Is it Sensory or is it Behavior? – A Powerful Return to Te Tai O Poutini with Elen Nathan
We were privileged to welcome Elen Nathan back to Te Tai o Poutini for another powerful session titled “Is it Sensory or is it Behaviour?”—and what an incredible wānanga it was!
With an awesome turnout of 34 people, the session was full of insight, laughter, reflection, learning, and powerful kōrero. Elen guided us through the deep connections between our sensory systems and our behaviours, reminding us of one key message that resonated with everyone: “We don’t choose our behaviour—our sensory system does.”
Elen Nathan is a New Zealand–registered occupational therapist and certified sensory integration practitioner with over 20 years of experience supporting children and adults with diverse needs. Her areas of expertise include neurodiversity, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, dyspraxia, and communication-of-need behaviours.
She is the founder and director of The Playful Place, a neurodiverse-affirming occupational therapy practice in Aotearoa. Elen has worked with leading organisations including Autism New Zealand, the National Autistic Society (UK), and Autism Victoria (AUS), and is also a trained facilitator in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. As a mother to two boys with different sensory profiles, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Throughout the session, we explored three essential lenses that must guide our mahi:
Trauma-informed
Culturally safe
Neurodiverse inclusive
We also gained a deeper understanding of the difference between predictable and unpredictable stress, and how this impacts the way we support and build resilience in our whānau. Elen reminded us that our goal is not equality, but equity—ensuring everyone receives what they need to thrive.
Some of the most beautiful and simple reminders from the day included:
Be open, curious, empathetic, and kind.
Smile with your eyes.
Everyone is care-seeking.
And if Batman hits Robin, Batman needs our support.
Thank you to Elen for holding this space with such aroha, clarity, and mana. The ripple effect of this session will be felt throughout our homes, kura, and community for a long time to come.