69. Neuroscience Foundations: Understanding Behavior with Brain Science through a Sensory Emotional Lens (Part 2)

<p>In today’s episode, occupational therapist AnnMarie Murphy is joined by Laura Baldwin, licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist, and beloved member of the Great Kids Place team. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind behavior—specifically how the brain’s structure, stress responses, and sensory processing shape the everyday emotional and behavioral reactions of our sensory kids.</p><p> </p><p>This episode offers a rich blend of brain science, practical examples, and compassionate guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to better understand what drives challenging behavior—and how to support kids through it with connection, regulation, and empathy.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode, you’ll discover:</p><ul><li><p>The “Flipped Lid” Theory</p></li><li><p>What Dysregulation Looks Like in Real Life</p></li><li><p>The Window of Tolerance as a “Staircase”</p></li><li><p>What Adults Can Do: Co-Regulation Strategies</p></li><li><p>How Kids Can Learn to Self-Regulate</p></li><li><p>Practical Tools to Use at Home</p></li></ul><p> </p><p>Emotional regulation is a developmental process—one shaped by brain maturation, sensory systems, relational support, and repeated co-regulation. Neuroplasticity allows these pathways to grow stronger over time, but it requires consistency, patience, and grace for both kids and caregivers. Teaching kids to understand and support their emotions is not just a gift for today—it shapes their future relationships, resilience, and well-being.</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>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>AnnMarie is an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at FDU, where she teaches mental health, neurosci