Note: Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is now the preferred term for what used to called Sensory Integration Dysfunction (DSI).
For Autism Awareness Month, I am sharing my favorite resources on a variety of topics. I am starting with sensory processing because that is where we started. When the Little Guy first began receiving services, the Early Intervention team suggested I learn about it while we waited to visit the developmental pediatrician to “rule out autism” (code for “we think your child has autism”).
The first book I read was The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. She explains how to recognize and cope with it, including activities you can use in a sensory diet (which does not relate to what you feed your child, although it can include food!). This was my bible for the first few months.
Her follow-up book The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction includes dozens of activities focused on each of the seven senses (yes, seven) and other critical areas such as motor planning and bilateral coordination. Awesome resource to have around for new ideas as needed!
Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues was written by Lindsey Biel, M.A., OTR/L and Nancy Peske (a parent). In addition to discussing understanding and addressing your child’s sensory needs, they also cover practical aspects of development, parenting and advocacy, along with recommended products and resources. They also have a great website.
If you only read one book on this topic, I highly recommend Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) by Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D., OTR with Doris A. Fuller. Dr. Miller is the foremost researcher in this area and shares information about the emerging science of SPD, in addition to labeling the major subtypes of the disorder and offering guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.
I hope people will find these resource lists helpful; please let me know what you think about the them or if you have others to suggest.
I'm a mom with Asperger's raising an amazing son with autism, which means I'm basically the case manager/advocate/cheerleader/chauffeur. The rest of the time, you can usually find me with my nose in a book!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
We just got Out of Sync Child, and I can’t wait to read it. Boy do I need to learn more in that area!
Thanks for posting this! I have the Out of Sync Child books and think they’re great. I’ll check out the other books and sites you recommended. The sensory diet site looks like a keeper! Thanks so much!
Great list. I’ve read all but the last one, but with your great recommendation, I’ll have to pick that one up, too!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Your comments on potty training were really helpful! That’s so cool that you were able to hear the author of the Toilet Training book speak.
I look forward to spending more time on your blog!
Great place to start. Sensory issues are so huge!
I keep meaning to read that. It’s becoming clearer that SPD plays a major role with Maya – particularly vis a vis visual and aural (over)stimulation.
Thank you for those ideas! This whole world of autism/SPD is brand new to me, so I’m excited to check these out!
Out of Sync Child is a very good book and the best one to start with! I have read it and continue to reread it! I will have to check out the other ones you have listed here! I have never heard of any of the other books!
Thanks for the great list. It is so important to get as much understanding as possible to be able to support people with sensory differences properly.
Behavior Characteristics of Autism’s last blog post..Accommodating Behavior Characteristics of Autism
I noticed sensory problems came and went for my child, seemingly in cycles. I believe food allergens/sensitivities cause this because they inflame the intestines and brain and the child has a different sensory processing during this time. My child’s sensory issues are almost completely gone now that we have done chelation and eliminated foods he has problems with. In my opinion, you have to find the underlying cause, therapy is just a temporary fix, possibly a tool for the parents and child in order to cope with episodes. Those having constant sensory issues need to seriously consider removing gluten, dairy, soy, chocolate, and MSG from their diets.
I noticed sensory problems came and went for my child, seemingly in cycles. I believe food allergens/sensitivities cause this because they inflame the intestines and brain and the child has a different sensory processing during this time. My child’s sensory issues are almost completely gone now that we have done chelation and eliminated foods he has problems with. In my opinion, you have to find the underlying cause, therapy is just a temporary fix, possibly a tool for the parents and child in order to cope with episodes. Those having constant sensory issues need to seriously consider removing gluten, dairy, soy, chocolate, and MSG from their diets.