Sensory Modulation Resource Manual

09/04/2026

https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-why-the-brain-gets-stuck-in-schizophrenia/

This article discusses research conducted at MIT suggesting that differences in certain genes impact the brain's ability to update prior beliefs (often referred to as predictions in neuroscience literature). This means the brain weighs too heavily on these priors and not current (sensory) input to be able to update information to match the environment. It is proposed that this can result in beliefs being detached from reality and also impact certain cognitive functions, which can both be experienced in conditions like schizophrenia.

If you are interested to learn more about predictive processing and how this computational brain theory explains a range of mental health presentations and sensory processing patterns, Sensory Modulation Brisbane has an on-demand training on this very topic

https://sensorymodulationbrisbane.ticketspice.com/predictive-processing-mental-health-and-sensory-processing

Predictive Processing, Sensory Processing and Mental Health

07/04/2026

05/04/2026

Kissing is a sensory experience involving taste, touch, smell, and even sound sight and movement.

For some people, it feels comforting, exciting, and connecting.

For others, it can feel overwhelming, unpleasant, or just not right. Many people notice their response changes depending on the moment, the person, or how their nervous system is feeling.

It’s okay to enjoy it.
It’s okay to dislike it.
It’s okay to like some parts and not others.

Understanding your sensory experiences can support communication and connection in ways that feel safe and authentic.

The Sensory Modulation S*x and Intimacy Course has been created to support communication and connection re sensory experiences.

01/04/2026

Sensory Differences & PDA

New Research Study on PDA has found that tactile sensitivity and sensory seeking pattersn strongly predict demand avoidance.

The title of the paper is : Sensory reactivity and intolerance to uncertainty: What characterises demand avoidance behaviours in children and adolescents with pathological demand avoidance?

30/03/2026

I thought that this was an april fools joke but apparently not! They are only making one though!

KFC says their promotional giveaway "Pickle Puffer" jacket, filled with real pickles and bright green brine, was inspired by AI-generated videos. The one-off...

27/03/2026

Sensory Modulation Brisbane presented a free webinar
on FND and Sensory Modulation using Pungent Flavours
for FND Awareness Day
with FND Australia Support Services

Webinar now available on Youtube
https://youtu.be/oBzLYxyydVU

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) affects how the brain and body communicate, and for many, it can be a complex and often overwhelming condition.

In this video, we explore sensory modulation through the use of pungent flavours—an accessible and practical strategy that may help regulate the nervous system and support individuals living with FND.

Sensory modulation techniques can provide grounding, increase awareness, and offer a sense of control during moments of overwhelm or symptom escalation. This approach is simple, adaptable, and can be used as part of a broader self-management toolkit.

Whether you are living with FND, supporting someone who is, or learning more about sensory-based strategies, this video offers gentle, practical insight.
FND is part of the story, not the whole book.

About This Video
Presented by FND Australia Support Services
Hosted by Dr. Katherine Gill
Shape
Featuring:
Julie O’Sullivan
Carolyn Fitzgibbon
Topic:
Sensory Modulation – Pungent Flavours
Shape
🎵 Music & Media Credits:
Additional media: Soundstripe

Editing & Production:
Edited using Final Cut Pro
Webinar recorded via Zoom
Edited by Maria Placido (Odettecreates)

© FND Australia Support Services 2026
If you would like to donate to support the work of the charity, please see - Donate
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick...

23/03/2026

Carolyn and Julie are doing a free presentation Wednesday night Brisbane time

Brisbane Borderline Personality Disorder Mental Health Network - Pickle juice and pungent tastes- A practical grounding strategy for managing dissociative shutdown and other distress states.

Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Join the meeting online

Meeting Description

Carolyn and Julie will explore the use of pickle juice — and other pungent tastes — as a practical grounding strategy for managing dissociative shutdown and other distress states. Drawing on the recent article on the Homeostatic Sensory Reset Hypothesis, they will explain how strongly flavoured, sour, and pungent inputs activate transient receptor potential (TRP) channels within the gastrointestinal system, helping to interrupt shutdown responses and support a return to regulated engagement.

The session will bridge theory and application, outlining when and why this strategy may be useful, clinical considerations, and practical implementation within everyday contexts. Time will be allocated for discussion and questions.

Participants are invited to bring a pungent taste (see attached list) to trial during the session.

- O’Sullivan, J., Fitzgibbon, C., Carrive, P., & Kozlowska, K. (2026). Pickle juice – and other pungent foods – as a grounding strategy for managing episodes of dissociative shutdown. Human Systems: Therapy, Culture and Attachments, 0(0), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/26344041251411521

Time Zones for meeting:

Melbourne: at 7:00 pm AEDT

Brisbane: at 6:00 pm AEST

Adelaide: at 6:30 pm ACDT

Darwin: at 5:30 pm ACST

Perth: at 4:00 pm AWST

RSVP via MHPN: https://mhpn.org.au/members/ #/Network/91305

Thanks to those that attended . this was not recorded but we did a presentation that had some similarities that is free : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14cFtDcbTme/?mibextid=wwXIfr

23/03/2026

Sensory Modulation and S*x and Intimacy On Demand Course

This On Demand Course has been designed n 2 formats:
*Clinican focused
* Self Directed learning

One of the models that is covered in this course is the Dual Control Model of S*xual Response. This model is utilsed with a sensory and trauma informed lens.

23/03/2026

this may be a useful craft fidget to make in some correctional facilities and mental health units

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18HzkbdFj2/

22/03/2026

Trying out a home light projector at approx $40 Australian

19/03/2026

Using Youtube for relaxation

Julie and Carolyn work with many people who find that there are relaxing videos on youtube. They watch or listen to these videos on phones, computers or TVS. They can also be set up in sensory rooms or public spaces.

Some popular options include:

jellyfish
beach at sunset
fireplace
rainforest
waterfalls
kaleidoscope
lava lamp
train trips
fish door bell!

Do you have a favourite?
It can be useful to consider whether you are looking for something that is:

repetitive
changing
lots or a few colours
nature
interest based

The picture is from the Top Relax Channel on YouTube.