The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Paul Cruz
Building Sensory-Safe Spaces with Cynthia Miller-Lautman
Building Sensory-Safe Spaces with Cynthia Miller-Lautman
Description
Guest: Cynthia Miller-Lautman – Occupational Therapist, Educator, and Host of Swinging Upside Down
In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with occupational therapist Cynthia Miller-Lautman, whose work bridges sensory science and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Cynthia shares how early clinical experiences, parenthood, and work in diverse communities taught her to “watch the person” and see so-called “behaviours” as signals of dysregulation, not defiance.
Together, Paul and Cynthia explore the eight senses (including vestibular, proprioception, and interoception), what “just right” regulation actually feels like, and how to design sensory-safe micro-spaces in schools, homes, clinics, dental offices, and workplaces—without needing huge budgets or perfect setups.
You’ll walk away with a minimum viable plan to support sensory regulation, plus a new lens on “behaviour” that centres safety, consent, and dignity for neurodivergent children and adults.
Key Takeaways
- The 8 Senses, Not 5
Cynthia explains touch, vestibular, proprioception, taste, smell, hearing, vision, and interoception, and why the first three are the foundation for regulation. - “Just Right” vs On High vs On Low
Instead of pathologizing, Cynthia uses “just right,” “on high,” and “on low” to help families and educators understand sensory needs in plain language. - Behaviour as Communication, Not Defiance
Rocking, leaving the room, refusing to eat, or “not listening” are reframed as clues to sensory overload or underload, not bad choices. - Sensory Is a Human Need, Not a Reward
Sensory tools (movement, weight, deep pressure, safe spaces) should not be “earned”—they’re supports that make learning, therapy, and daily life possible. - How to Build a Micro Sensory-Safe Space
With low-cost items (pillows, old sheets, beanbags, rocking/office chairs, simple weighted or vibrating tools), you can set up sensory corners in:- Classrooms
- Homes and small apartments
- Therapy, medical, and dental offices
- Consent and Safety with Tools
Cynthia shares practical guidelines for things like weighted tools (never more than ~10% of body weight), watching eyes and body language for consent, and avoiding forced touch. - Sensory Needs Across the Lifespan
Sensory regulation isn’t “just for kids.” It matters in:- Dental and medical procedures
- Waiting rooms
- Workplaces and therapy offices
- Aging, dementia, and hospitalizations
- Becoming a Sensory Detective
The most powerful shift: adults becoming curious detectives instead of judges—asking “What is this person trying to get to feel just right?” instead of “Why are they being difficult?”
Key Quotes
- “Sensory is not a reward. Sensory is a human need.” – Cynthia Miller-Lautman
- “Behaviours are often signals—our detective work is figuring out what’s really going on.”
- “Parents, teachers, and therapists must become sensory detectives to help kids (and adults) find ‘just right.’”
Resources & Links
- Cynthia’s course and webinars: https://courses.cynthiamillerlautman.com (Listeners can use the code sensory20 to get 20% off at checkout
- Cynthia’s podcast: Swinging Upside Down
- Upcoming talk: November 6 at the Montreal Teachers Convention, Bonaventure Hotel
- Website & resources: cynthiamillerlautman.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiamillerlautmanot
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamillerlautman
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cynthiamillerlautman
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamillerlautman
Connect With Us
- Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com
Grab your The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Merch Catalogue Items from our Printful Store
https://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/category/all-products
Support the show & create your own merch!
I use Printify to design and ship custom merch on demand—no inventory, no hassle. If you’ve ever wanted to launch your own merch line, check it out here: www.printful.com/give-5-get-5/TOG355
Using this link helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. 💜
Support by joining our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join
Be A Neurodiversity Voices+ Subscriber
If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast player you love, please take a moment to rate the show and leave a comment. It makes a huge difference!