“When in Doubt, Prōp It Out”: A Conversation with Rachel of The Sensory Project

At Family Matter, we’re all about the small shifts that lead to big breakthroughs—and no one embodies that better than Rachel from The Sensory Project. A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant turned creator and advocate, Rachel’s path into the world of sensory support started somewhere unexpected: with seniors.

“I initially became a COTA/L with the intent to work with seniors!” Rachel shares. “Out of school, I got a job at a pediatric sensory clinic and ended up LOVING it… I saw the impact therapy was having on my clients and I loved seeing them thrive!”

That passion soon grew into something much larger. What began with sewing stylish, weighted vests that blended in—so kids could feel supported without standing out—has blossomed into The Sensory Project, a movement that now includes a therapy center, a sensory-friendly kids’ clothing line, and a whole lot of empowerment for parents and children alike.

A Boise-Based Hub for Growth

Rachel is based in Boise, Idaho, where she’s opened the Integrative Achievement Center, a hands-on branch of The Sensory Project. There, she works directly with children and families on primitive reflex integration and what she calls “movement tutoring”—a blend of body-based learning support that helps kids thrive in both physical and academic environments.

“Now I have opened the Integrative Achievement Center… where I’m seeing clients for primitive reflex integration and movement tutoring,” Rachel explains. It’s a space where science, creativity, and compassion come together to help children reach their fullest potential.

Spotting Sensory Processing Challenges Early

One of Rachel’s superpowers is helping parents see the signs—those small signals that a child might be having sensory processing difficulties. It might look like distress during tummy time, gagging when trying new textures, or only calming down when rocked or in motion.

Here are a few key red flags she often sees:

1. Only calm or able to sleep with constant movement (car rides, swings, stroller)
2. Discomfort with touch—like baths, swaddling, or even being held
3. Extreme startle responses or meltdowns from loud soundsDelayed motor milestones
4. Frequent gagging, choking, or vomiting with food texturesGI distress and chronic reflux
5. Children who just seem… uncomfortable in their own skin

“These are things we look for in babies and toddlers,” Rachel says. “Recognizing these early on can make a huge difference in how we support them as they grow.”

Creating Supportive Spaces

Helping your child doesn’t require an overnight home makeover. Rachel recommends starting small: “Switch out lightbulbs, dim the lights, create an outdoor space with grass or sand, offer a calm-down corner,” she says. Tools like therapy balls, sensory swings, and even noise-canceling headphones can work wonders.

But perhaps her biggest advice? “It honestly starts with being able to recognize your own sensory preferences as an adult, regulating your own nervous system, then sharing your calm with your child.”

A Yes to “Yes Spaces”

When asked about the concept of a “yes space,” Rachel lights up: “A ‘yes space’ is an area where adults aren’t allowed to tell the child what to do or how to play!” she says. “The child can build, create, get messy and learn through movement and creativity.”

It’s all about trusting the child’s innate need to explore. And the more we allow them to move, play, and engage on their terms, the more we empower them to self-regulate.

The Hidden Senses

You’ve heard of the classic five senses, but Rachel champions three more that are essential for regulation and awareness: proprioception, vestibular, and interoception. These “hidden” senses help us understand where we are in space, balance our bodies, and tune into internal signals like hunger or anxiety.

Rachel’s personal favorite? Proprioception. It’s why her go-to advice is simple but powerful: “When in doubt, prōp it out!” Whether it’s a big bear hug or crawling across the floor, these heavy-work activities help calm overwhelmed nervous systems—kids and adults alike.

Rachel’s work in Boise and beyond reminds us that supporting our children’s sensory needs doesn’t mean changing everything overnight. It starts with curiosity, compassion, and a few intentional steps toward connection. And in those high-stress moments? Well—just prōp it out.