Sensory Processing Disorder 101 Book Launch

The term Sensory Processing Disorder first official entered our lives back in July at Adams pediatrician appointment. It is a term that explains a lot of Adam’s behaviours and why he can find the world a confusing place. Since then Adam has had an assessment with an occupational therapist and starts one to one therapy next month.

As fate would have it I was aware of Sensory Processing Disorder due to following the Lemon Lime Adventures blog. Alarm bells rang about Adams behaviour as I read their posts and it instigated our visit to the pediatrician. However, when I realised my concerns were true I felt overwhelmed and confused about the disorder. I had so many questions and wanted to find a way to help Adam at home.

(This post contains affiliate links)

Luckily I was in contact with Dayna from Lemon Lime Adventures and discovered they were releasing a new book titled Sensory Processing Disorder 101 alongside The Inspired Treehouse. I was fortunate to have one of the first copies and the book has been a godsend in helping us understand the condition, helping Adam and educating others.

So what is Sensory Processing Disorder? The book explains “sensory processing is the way the body recieves, analyzes and responds to the signals from its environment. For children with Sensory Processing Disorder their bodies do not organise and integrate sensory information properly, which makes it difficult for those children to generate appropriate responses to their environment.” Sensory Processing Disorder 101 is three books in one.

Part 1 explains each of the seven sensory systems – yes 7!

· The auditory system (hearing)

· The olfactory system (smell)

· The oral sensory system (taste)

· The vestibular system (where our bodies are in space)

· The proprioceptive system (the way our bodies move)

· The tactile system (touch)

· The visual systems (sight)

Each sensory system is described from the viewpoint of a therapist and a parent. The book explains how each system works individually and how they work together.

If Adam had not already been assessed, Chapter 9 certainly would have made me arrange a pediatrician appointment. “3 Signs Your Child’s Behaviors Are Not Just a Phase” really hit home to me how Adam’s behaviour was afffecting his life and the red flag checklist highlighted areas of concern. The book also clears up common myths surrounding SPD such as sensory means getting your hands dirty and more sensory input is always better.

Part 2 is dedicated to sensory activities for each of the sensory systems. Each activity includes instructions, a list of materials needed and includes tips on modifying activities based on a child’s sensory preferences. This helpful list of activities can be used both at home and at school. The activities are straightforward and easy to set up. Despite having spent nearly 2 years actively thinking of sensory play activities for Adventures of Adam, I learnt several new activities within the book. We can’t wait to try out Tire Run Relay!

Part 3 includes printable resources, cheat sheets and ways to document concerns. It lists a host of useful sensory websites and books to obtain further information.

Finally, the book has an amazing index that is organised according to common behaviours associated with Sensory Processing Disorder. The index makes it quick and easy to locate information and help with specific behaviours.

Sensory Processing Disorder 101 has helped me no end as a parent with a recently diagnosed child. It has been a wonderful resource to find out more about the condition and to feel proactive in helping Adam. Due to the book, I feel I have a better understanding of why Adam can find things difficult and can implement strategies to make life easier for him and us as a family.

The book has also helped me as a professional. As a Primary School Teacher I had never heard of the condition. Yet as I read the book, I realised the condition could explain many traits of the children who were in my care. For example, the child that couldn’t sit still, the child that appeared never to be listening or the child that craved movement. These children didn’t fit under any typical diagnosis, yet their behaviour had an effect on their every day life and learning. This book should be compulsory reading for every teacher, child care provider and educator to see how your every day practice can be adapted to help children.

Despite only being a week old Sensory Processing 101 is #1 New Release in Special Education and #1 New Release in Family Activities!

How to get your own copy of Sensory Processing 101:

• Print copy is available from Amazon (190 full colour pages)
• PDF version  whereyou can choose to buy a section of the book or all 3 sections together. When purchasing all 3 sections you also receive the extensive index of sensory behaviors that correlates with strategies, activities and resources to help understand and address sensory needs.

Disclaimer: I am part of the Sensory Processing 101 affiliate team. The links used in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission. This does not affect my review and opinions about this book. 

 

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