In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Melissa Murphy and Chandler Edge from Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies to discuss Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). As occupational therapy professionals, they share how this frequently undiagnosed condition impacts children in foster care and the families who love them.

Melissa and Chandler break down how the central nervous system controls our daily experiences and what happens when a child's sensory system is out of balance due to genetics, prenatal care, birth history, or early childhood trauma. They explore how sensory dysregulation is often misinterpreted as defiance or hyperactivity, offering practical guidance to help caregivers distinguish between a sensory meltdown and goal-directed behavior. Learn how to implement actionable tools like sensory diets, heavy work, and calming spaces to support your child today.

• Melissa Murphy is an occupational therapist, owner of Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, and a dedicated advocate for complex medical diagnoses and community inclusion.

• Chandler Edge is an occupational therapist assistant and partner at Beyond Measure Pediatric Therapies, working alongside Melissa to support families navigating daily functional challenges.
  
  

• Introduction to sensory processing disorder and the central nervous system.

• Why sensory processing challenges are highly prevalent within the foster care community.

• Root causes of sensory dysregulation: genetics, prenatal care, and early life trauma.

• The three patterns: sensory seeking, sensory over-responsivity, and sensory under-responsivity.

• How to distinguish between a true sensory meltdown and standard behavioral tantrums.

• Practical home tools: sensory diets, heavy work activities, and weighted blankets.

• Setting up calm corners and advocating for inclusive spaces in churches and classrooms.

• The importance of parental patience, self-compassion, and trusting your gut instincts.
  
  

• Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/

• Follow TFI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/