Face to Face with Sarah Fenrich: Building Inclusion for Neurodiverse Families

On Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah Fenrich, an occupational therapist, holistic sleep coach, and tireless advocate for children with neurodiverse needs. Through her mobile, community-centered practice, Sarah is working to make the Tri-Cities a place where every child can belong.

Sarah’s approach combines clinical expertise with a deep respect for family knowledge. “Parents know their child best,” she explained. “When we put our two brains together, that’s where the magic happens.” Her work supports children on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or with sensory processing challenges, focusing on helping them engage in their daily occupations: learning, playing, and building friendships.

She takes therapy out of the clinic and into the real world, meeting children and families in schools, parks, pools, and other community spaces. She collaborates with educators and caregivers to raise awareness and foster more inclusive environments. “When the adults around a child understand how their brain and body work, they can respond with compassion instead of frustration,” Sarah said.

Her impact is seen in powerful success stories. One family she worked with avoided a major surgery for their son after Sarah suspected a milk protein allergy and encouraged them to try a dietary change. “Within a week, he stopped vomiting completely,” she recalled. “That one discovery changed their entire quality of life.”

Sarah also created the ASD Kickstart program to bridge the gap for families waiting months for therapy, offering immediate strategies funded through autism programs. Beyond therapy, she connects families to each other, creating support networks that reduce isolation.

“The most beautiful part is watching a child blossom when their parents accept and celebrate who they are,” Sarah reflected. “Different does not mean broken, it means we all get to grow together as a community.”