Sensory Joy: Discovering Joy in the Everyday at the Castle Rock Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo
At this year’s Neurodiversity Expo, I had the honor of presenting Discovering Sensory Joy in Daily Life an interactive lecture exploring how sensory experiences shape our felt experiences, regulation, and meaningful participation in daily life.
As a neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapist and founder of Hart and Haven LLC, my work centers on helping neurodivergent individuals reconnect with their bodies, their rhythms, and their joy.
This talk invited participants to move beyond “sensory coping” and toward something deeper: sensory joy as a pathway to self-trust, regulation, and authentic living.
What Is Sensory Joy?
Sensory joy is the intentional noticing and cultivating of sensory experiences that feel regulating, affirming, and pleasant. It is an embodied, context-based, and relational experience that everyone feels differently.
Rather than focusing only on reducing sensory overwhelm, sensory joy asks:
What textures bring comfort?
What sounds feel grounding?
What movement feels organizing?
What environments support your nervous system?
What sensory experiences feel like home in your body?
For many neurodivergent people — including those who are autistic, ADHD, sensory-sensitive, or highly sensitive — sensory experiences are not secondary to life. They are foundational. In fact, for anyone with a nervous system, sensory experiences are foundational weather we tune in or not.
Why Sensory Joy Matters for Neurodivergent Individuals
Traditional sensory approaches often focus on “fixing” behaviors or increasing tolerance. A neurodiversity-affirming lens shifts the focus toward:
Self-understanding
Agency
Consent-based regulation
Strengths-based sensory preferences
Environmental alignment
Research in occupational therapy and sensory integration theory, including the work of A. Jean Ayres, has long recognized that sensory processing influences participation in daily life.
Sensory joy integrates these perspectives by emphasizing:
Regulation through felt experince and daily activities
Embodied self-awareness
Environmental design
Identity-affirming sensory exploration
From Coping to Thriving: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
In neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy, sensory differences are not deficits. They are data.
When individuals understand their sensory profiles, they can:
Advocate for environmental accommodations
Build sustainable routines
Design supportive workspaces
Strengthen executive functioning
Increase emotional regulation
Experience more joy in everyday occupations
Sensory joy is not about constant positivity. It is about expanding access to regulation, comfort, and authentic expression.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Sensory Joy
Here are five starting points:
1. Create a Sensory Joy List
List 10 sensory experiences that feel regulating or pleasurable.
2. Build a Sensory Toolkit
Include items like:
Weighted lap pad
Noise-reducing headphones
Fidget objects
Soft textures
Preferred scents (if safe)
3. Schedule Sensory Nutrition
Just like meals, sensory nourishment should be intentional and regular.
4. Audit Your Environment
Adjust lighting, sound, seating, and visual input to better match your nervous system.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Sensory needs are not weaknesses. They are part of your nervous system’s design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Joy
What is sensory joy in occupational therapy?
Sensory joy is the intentional cultivation of sensory experiences that support regulation, identity, and participation in meaningful daily activities.
Is sensory joy only for autistic individuals?
No. Sensory joy can benefit autistic individuals, ADHDers, highly sensitive people, trauma survivors, and anyone with a nervous system.
How is this different from sensory coping strategies?
Traditional coping focuses on managing distress. Sensory joy expands the lens to include pleasure, embodiment, and identity-affirming sensory experiences.
Can adults benefit from sensory integration work?
Yes. Sensory integration principles apply across the lifespan. Adults often experience profound shifts when given permission to explore sensory preferences without shame.
Bringing Sensory Joy Into the Community
The Next Steps Neurodiversity Expo reminded me how powerful community spaces are. When neurodivergent individuals gather to share lived experience, something shifts:
Shame decreases
Language increases
Self-trust grows
Joy becomes accessible
If you’d like to find more joy in your daily routines, reach out to me at: info@hartandhaven.net or text/call: 720.819.5892 and I would love to work together!