Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues

by Lindsey Biel, Nancy K. Peske, Temple Grandin (Foreword)

BRAND NEW FOR 2018: A fully revised edition of the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges"At least, here are the insights and answers parents have been searching for." -Dr. Temple GrandinFor 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 *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 discpline, 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***

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Education, Family, Unfinished, Adhd

510 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2009

Reviews

[Armandina Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This book is a guide and comfort for every adult who grew up not coping with their surroundings as well as parents bringing up amazing little people with SPD

[Blaire Malkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by our occupational therapist and by the time I finished the introduction I felt so much better, because there were other kids and parents who had gone through the same things. I think this will be a resource to return to as my daughter gets older as it addresses IEPs, adolescence, dealing with schools, etc... for now the early chapters were a great guide for simply understanding a kid with sensory issues.

[Aileen Chang-Matus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted at the release of the revised Raising a Sensory Smart Child! Parent Nancy Peske and clinician Lindsey Biel write with a rare combination of warmth, expertise, and practicality. Every child is an individual. Raising a Sensory Smart Child offers no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all answers, but it does provide a wealth of solutions so that you will be able to test what works best for your child at every turn. Thank you, Nancy and Lindsey, for creating this wonderful, updated resource!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful in explaining what sensory processing is, I was glad to have picked up this book. It helped me to realize a lot of things about sensory issues, which my son had been diagnosed with not long before his third birthday. I loved how it was written in language that was easy to understand, and also included practical tips with some common sensory problems.

[Jaci Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Gave great advice and suggestions to everyday issues raising a child on the autism spectrum or with SPD.

[Lauren Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some of the strategies beneficial, and reading this book has made me a more patient parent.

[Libby Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become an invaluable resource as we navigate our 5 year old daughter’s sensory challenges. We’ve been on the waitlist for occupational therapy almost 6 months now and this book has brought me so much solace and knowledge.

Facts about the brain, the nervous system, and our SEVEN senses have been important to discover as I strive to feel more empathy for my daughter and her struggles.

Definitely a book I recommend for anyone wanting to understand their children’s (or their own) sensory “quirks”. A must-read for any parent feeling helpless with their children’s sensory struggles.

[Miranda Loucks · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely informative for anyone with a sensory processing kiddo!

When my son got his diagnosis at 4 I had no idea where to begin, how to parent and “discipline - teach” him. I found the book took the words straight from my mouth on how I was thinking and feeling. It gave excellent resources and evidence based research throughout the chapters and excellent advice and ways to target a seeker/avoiders needs.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is FULL of clear explanations and practical suggestions. The advice about which types of providers to see to address specific sensory issues is absolutely invaluable and could save a lot of time and headaches trying to navigate that on your own. There was even some advice on insurance coverage. This book really held everything a parent would need to get better understand and help their child with sensory needs.

[Angélica Aragón · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recomendadísimo para padres de infancias neurodivergentes. Te proporcionan perfiles claros para identificar señales de alerta en el procesamiento sensorial, así como estrategias acordes a las necesidades. Lo he estado utilizando frecuentemente en mis reuniones de orientación, y es muy entendible para las familias.

[Brittany Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so insightful for parents of kids with sensory issues.

[Alison Young Sleight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, reliable info based on research.

[Mary Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and practical.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely, thorough sequence--an introduction to sensory processing for small children, which may help as I look out over the classroom and consider natural adaptations that could benefit the majority of students, regardless of processing promise or issues.

I'm not wholly sure what I was looking for when I dug into this book--if I had a more intimate relationship with someone with an overt sensory processing disorder, I might read a little closer, but I could only find a few elements that would apply to many of the kids I care about. So I continue to dig and hope I might find some help for what is happening just now.


A few quotes I want to remember:

"There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that SPD can be inherited. However, one family member's sensory issues might just be mild quirks, while another's sensory issues might severely disrupt learning, playing, working, and everyday living" (66).

Toe walking: desensitize feet by massaging them, awareness, look for patterns, consider more cushioned shoes, hop on a mini-trampoline, ankle weights for sensory input, tap toes, stretch calf muscles and Achille's tendon, stand on wedge, etc. (179-181)

The child with INTRApersonal intelligence is in touch with and uses her feelings, emotions, and reactions to understand herself and others. Rather than being a big talker, she may be a quiet listener and observer, and prefer to work and learn alone (281).

[Marcelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was reading this book, I kept nodding and saying, "Yes, this is Kevin!" It was such a relief to realize I'm not the only mom dealing with some of these problems. I wasn't able to finish the book before I had to turn it back in at the library, but I learned a lot from the explanations of the seven senses and how kids behave when they aren't processing one or more of the senses normally. This is a book that would be nice to have around to refer to when I'm not sure what's going on. I felt like this book was a little easier to understand than The Out-of-Sync Child. It seemed like it was more geared toward parents.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, the best resource that I've discovered as the parent of a child with sensory needs. I highly recommend it. I knew that it would be stellar as soon as I saw that the forward was written by Temple Grandin. This is the updated version. Be sure to look for the 2009 copyright date. I am so glad that I picked this up from the library. I'll be purchasing my own copy very soon.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource so far, not just for my kid but me! :)

[Kimberly Shuber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful information for just starting out

no formal diagnosis yet, but appointments have been made. book helped to convince husband of issue. good resource information as well

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - helped me understand the condition more thoroughly and many activities to try. It was perhaps a little long, and a few parts seemed redundant, but it's worth a read.

[Drew Jursich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone caring for an autistic kiddo.