Raising A Sensory Smart Child

A fully revised edition of the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges "At last, here are the insights and answers parents have been searching for." —Dr. Temple Grandin For children with sensory difficulties—those who struggle process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights—this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Sensory processing challenges affect all kinds of kind—from those with developmental delays, learning and attenion issues, or autism spectrum disorder to those without any other issues. Now in its third edition, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is even more comprehensive and helpful than ever. In this book, you'll learn: * How the 8 senses (yes, 8!) are supposed to work together and what happens when they don't * Practical solutions for daily challenges-from brushing teeth to getting dressed to handling holiday gatherings * Strategies for managing sensitivities to noise, smell textures, and more * "Sensory diet" activities that help meet sensory needs, with new ideas for kids, teens, adults, and families * Parenting tips for handling discipline, transitions, and behavioral issues * How to practically and emotionally support children and teens with autism and sensory issues * Ways to advocate for your child at school and make schools more "sensory smart" * How to help your child with sensory issues use technology effectively and responsibly * Ways to empower your child and teen in the world * Where to get the best professional help and complementary therapies ***WINNER of the NAPPA GOLD AWARD and iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD***

A fully revised edition of the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges "At last, here are the insights and answers parents have been searching for." —Dr. Temple Grandin For children with sensory difficulties—those who struggle process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights—this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Sensory processing challenges affect all kinds of kind—from those with developmental delays, learning and attenion issues, or autism spectrum disorder to those without any other issues. Now in its third edition, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is even more comprehensive and helpful than ever. In this book, you'll learn: * How the 8 senses (yes, 8!) are supposed to work together and what happens when they don't * Practical solutions for daily challenges-from brushing teeth to getting dressed to handling holiday gatherings * Strategies for managing sensitivities to noise, smell textures, and more * "Sensory diet" activities that help meet sensory needs, with new ideas for kids, teens, adults, and families * Parenting tips for handling discipline, transitions, and behavioral issues * How to practically and emotionally support children and teens with autism and sensory issues * Ways to advocate for your child at school and make schools more "sensory smart" * How to help your child with sensory issues use technology effectively and responsibly * Ways to empower your child and teen in the world * Where to get the best professional help and complementary therapies ***WINNER of the NAPPA GOLD AWARD and iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD***

Two experts tackle one of the most formidable and pervasive developmental issues facing children today: Sensory Integration (SI) Dysfunction. Illustrations throughout.

The only book that teaches the parents of “sensory” kids how to organize and empower their children for greater success at home, at school, and in life. Silver Winner, National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)—Parenting Resources Gold Honoree, Mom’s Choice Awards—Parenting–Special and Exceptional Needs Every year, tens of thousands of young children are diagnosed with disorders that make it difficult for them to absorb the external world. Parents of sensory kids—like those with sensory processing disorder, anxiety disorder, AD/HD, autism, bipolar disorder, and OCD—often feel frustrated and overwhelmed, creating stress in everyday life for the whole family. Now, with The Sensory Child Gets Organized, there’s help and hope. As a professional organizer and parent of a sensory child, Carolyn Dalgliesh knows firsthand the struggles parents face in trying to bring out the best in their rigid, anxious, or distracted children. She provides simple, effective solutions that help these kids thrive at home and in their day-to-day activities, and in this book you’ll learn how to: -Understand what makes your sensory child tick -Create harmonious spaces through sensory organizing -Use structure and routines to connect with your child -Prepare your child for social and school experiences -Make travel a successful and fun-filled journey With The Sensory Child Gets Organized, parents get an easy-to-follow road map to success that makes life easier—and more fun—for your entire family.

Equipping clinicians with “sensory smarts” to treat their child clients. Many children and teens suffer from sensory challenges, meaning that they have unusual reactions to certain sensory experiences that most of us find commonplace. These challenges can range from moderate to severe—from an aversion to bright lights or the feel of anything remotely abrasive, to stopping short in panic every time a loud noise or siren is heard, or having an oral tactile sensitivity that prevents normal feeling in the mouth and hinders feeding. Accompanying these sensory issues—the full-blown version of which is called “sensory processing disorder” (SPD)—can be a range of behavioral problems like OCD and anxiety, and more severely, Asperger’s and autism. This book equips clinicians with all the information they need to know to accurately identify sensory sensitivities in their child clients: how to pay attention to sensory issues and recognize when a client is struggling; how these issues factor into the behavioral problems at hand; and how best to partner with the right professionals to help kids at home and in school.

Revised and updated—the authoritative bestseller that presents the latest research on Sensory Processing Disorder. Sensory Processing Disorder is an increasingly common diagnosis, with a wide range of symptoms that can be difficult for parents and pediatricians to identify. In Sensational Kids, internationally renowned expert Dr. Miller shares her more than forty years of experience and research findings on SPD. Now in its fourteenth printing, with more than 50,000 copies sold in all formats, it is an authoritative and practical guide to understanding and treating this little-understood condition. Newly updated, this revised edition will include the latest research on SPD's relationship to autism, as well as new treatment options and coping strategies for parents, teachers, and others who care for kids with SPD. Other topics include: The signs and symptoms of SPD Its four major subtypes How the disorder is diagnosed and treated sensory strategies to help SPD kids develop, learn and succeed, in school and in life.

Q&A Is there medication for sensory processing disorder? How can occupational therapy help? What advice can I give my child's teacher? Can you "outgrow" sensory processing disorder? How can we make social situations less of an ordeal? What are some therapeutic activities I can do with my child? It is estimated that more than 10 percent of children deal with some form of sensory processing disorder (SPD), a neurological disorder characterized by the misinterpretation of everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. For many children, SPD can lead to academic struggles, behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination, and other issues. The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative reference, providing sound advice and immediate answers to your most pressing questions about SPD, such as: What is sensory processing? Does SPD affect social skills? Can you see sensory processing difficulties in an infant? What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Is SPD a sign of autism? Are there tests for SPD? How do I get a prescription for occupational therapy? How do I teach my child to understand his sensory needs? Written in an easy-to-read question and answer format, The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book helps you fully understand SPD, conquer your fears, and seek help for your child when necessary.

The groundbreaking book that explains Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)--and presents a drug-free approach that offers hope for parents--now revised and updated. Does your child exhibit... Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement? A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory disregarder," needing a jump start to get moving. Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sounds, sights taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues. Cravings for sensation? The "sensory craver" never gets enough of certain sensations, e.g., messy play, spicy food, noisy action, and perpetual movement. Poor sensory discrimination? She may not sense the difference between objects or experiences--unaware of what she's holding unless she looks, and unable to sense when she's falling or how to catch herself. Unusually high or low activity level? The child may be constantly on the go--wearing out everyone around him--or move slowly and tire easily, showing little interest in the world. Problems with posture or motor coordination? He may slouch, move awkwardly, seem careless or accident-prone. These are often the first clues to Sensory Processing Disorder--a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals--and a drug-free treatment approach for children. This revised edition includes new sections on vision and hearing, picky eaters, and disorders such as autism, among other topics.

In this handbook, the author discusses 205 different sensory signals, each presented with a description of the different ways a child may experience the signal and with practical ideas to help all children accommodate the specific sensory input.

As a mom of a newly diagnosed child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I relentlessly sought experts in SPD, as well as top nutritionists, biopsychologists, and neurologists. I figured that if I understood the major functions of the brain, and how it's supposed to take in, process and respond to stimulation, I could discover how SPD interferes with these functions. Understanding the whole picture - the combination of body, brain and nutritional health - led me to embrace the "Sensory Diet." In this book, I share the keys of a well-balanced nutritional diet and the activities and exercises that truly work. Use the resources in this book to create a whole picture of your own child's conditions and customize a Sensory Diet for him/her. "If you're the parent, teacher, relative or friend of a sensory kid, The Sensory Processing Diet will give you unique insight into his or her world. Reading it was a breath of fresh air, as I could relate to so many of her parenting struggles and found her recommended interventions to be both doable and helpful." --CAMERON KLEIMO, sensory mom "Chynna Laird has written a sensational book about a little known disorder, but one that is becoming increasingly more identified in children. As a child psychologist, I found the book to be interesting, informative and complete. I recommend it highly to parents and professionals. I loved it." --LAURIE ZELINGER, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, board certified psychologist, author of Please Explain "Anxiety" to Me "I work with many children in play therapy that also experience sensory issues. The Sensory Diet gives an in-depth look at contributors to SPD, what types of treatments are available and adjustments families can make so that a child with SPD can cope in life in a way that he/she hasn't understood before. I wholeheartedly recommend it to therapists and parents." --JILL OSBORNE, EDS, LPC, CPCS, RPTS, author of Sam Feels Better Now! CHYNNA LAIRD – is a mother of four, a freelance writer, blogger, editor and award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), mental and/or emotional struggles and other special needs. She's authored two children's books, two memoirs, a parent-to-parent resource book, a Young Adult novella, a Young Adult paranormal/suspense novel series, two New Adult contemporary novels and an adult suspense/thriller. Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca From Loving Healing Press www.LHPRess.com

Award-winning author and occupational therapist Barbara Sher has over 45 years experience helping children with sensory processing disorder, autism and Asperger’s learn and thrive. In this new solutions-based guide, she’s collected 100 sensory-rich games that make working with your child a joy. Whimsy and wisdom pour forth from this wonderful book. The fun and functional sensory-motor ideas are easily adaptable to suit all environments, all abilities, all kids and all their grown-ups. —Carol Stock Kranowitz, Author of The Out-of-Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun If you’re looking for new strategies to manage your child's sensory processing disorder, this book is a perfect companion to classics such as The Out-of-Sync Child and Raising a Sensory Smart Child. Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder advocates play as the most effective approach for children with sensory processing disorder, and illustrates the many ways that play can lead to significant breakthroughs, including: 100 fun and simple games for parents to play with their kids An easy-to-grasp overview of sensory processing disorder Inventive ideas for engaging kids, using materials easily found around the house Inclusive games geared toward varying degrees of development, with modifications for older children

Taking a look at the most common sensory issues kids face, Raising Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders offers a compilation of unique, proven strategies that parents can implement to help their children move beyond their sensory needs. This updated second edition: Shows parents how to characterize their child's sensory issues into one of several profiles. Helps parents find the best adaptations and changes to their child's everyday routines. Provides a week-by-week series of activities and checklists. Helps improve children's performance on tasks like homework, transitions between activities, and interactions with friends. Is written by parents and occupational therapists. Whether it's having to remove tags from clothing or using special dimmed lighting when they study, kids with sensory disorders or special sensory needs often need adaptations in their everyday lives in order to find success in school and beyond.

Packed with simple ideas to regulate the emotions and senses, this book will help children tackle difficult feelings head-on and feel awesome and in control! From breathing exercises, pressure holds and finger pulls, to fidgets, noise-reducing headphones and gum, the book is brimming with fun stuff to help kids feel cool, calm and collected. They will learn how to label difficult feelings, choose the perfect strategies and tools to tackle them, and use these correctly whether at home or at school. The strategies and tools are accompanied by cartoon-style illustrations, and the author includes useful tips for parents and teachers as well as handy visual charts and checklists to track learning and progress. Armed with this book, kids will be well on their way to managing difficult emotions and feeling just right in whatever situation life throws at them! Suitable for children with emotional and sensory processing difficulties aged approximately 7 to 14 years.

An interactive workbook designed to help children with sensory issues learn how to identify their needs and develop strategies to address them. Also works on children's self-esteem.

If your child has been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD), you understand how simple, everyday tasks can become a struggle. With this guide you can help your child learn how to reduce stress and minimize the symptoms of SPD.

A groundbreaking guide to managing the emotional and behavioral components of your child’s sensory processing challenges Imagine having the flu, while lying in a bed of ants, listening to heavy metal at high volume, and trying to do calculus. Now consider living in that body all the time. It becomes easy to understand how kids with difficulties processing and controlling sensory information can become avoidant, anxious, impatient, irritable, or oppositional. If you have a child who has a sensory regulation issue, you may find yourself confused or frustrated by their behavior. This book will help you understand your child’s behavior, as well as the root cause of their emotional outbursts, and provides an arsenal of tools to help your child self-regulate. This book addresses the often-overlooked connection between sensory sensitivity and emotional and behavioral issues, which can often lead to a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an anxiety disorder, or a host of other disorders of childhood. You’ll gain a better understanding of how your child’s sensory sensitivity affects how they feel and act, and also learn powerful sensory regulation skills to help your child manage their emotions and improve relationships with family and friends. Whether your child has been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD), ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you’ll find proven-effective tips and strategies for dealing with the sensory sensitivity that drives your child’s emotions and behavior, and discover ways to ease tension in your home caused by your child’s disorganization, oppositional behavior, refusal to eat, disruptive behavior, and anxiety. Parenting can be challenging even when behavior is predictable and age-appropriate, and when a child has a nervous system that is dysregulated, it is even more so. With this book, you will not only learn to understand your child’s behaviors, but will also learn sensory regulation skills to help your child—and your family as a whole—find some much-needed balance.

The author takes a look at some of the challenges that children with SPD (sensory processing disorder) face at school, using her own son Gabriel as an example.

A guide for helping our children lead meaningful and independent lives as they reach adulthood In the next five years, hundreds of thousands of children with autism spectrum disorder will reach adulthood. And while diagnosis and treatment for children has improved in recent years, parents want to know: What happens to my child when I am no longer able to care for or assist him? Autism expert Chantal Sicile-Kira and her son Jeremy offer real solutions to a host of difficult questions, including how young adults of different abilities and their parents can: *navigate this new economy where adult service resources are scarce *cope with the difficulties of living apart from the nuclear family *find, and keep a job that provides meaning, stability and an income *create and sustain fulfilling relationships

With empathy, compassion, and practical tools, a developmental psychologist and sufferer of Sensory Defensive Disorder (SD) sheds light on a little known but common affliction in which sufferers react to harmless stimuli as irritating, distracting, or dangerous We all know what it feels like to be irritated by loud music, accosted by lights that are too bright, or overwhelmed by a world that moves too quickly. But millions of people suffer from Sensory Defensive Disorder (SD), a common affliction in which people react to harmless stimuli not just as a distracting hindrance, but a potentially dangerous threat. Sharon Heller, Ph.D. is not only a trained psychologist, she is sensory defensive herself. Bringing both personal and professional perspectives, Dr. Heller is the ideal person to tell the world about this problem that will only increase as technology and processed environments take over our lives. In addition to heightening public awareness of this prevalent issue, Dr. Heller provides tools and therapies for alleviating and, in some cases, even eliminating defensiveness altogether. Until now, the treatment for sensory defensiveness has been successfully implemented in Learning Disabled children in whom defensiveness tends to be extreme. However, the disorder has generally been unidentified in adults who think they are either overstimulated, stressed, weird, or crazy. These sensory defensive sufferers live out their lives stressed and unhappy, never knowing why or what they can do about it. Now, with Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight, they have a compassionate spokesperson and a solution–oriented book of advice.