From Meltdown to Regulation: Parent Workshop on Sensory Processing

This parent workshop on sensory processing and emotional regulation is designed to help families better understand meltdowns and how to support children through moments of overwhelm.

Many meltdowns are not behavior problems. They are often nervous system responses to sensory overload.

When children become overwhelmed by sensory input, transitions, or emotional stress, their bodies may move into a fight-or-flight response. In those moments, traditional discipline strategies often don’t work because the child’s nervous system is trying to regain balance.

In this workshop, parents will learn practical strategies for supporting children with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, and regulation challenges.

Our goal is to provide clear tools parents can begin using right away to help children move from overwhelm back to regulation.

This workshop is hosted in Phoenix, Arizona and is open to families across the Valley including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and surrounding communities.

During this workshop, we will explore topics such as:

• Why meltdowns happen and what the nervous system is doing
• The difference between a tantrum and a sensory meltdown
• How to recognize early signs of sensory overload
• Practical strategies to support regulation before a meltdown escalates
• What to do during a meltdown to support your child safely
• Ways to build long-term emotional regulation skills at home

Parents will walk away with simple, practical strategies that can make everyday moments feel more manageable.

This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of children who:

• Experience frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
• Become overwhelmed in busy or stimulating environments
• Have sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors
• Struggle with transitions or changes in routine
• Are autistic, ADHD, or have sensory processing differences

If you’ve ever wondered:

“What is my child actually experiencing during a meltdown?”

or

“How can I help my child calm their body when they are overwhelmed?”

this workshop is for you.

Every family’s experience is unique, so part of this workshop will be collaborative and discussion-based.

Parents are welcome to bring questions or real-life situations they’re navigating. Some examples of topics that may come up include:

• Meltdowns in public places like grocery stores or restaurants
• Difficulty with transitions (leaving the park, bedtime, getting ready for school)
• Overwhelm during busy or noisy environments
• Challenges with clothing, food textures, or other sensory sensitivities
• Big emotional reactions when routines change
• Strategies for helping children calm their bodies after becoming overwhelmed

Our goal is to create a space where parents can learn, share experiences, and leave with ideas that feel supportive and doable at home.

Pure Hearts Therapy is a pediatric therapy practice serving families across the Phoenix Valley with a neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered approach.

Brian Keene is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy and a pediatric occupational therapist passionate about helping children and families better understand sensory processing, emotional regulation, and everyday participation.

Born and raised in Arizona, Brian is an Army veteran who served in Hawaii and worked at Tripler Army Medical Center as a laboratory technician before transitioning into healthcare and therapy. He later earned degrees in Exercise Science from Grand Canyon University and Occupational Therapy from Northern Arizona University.

Brian’s approach to therapy is playful, practical, and deeply client-centered, with a strong commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care.

He is also the host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, where he shares conversations and resources that help empower parents, therapists, and caregivers supporting neurodivergent children.

Dipali Devani is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in Sensory Integration Therapy.

She works closely with families to help children better process sensory information, improve motor coordination, and develop emotional regulation skills so they can participate more comfortably in daily life.

Her experience includes supporting children with:

• Sensory processing differences
• Autism spectrum differences
• ADHD
• Developmental delays
• Emotional regulation challenges
• Fine and gross motor development
• Parent coaching and sensory strategy implementation

In addition to her occupational therapy work, Dipali is also an Ayurvedic practitioner, bringing a holistic perspective that integrates the connection between the body, mind, and nervous system.

This will be a supportive and interactive workshop where parents can learn, ask questions, and gain practical tools to help their children navigate sensory challenges and emotional regulation.

The workshop will include:

• Education about sensory processing and regulation
• Practical strategies parents can apply at home
• Opportunities for questions and discussion
• A supportive community of parents navigating similar experiences

Space is limited to keep the workshop engaging and allow time for discussion.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

555 N 5th Ave, 555 North 5th Avenue, Phoenix, United States

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