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Soaring Child – Thriving With ADHD

– Because we believe that every child – ADHD or not – deserves the opportunity to soar. 

 

173 – ADHD & Sensory Processing Explained with Michael Soria

ADHD Thrive Institute
ADHD Thrive Institute
173 - ADHD & Sensory Processing Explained with Michael Soria
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In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay dives into some often overlooked aspects of ADHD—sensory processing challenges. She’s joined by Michael Soria, a global special education consultant and dad of a neurodivergent child, who brings over 35 years of insight and heart to the conversation.

If your child melts down in the cereal aisle or fights over wearing socks, it may not be “just ADHD”—it could be their sensory system crying out for help. Dana and Michael explore how sensory overload can mimic or magnify ADHD symptoms, and what parents and educators can do to support these children more effectively.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the three hidden senses (vestibular, proprioception, and interception), how to distinguish behavior from sensory triggers, and four powerful Cs—Consistency, Calm Transitions, Communication, and Compassion—for building a more supportive home and school environment.

Link Mentioned in the Show:

 Show Notes

Key Takeaways:
[04:56] Learn about the three hidden senses often overlooked in ADHD care
[09:05] Sensory red flags at home—like picky eating or trouble finishing meals
[16:25] The power of the 95-point sensory checklist to clarify what’s really going on
[22:05] Michael’s “4 Cs” for supporting children with ADHD and sensory challenges
[29:38] How a custom calming space or a “comfort portfolio” can change behavior in the moment

Memorable Moments:
“What if your child isn’t misbehaving — their sensory system is just overwhelmed?”

“Transitions are where most antecedents become behavior problems.”

“The best activities you can do with your kids are the ones they tell you they like the most.”

“Even if they don’t have sensory challenges, every child benefits from calming tools.”

“Teachers are experts in loving our students, and that’s invaluable.”

“How cool would it be if I’m having a meltdown and I open a little book and see a photo of me and my dog?”

“Knowledge is power—and so is community.”

“If we do this activity at school, parents please also do it at home.”

“We’re not looking at the behavior; we should be looking at what caused the behavior.”

“When your kid screams over socks… it might not be bad behavior.”

How to Connect to Caz:
📧 Email: [email protected]
💼 LinkedIn: Michael Soria on LinkedIn
🌐 Playlearn: https://playlearn.com

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ABOUT THE SOARING CHILD PODCAST

Dive into a unique podcast experience where we explore innovative and natural strategies to support children with ADHD.

The Soaring Child Podcast hosted by Dana Kay, offers you a chance to listen in on conversations that could change the way you think about ADHD management.

Dana Kay, board certified health & nutrition practitioner, author of the best selling book Thriving with ADHD: A guide to naturally reducing ADHD symptoms In your child, leading ADHD expert but most importantly a mom with a child with ADHD who gets it.

As a mother of a child with ADHD, she knows firsthand the struggles that come with parenting a neurodiverse child & the freedom that is possible once parents learn to reduce ADHD symptoms. Dana has been featured in Forbes, on Fox & CBS, & various other online media. She has also been a guest at multiple parenting & ADHD summits & podcasts.

Her goal with the Soaring Child is to give hope & answers to parents of children with ADHD who are looking for alternative (natural) and effective means of helping them learn to thrive at home, at school, and in life.

Because children with ADHD deserve to soar, just like every other child.

 

 

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