It all began during COVID-19 lockdown. A good friend asked where, locally, she could buy the sensory swing Katie has in her home. It was then, she realized that our community and the neurodivergent population does not have easily accessible resources.

Katie has experienced the difficulties of shopping and finding products to support her child’s needs. Most items have to be ordered on-line. It is very important for individuals to have an opportunity to feel and experience items that could support them in a safe, sensory-friendly environment. Ordering online leads to many items needing to be returned and the challenges that involves.

From packing up the item, preparing the kids or yourself to run errands in a neurotypical setting, taking the item to a store/post office/mail provider, standing in line, to then reordering and repeating the process again. Katie knows the difficulties that this presents on her family and decided to solve the problem. The sensory store seed was planted!

Katie is strongly supported by her family, notably her husband, Dan. As an airline captain he may not always be seen, but he is excited to be supporting Katie and the community. She was diagnosed as a neurodivergent adult and can look back on how this affected her throughout her life in very positive and sometimes very challenging ways. Her four children are also neurodivergent. Aside from neurodivergence, she is familiar with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and how trauma can affect one’s senses. Her time as a foster and adoptive parent has helped teach Katie the everyday needs which one cannot get from education alone.

Their oldest son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and he has spent countless hours in various therapies and appointments. She has watched the beauty of who he is and the challenges that he faces being neurodivergent.

No parent should apologize for their child’s senses being overwhelmed, yet that is what most parents like Katie do. Whether the setting is a store, mall, airport, concert, birthday party, private home, school, or restaurant the senses can be overwhelmed, communication becomes difficult, and stimming or other regulatory behaviors happen, leading to misunderstanding by those around. This is when the apologizes begin, but that is where they should end.

Sensory Tool House, LLC will never look for an apology for regulatory behaviors.

Katie and Dan know the challenges that caregivers face when supporting a family member with disabilities. No one person’s experience is alike, however there is a binding tie - it is hard and worth every moment.

Katie’s work in the community, education, work experience, and personal experiences provide her with the ability to bring to the community this missing piece; a supportive, safe, shopping experience for all.