19 | Sensory Regulation in Autism | Leinfuss, Newchok & O'Hara

Understanding sensory regulation can feel overwhelming for many parents and caregivers, especially when children experience big emotions, sensory-seeking behaviors, shutdowns, or difficulty participating in everyday routines. In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene speaks with occupational therapists Amanda Newchok and Erin O'Hara, co-creators of the Ready to Learn and Play Sensory Regulation Framework alongside Janice Leinfuss. Together, they discuss how the framework helps children, caregivers, educators, and therapists better understand sensory processing and develop practical self-regulation strategies across home, school, and community settings. The conversation explores how behaviors often viewed negatively can instead be understood as "sensory clues" that communicate underlying regulation needs. Amanda and Erin explain the four phases of the framework and share how visual supports, caregiver coaching, and real-life practice help children build greater self-awareness, autonomy, and participation in daily life. This episode offers practical and neurodiversity-affirming guidance for families wanting to better understand sensory processing while supporting children in ways that feel empowering rather than punitive. Topics Covered • Understanding sensory regulation in autism • Sensory-seeking and sensory-avoidant behaviors • Reframing behaviors as "sensory clues" • The Ready to Learn and Play Framework • Teaching self-regulation skills to children • Generalizing regulation strategies across environments • Caregiver coaching and support • Using visual supports for sensory learning Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to the Ready to Learn and Play Framework 03:19 Research and development behind the framework 08:03 Phase one: sensory experiences and learning categories 10:10 Phase two: sensory choices and sensory clues 13:38 Phase three and four: generalization and application 17:05 Real-life examples of sensory regulation support 23:11 Resources and how families can learn more Memorable Quote "Your body is telling you something. Let's use that clue." About the Guests Amanda Newchok, Erin O'Hara, and Janice Leinfuss are pediatric occupational therapists and creators of the Ready to Learn and Play Sensory Regulation Framework. Together, they developed the framework to help children, caregivers, and professionals better understand sensory processing and self-regulation through practical, accessible, and neurodiversity-affirming strategies. Resources Mentioned Ready to Learn and Play Framework https://www.readytolearnandplay.com About the Host Brian Keene, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming therapy practice providing home-based and virtual services for children and families in Arizona. Through his clinical work, podcast, and community outreach, Brian is passionate about helping neurodivergent children and families build meaningful lives through connection, participation, regulation, and practical everyday support. Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: https://pod.link/1591840956 Explore more resources for families at: https://pureheartstherapy.com