Our Story

My name is Tania Collins, and I'm the proud mother of two beautiful girls, each with their own unique needs. My youngest, Kayla, was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), specifically with both over-responsiveness and under-responsiveness related to body awareness and proprioceptive processing. While this may sound overwhelming, I want to take you on our journey with our spirited and wonderful Kayla.

 

The Birth of Sensory Haven

 

Sensory Haven was born from the realisation that raising Kayla would look very different from raising our eldest, Lara. Adapting our parenting style to meet Kayla's needs required us to break away from old habits and rethink how we approached parenting. We quickly learned that Kayla wasn't being naughty or defiant; she simply couldn't control her reactions as she was learning to understand her changing body. Educating our family, friends, and teachers at each stage was crucial in supporting her.

 

Once we slowed down and truly observed Kayla, it transformed our lives. As parents, sometimes all we need to do is pause, take a breath, and watch our children more closely. Parenting a sensory-seeking child may seem unconventional, and others might judge, but I've learned that doing things differently is what helps Kayla the most.

 

Our Journey

 

Now eight, Kayla was diagnosed with SPD at just two and a half. By age three she started with occupational therapy, we saw significant improvements after starting that process at a young age. Looking back, the signs of my sensory-seeking child were evident in her toddler years. She had boundless energy, struggled to sit still, and often experienced emotional outbursts. She craved physical contact, loved movement, and preferred sensory play with water and sand.

 

If I had known then what I know now about sensory-seeking children, I would have recognized these signs sooner. Kayla adored swinging, often asking to swing again shortly after a break, and she was obsessed with ice, which she would eat while surrounded by stuffed animals. Both behaviours were her ways of self-regulating—swinging helped with her proprioception, while the crunch of ice provided a calming sensation. (She had already taught herself that she needed to regulate.)

 

Support and Community

 

This journey hasn't been easy. Adapting our parenting strategies during her developmental years has presented challenges, but I'm grateful for the incredible support from family, friends, teachers, and occupational therapists.

 

If any of the above resonates with you, I'd love to share my experiences and connect you with valuable resources. Sensory Haven is not just about products; it's about providing tools, guidance, and a supportive community for parents, children, grandparents, teachers, and professionals.

 

As Sensory Haven continues to grow, you'll find a wealth of resources, tools, and information to help navigate this journey. I'm excited to share more as we continue this path together.

 

Much love to you all.