Sensational Kids. Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder

Editorial Review
Imagine, for a moment, that you are a parent of a child with no visible disability, but whose experiences of everyday life present constant challenges. What may be typical activities for most people-eating, dressing, making friends, taking a spelling test, responding to a hug-are a struggle, often resulting in social, emotional, and academic problems.

This is the bewildering and largely uncharted world of Sensory Processing Disorder-a complex brain disorder affecting one in twenty children. These children experience sensations- taste, touch, sound, sight, smell, movement and body awareness-vastly differently from other children their ages.They may feel attacked by the slightest touch, fail to register bumps and bruises, or be unable to figure out where they are in space without constantly touching others. While SPD is more widely recognized than it once was, parents of these sensational children have been searching for ways to help their children navigate in the world. Dr. Lucy Miller, the best-known SPD researcher in the world, is that voice: warm, clear, and upbeat, Dr. Miller identifies the disorder and its four major subtypes, provides insight into assessment and diagnosis, and suggests treatment options and strategies, including the importance of occupational therapy and parental involvement. Portraits of five children illustrate the different ways in which SPD may manifest itself as well as how families cope, while offering hope and advice to parents on how to be the best possible advocates for their children.

Comprehensive and compassionate, Sensational Children is the book no parent, teacher, or caregiver of children with SPD should be without.
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Customer Reviews

Good additional reading after the Out of Sync Child

2007-10-04
This book helps parents learn more about the research and treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). I like the detailed descriptions of fictional children who have different types of SPD.

Cynthia

2007-09-23
This book is like a bible for parents with a sensory child. It answered the questions I had as well as reiterated concepts adapted from OT. It is truly one of the best books I've read.

Sensational Kids

2007-09-04
This is an excellent resource for learning the basics of sensory integration and sensory processing disorder. Useful for parents, teachers, and any professional working with preschool or school-age children who have sensory differences.

Book teaches you a LOT about your child AND YOURSELF!!!

2007-04-05
I have not even read all the book yet, but I can tell you that it has taught me a LOT about the reasons why my child is doing the things she is. It has taught me a LOT about MYSELF and MY sensory issues. It is an AWESOME book to get.

Great resource for working with children with autism and other special needs

2007-01-07
I am an occupational therapist and always look for resources for parents and teachers who have children with special needs. This book is written by one of the "gurus" of sensory processing. The information is based on significant research as well as extensive clinical experience of Lucy Jane Miller. It contains the theoretical information which explains sensory processing problems, but it is very user friendly. It is easy to understand and doesn't just explain sensory processing, but provides strategies for helping a child with the problem as well. Full of information that can really make a difference. Highly recommended!

Extremely helpful and educational

2008-05-12
I am a parent of a son with SPD. I have read other books on the subject, but this one provides so much practical information. I have recommended it to many other parents and professionals.

Wonderful book

2008-03-25
Great book. Weather you have a child with SPD, ADHD, autism. It touches on them all!!!!! Written in plain terms not alot of medical mumbo jumbo!

A Must Read for Parents and Teachers

2008-01-23
We have a grandchild with sensory integration disorder. This disorder has only recently been defined and not a lot of studies have been done. We did not understand what it was and why our grandchild was acting the way he did until reading this book. The authors do a wonderful job of not only describing behaviors and probable causes but have many practical and alternate methods for parents and teachers to help the child. This book is written by professionals that also have children with sensory issues. Their style is descriptive and useful; not like an academic text. Most parents, teachers and Occipational Therapists do not yet seem to have a good understanding of this disorder and the many ways that they could help. It should be required reading.

Not what I was looking for

2008-01-19
I wanted a book that would give my child tools to live in this world. However, this book talks about how to make this world conform to my child. What happens when my child is in an stimulating environment and Mom is not around? I was looking for - wear earplugs while doing homework - something practical I can use. I can't always make my other two children be quiet for long periods. This world is a distraction; my child must cope with reality.. somehow or not be successful in accomplishing his hopes and dreams.

Very Helpful

2007-12-11
This is by far the best book I have ever read about sensory processing disorder. It explained the different classifications, the symptoms and the current research very well. I wanted to get a better education about SPD so that I can find the most appropriate services and clinicians for my son, who is on the autism spectrum. This book really helped me get a clear idea of how to do that. I highly recommend this book for anyone who cares for a child with sensory issues.