The Sensory Den

04/14/2025

Living with an invisible illness means showing up every day in a body that doesn’t always cooperate — and in a world that doesn’t always understand.

Whether it’s chronic pain, fatigue, neurodivergence, trauma, or anything else that can’t be “seen” — you deserve compassion, support, and rest.

04/10/2025

Parenting a child with special needs is a journey filled with love, resilience, and a lot of unseen strength. 💛
But somewhere in the middle of IEP meetings, meltdowns, therapies, and advocating… it’s easy to lose sight of you.

This post is a gentle reminder that you still matter. Your identity didn’t disappear—it’s still there, even if it’s buried under a mountain of responsibilities. ✨

04/07/2025

Sensory needs aren’t bad behaviour — they’re communication.
Every child has sensory needs, and recognizing them is key to supporting regulation, focus, and emotional well-being.

Here are 3 simple ways to start supporting your child’s sensory needs:

1. Create a calm-down corner – Include noise-canceling headphones, soft textures, or a weighted lap pad.
2. Use sensory tools intentionally – Items like our chewelry, fidgets, and wiggle cushions help meet sensory needs in safe, supportive ways.
3. Start learning and advocating – The more you understand your child’s sensory profile, the more empowered you are to support them.

At The Sensory Den, we’re more than a store — we’re building a space for education, community, and support. Coaching + advocacy services are coming soon, designed for families who want personalized guidance from someone who truly gets it.

In the meantime, explore our curated sensory tools at:
www.thesensoryden.ca

04/03/2025

If you feel like rejection hits harder than it should — you’re not imagining it.
That gut-punch after a text gets ignored, a voice note gets critiqued, or someone seems “off” with you?

That might be Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).
It’s not about being dramatic — it’s about having a nervous system wired to overreact to even perceived rejection.

It’s intense. It’s painful. And it’s more common in ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent brains than most people realize.

You’re not broken. You just feel deeply.
And that’s not a flaw — it’s a part of your power.

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✨ Save this post to revisit on hard days
🔁 Share if RSD is part of your journey

04/02/2025

This is more than just a photo — it’s the heart behind everything I do.

Hunter (my oldest) is autistic — and every day, he teaches me about resilience, perspective, and the beauty of being exactly who you are. His brothers are growing up learning what it means to love someone deeply, advocate fiercely, and embrace differences without hesitation.

This journey is what inspired me to create The Sensory Den — a space for neurodivergent families to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Today, we don’t just talk about awareness.
We listen to the voices of those that have autism.
We push for accessible spaces.
We choose acceptance over awareness — because awareness is just the beginning.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting a small business built on love, lived experience, and a whole lot of learning.

04/02/2025

Autism Awareness Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder that understanding is just the beginning.

Autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. It’s a spectrum of experiences, communication styles, and sensory needs. Too often, the conversation stops at “awareness” — but autistic people deserve more than recognition. They deserve acceptance, accommodations, and genuine inclusion.

This post shares 7 things everyone should know — not just today, but every day. Because building a more inclusive world starts with listening, learning, and unlearning.

Share this to keep the conversation going.
We rise by making space for every kind of mind.

04/01/2025

Big news from The Sensory Den 💬

Over the last year, I’ve had countless conversations with parents, educators, EAs, and therapists — and one thing kept coming up:

We need more than just sensory tools.

We need support. Advocacy. Real collaboration.

So I’m officially launching The Sensory Den Coaching & Advocacy on April 8th — a new service for families, educators, and businesses who want to create truly supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals.

But before I launch, I want to hear from you:
➡️ What topics do you want me to cover?
➡️ What challenges are you facing right now?
➡️ What do you wish more people understood?

Drop your thoughts below 💬
DM me 📩
Or check today’s story to share anonymously.

Let’s shape this together 💛

03/26/2025

I’m completely heartbroken.

Yesterday I made a post thinking about one of Hunter and Dylan’s first caretakers, Kelsey—someone who made such a huge impact on both of us. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. So I sent her a message with a video of Hunter I posted yesterday, just to tell her how much I missed her, to check how her sweet baby is doing and how grateful I still am for the role she played in our lives.

Kelsey was the reason I had hope in sending Hunter to school. I wanted to homeschool, I was scared and unsure—but then came this radiant light who connected with Hunter so deeply and beautifully, it changed everything. Her kindness, her patience, her warmth… she truly saw him. She gave us both hope. She also had the most amazing bond with Dylan.

After I sent the message, something told me to check her page.

And that’s when I found out she passed away two months ago.

Stage 4 lung cancer. Just like that. She’s gone.

I have no words. I still can’t believe it. My heart is shattered for her family, her little one, and for everyone who was lucky enough to know her. She was the kind of person who leaves a mark on your soul—and I will never forget her.

Rest in peace, Kelsey. You were truly one of the most beautiful lights this world has ever known. 💔

01/30/2025

For the first time, I feel truly understood. EMDR with my therapist has helped me connect with my inner child in ways I never thought possible. Healing isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about going back, holding the younger version of yourself, and reminding them they were always worthy of love and safety. Every session, every breakthrough, every tear is a step closer to peace. If you’re on this journey too, know that healing is possible, and you are so deserving of it. 💛✨

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12/18/2024