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Sensory processing disorder

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Children and youth with sensory processing issues have trouble interpreting information from their senses (their brains misread or distort the information). So their reactions to everyday sensations can be either too strong, or not strong enough.

Below you will find a variety of resources to help you better understand, cope with and/or support someone with sensory processing disorder.

Las Vegas, CA: Sensory Resources, 2005.

Provides easy-to-use set of checklists and other tools that will be invaluable to every teacher (and parent) who has children with sensory processing challenges. You'll find tried-and-true instructions for developing fine-motor, “organizing,” and motor-planning skills, and for providing an appropriate “Sensory Diet” that will benefit all your students.

Yack, Ellen. -- Arlington, TX: Future Horizons Inc., 2002.

Written by three occupational therapists, this book offers a combination of theory and strategies. It is a useful tool for those working with young children, but also broad enough to be adapted for older children and adults.

Kranowitz, Carol Stock -- Las Vegas: Sensory Resources, 2004.

A tale of five family members, each with a different sensory processing challenge and their naughty dog Filibuster.

Dunn, Winnie – London: Jessica Kingsley, 2008.

The author identifies four major sensory types: Seekers; Bystanders; Avoiders and Sensors. Readers can use the questionnaire to find their own patterns and the patterns of those around them, and can benefit from practical sensory ideas for individuals, families and businesses.

Ayres, A. Jean -- Santa Rosa, CA: Crestport Press, 2004

Captured in previously unpublished correspondence written by sensory integration pioneer A. Jean Ayres to her nephew Philip Erwin, Love, Jean provides insight and inspiration to parents of children who have been diagnosed with dysfunction of sensory integration.

Renna, Diane M. -- Speonk, NY: Indigo Impressions, 2007.

Meghan's World was written to validate the feelings of children suffering with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other disabilities/delays that often go side-by-side with SPD. This lets children and parents know that they are not alone, and that there are resources available to make their lives less stressful, more comfortable and happy.

Kranowitz, Carol Stock -- New York: Penguin Group, 2005.

Sensory Processing Disorder is a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. It contains additional information on vision and hearing deficits, motor skill problems, nutrition and picky eaters, ADHA, autism, and other related disorders.

Kranowitz, Carol -- New York: Perigee Book, 2006.

Each activity in this inspiring and practical book is SAFE—Sensory-motor, Appropriate, Fun and Easy—to help develop and organize a child's brain and body. This book presents lively and engaging ways to bring fun and play to everyday situations.

Auer, Christopher R -- Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications Inc. 2006.

This book describes a range of activities that help strengthen family relationships, improve communication about the disorder, and deal with problem situations and conditions a child with SPD may encounter.

Williamson, Gordon G -- Washington, DC: Zero to three, 2001.
Written for a multidisciplinary audience of practitioners who support the development of infants and young children, it includes topics such as assessment and intervention approaches. 

Brack, Jenny Clark -- Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Co. 2006.

This DVD presents basic information about sensory systems along with simple solutions for how to deal with sensory challenges both home and at school.

Smith, Karen A -- New York: Harper Resource, 2004.

A child with sensory processing problems overreacts or underreacts to sensory experiences most of us take in stride. A busy classroom, new clothes, food smells, sports activities, even hugs can send such a child spinning out of control. This guide will help families start on a new path of empowerment

and success.

Chara, Kathleen A -- London: Jessica Kingsley, 2004.

It offers real solutions and hope, such as a sensory sensitivity scale, a behavioral rating chart and a list of helpful organizations. With much of the book written from the perspective of a child, and including rich illustrations, this book encourages children to work with adults in overcoming their sensory difficulties.

Kurtz, Lisa A. -- London ; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publisher, 2014.

Using materials that are readily-available in most households or that can be purchased or homemade at a very low cost, these games and activities are appropriate for all children, including those with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other learning challenges. The book includes clear descriptions of how to carry out each activity, helpful illustrations, and ways to adapt activities according to the child's individual needs. In addition, a comprehensive reference guide to the activities enables easy searching for games suited to the development of particular skills.

Arnwine, Bonnie. -- Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, 2007.

This book is for busy parents whose children are starting therapy. The author, who is the parent of a child with sensory processing disorder, has packed this book with fun activities, timesaving tips, and quick cleanup techniques.

Henry, Diana A -- Glendale, AZ: Henry OT Services, 2007.

Designed to provide parents with over-the-counter sensory tools to use to help their toddlers and preschoolers become more comfortable with and participate in daily activities. Provides help in dealing with acquiring social skills, change, eating habits, bath time and hygiene problems, dressing issues, and sleeping issues.

Reebye, Pratibha -- London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008.

Children with regulation disorders of sensory processing struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors in response to sensory stimulation. The author explains how to recognize this disorder and offers practical suggestions for parents.

Emmons, Polly Godwin -- London: Jessica Kingsley, 2005.

This comprehensive resource aims to help identify and address sensory dysfunction in children, using a range of practical strategies to help children reach their full potential at home, at school and in the community.

  • Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
  • Regulatory-Sensory Processing Disorders – Dr. Michael Cheng
  • Sensory Processing Problems in Children and Youth – eMentalHealth.ca
  • Trouble dutraitement de l'information sensorielle (SPD) - Portail Enfance
  • Sensory Processing Disorder: Toby's Story - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 
  • Working with the Child with Sensory Integration Disorder – Scholastic 

Sensory processing disorder

You are free to copy and redistribute these materials in any medium or format. This work may not be used for commercial purposes. View the full Creative Commons license. 

  • Autism Society Ontario – Ottawa Chapter
    211 Bronson Avenue
    Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5
    613-230-6305
    ottawa@autismontario.com  
  • Children at Risk
    235 Donald Street, Suite 209
    Ottawa, ON K1K 1N1
    613-741-8255
    Fax: 613-741-5530 
    car@childrenatrisk.ca 

Disclaimer

These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.

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