creates adaptive wiring.</p></li><li><p>Progress isn’t linear—because development isn’t linear.</p></li><li><p>Both children and adults can rewire their brains.</p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Join Us Next Week! We’ll be joined by a special guest who will unpack the neuroscience of behavior—including what’s actually happening in the brain during big emotions, stress responses, and challenging moments, and how adults can respond in ways that build regulation, resilience, and connection.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Join our community!</strong></p><p>@TheSensoryEmotional_OT on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesensoryemotional_ot/"> <u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a></p><p>@GreatKidsPlace on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/greatkidsplace/%C2%A0"> <u>⁠Instagram⁠</u></a> &amp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreatKidsPlace/"> <u>⁠Facebook⁠</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Visit our Learning Center </strong></p><p>We know that sensory-motor experiences play a significant role in a child’s daily life and emotional well-being. Using playful interactions, <a href="https://sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.teachable.com"><u>The Sensory Emotional Center of Learning</u></a> is designed to bring our therapeutic model, the Sensory Emotional EngageMent Frame of Reference, into your home or work.</p><p><a href="https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.com"><strong>https://www.sensoryemotionalcenteroflearning.com</strong></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Want more resources?</strong> Please visit our blog:<a href="https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/"><u> https://greatkidsplace.com/category/blog/</u></a></p><p>and<a href="https://sensoryemotional.org/"> <u>https://sensoryemotional.org/</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>About</strong></p><p><strong>AnnMarie Murphy, OTD, OT/L, PNAP</strong></p><p><strong>Occupational Therapist, Great Kids Place</strong></p><p><strong>Co-Director, Sensory-motor Emotional EngageMent</strong></p><p> </p><p>AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neuroscience, and pediatrics. She holds a doctoral degree in occupational therapy, specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder, and is a fellow of Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E.</p><p> </p><p>Her background also includes a degree in Psychology, supporting her focus on social-emotional development, parent stress, and family dynamics.</p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>A Tribute to Michele Parkins, MS, OTR/L, IMH-E®</strong></p><p> </p><p>Founder, Great Kids Place and the Sensory-motor Emotional En