What do you think?
Rate this book
The Out-of-Sync Child, Third Edition: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Differences
2022 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner
The groundbreaking book that explains Sensory Processing Difference (SPD)--and presents a drug-free approach that offers hope for parents--now revised and updated.
Does your child exhibit...
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement? A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory disregarder," needing a jump start to get moving.
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sounds, sights taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues.
Cravings for sensation? The "sensory craver" never gets enough of certain sensations, e.g., messy play, spicy food, noisy action, and perpetual movement.
Poor sensory discrimination? She may not sense the difference between objects or experiences--unaware of what she's holding unless she looks, and unable to sense when she's falling or how to catch herself.
Unusually high or low activity level? The child may be constantly on the go--wearing out everyone around him--or move slowly and tire easily, showing little interest in the world.
Problems with posture or motor coordination? He may slouch, move awkwardly, seem careless or accident-prone.
These are often the first clues to Sensory Processing Difference--a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals--and a drug-free treatment approach for children.
This revised edition includes expanded information about SPD “look-alikes,” including Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism; about diagnosis and treatments; and about other topics.
The groundbreaking book that explains Sensory Processing Difference (SPD)--and presents a drug-free approach that offers hope for parents--now revised and updated.
Does your child exhibit...
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to touch or movement? A child with SPD may be a "sensory avoider," withdrawing from touch, refusing to wear certain clothing, avoiding active games--or he may be a "sensory disregarder," needing a jump start to get moving.
Over-responsivity--or under-responsivity--to sounds, sights taste, or smell? She may cover her ears or eyes, be a picky eater, or seem oblivious to sensory cues.
Cravings for sensation? The "sensory craver" never gets enough of certain sensations, e.g., messy play, spicy food, noisy action, and perpetual movement.
Poor sensory discrimination? She may not sense the difference between objects or experiences--unaware of what she's holding unless she looks, and unable to sense when she's falling or how to catch herself.
Unusually high or low activity level? The child may be constantly on the go--wearing out everyone around him--or move slowly and tire easily, showing little interest in the world.
Problems with posture or motor coordination? He may slouch, move awkwardly, seem careless or accident-prone.
These are often the first clues to Sensory Processing Difference--a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals--and a drug-free treatment approach for children.
This revised edition includes expanded information about SPD “look-alikes,” including Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism; about diagnosis and treatments; and about other topics.
- GenresParenting
Audible Audio
Published May 3, 2016
13 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 9, 2025
As a mom of two kids with sensory processing needs, I felt really validated by this book. I also recognized my own sensory processing differences that had been stuffed down most of my life. Grateful to have a resource to think through with regards to all that. This book was incredibly thorough- I listened to the audio, which was great for getting a general idea of things, but definitely had me in the weeds as it listed symptoms or resources (presumably from a chart?) for a variety of forms of SPD. I was recommended this book from my daughters’ occupational therapist, but I’m not sure I would recommend this to other parents unless they really were looking for an in depth look at sensory processing differences. I’ve gained most of my practical knowledge and experience in this stuff from taking my girls to OT or from easier to consume content on social media. But! All in all this was a thorough and helpful resource.
March 24, 2024
What a very fascinating book. Sometimes it was a bit heavy but it is still a very worthwhile book to read. Thank you for sharing the information!
May 28, 2025
Currently writing my first book review here because of how passionately I hated this book. It is OBVIOUS that this author does not have a child with sensory processing differences. I would be surprised if she had even one formal interview or discussion with any parents of children with SPD before writing this book. I take particular issue with the disgusting attitude this author clearly has towards these children, even when attempting to advocate for them. She starts with, "They (preschoolers with SPD) also made me feel like a bad person when their inattention or disruptive behavior caused me to react negatively."
And here are a few of the descriptors she used for these children, many of which are ages 3 to 5: "dull, pudgy, exasperating, frustrating, clumsy, misfit, annoying, uncontrollable, contrary, defiant, uncooperative, disorganized, demon, devil, awkward.
Her disdain for these children bled into her imaginary case examples as well. She made up a mom stating that her child was "making the mother wish she could just abandon him" and another fictitious example prompted the statement, "No wonder his cousins are so mean. They do not like to play with him because they cannot predict what he will do or how he will do it. They notice his jerky movements and consider him a jerk."
The author was attempting to promote early intervention for children with needs, even needs that seem behavioral in nature. Early intervention in the form of requesting evaluations from a Speech Language Pathologist, a Physical Therapist, and/or an Occupational Therapist depending on your child. Don't let this author's repulsive blunder dampen the importance of that message.
And here are a few of the descriptors she used for these children, many of which are ages 3 to 5: "dull, pudgy, exasperating, frustrating, clumsy, misfit, annoying, uncontrollable, contrary, defiant, uncooperative, disorganized, demon, devil, awkward.
Her disdain for these children bled into her imaginary case examples as well. She made up a mom stating that her child was "making the mother wish she could just abandon him" and another fictitious example prompted the statement, "No wonder his cousins are so mean. They do not like to play with him because they cannot predict what he will do or how he will do it. They notice his jerky movements and consider him a jerk."
The author was attempting to promote early intervention for children with needs, even needs that seem behavioral in nature. Early intervention in the form of requesting evaluations from a Speech Language Pathologist, a Physical Therapist, and/or an Occupational Therapist depending on your child. Don't let this author's repulsive blunder dampen the importance of that message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Apparently the gold standard on the topic (recommended by our pediatrician), it was full of information, perhaps some a bit too technical for an overwhelmed parent (me).
February 26, 2025
I was able to relate so many pieces of knowledge from this book to my kids at work and I feel that it has helped me become a more well-rounded clinician.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews