The Sensory Code: Understanding Sensory Processing Differences to Support Your Child's Unique Needs

by Laura Petix MS OTR/L

A practical guide to supporting your child’s sensory needs – and celebrating their uniqueness – from @TheOTButterfly

As every parent knows, kids don’t come with an instruction manual. Decoding problem behavior and identifying your child’s unique needs can feel like a daily struggle – particularly when it comes to sensory challenges.

In this relatable and informative guide, occupational therapist Laura Petix presents a guided tour of your child’s brain and nervous system – and offers tools for helping kids thrive in an overwhelming world that's not set up for them. Filled with simple explainers and hands-on techniques, the book

Understanding your child’s unique sensory profileDecoding the needs underneath your child’s big emotions and problem behaviorEveryday tools for more harmony and connectionLanguage to help your child understand how their brain works.Strategies for overcoming frustration and dialing up empathy – for your child and yourself.
Whether you’re managing meltdowns, nurturing a sensory seeker, navigating sensory sensitivities, or tackling daily routines, this book will empower you with expert-guided, neurodivergent-friendly tools to support your child and experience more joy and regulation in your daily lives.

Genres: Parenting

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2026

About the author

Laura Petix is a neurodiverse affirming pediatric Occupational Therapist who specializes in sensory processing skills for neurodivergent individuals. She is a parent to a neurodivergent daughter and CEO of The OT Butterfly, where she educates parents through her podcast, social media, 1:1 parent coaching and other digital resources on how sensory processing can have a direct impact on learning and behavior. Laura lives in Southern California with her husband and daughter and loves Disneyland, Taylor Swift and late 90s/early 00s music! You can find more of her work on instagram @theotbutterfly or her podcast, Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions for parents.

Reviews

[Alyssa Blask · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the guide that all parents need for understanding how their child’s nervous system works. Why getting out of the door can feel so tough or why after school meltdowns are a thing and what to do about them. Laura’s nervous system budget analysis should be recommended reading for all humans on planet earth. Snag this bad boy!!

[Julian Vergel de dios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura's work here is phenomenal. I don't have a child with sensory processing disorder, but I have family members who do. This book has helped me understand how poorly designed the world can be for them in a way I had never thought of before. Highly recommended!