Making Sense: A Guide to Sensory Issues

by Rachel S. Schneider, Sharon Heller (Foreword)

Our senses! Thanks to them, our brains are constantly flooded with information about the world around us. What may surprise you is that we’re not all wired the same way, and some of us are unable to understand exactly what we’re sensing. People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a newly identified neurological condition, as well as those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are frequently misunderstood by others when they over- or under-react to sounds, sights, smells, tastes, touch, movement, balance, and feelings within their bodies.

In this guide, mental health counselor, SPD community advocate, and sensory adult Rachel S. Schneider, M.A., MHC, helps us to make sense of sensory issues. Whether you’re someone with sensory issues, a loved one supporting a sensory person, a professional, or someone that is curious about unusual and complex sensory experiences, this guide will answer your questions about life with sensory processing differences.

Illustrations by Kelly Dillon of the humorous illustrated sensory blog, Eating Off Plastic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to SPD, great checklist for sensory modulation red-flags (just _look_ at the ones in Out of Sync Child).

This book is difficult to find in Australian libraries; I think the author’s blog/ articles would suffice content-wise.

Interesting praxis ideas: problems of transition between sensory environments, dysregulation leading to polarisation (tired to wired). Interesting neuro ideas: white matter disruption, PNS dysfunction, parvo/ magno pathway dysregulation.

[Esther Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great book for introducing anyone to the concept of Sensory Processing Disorder, especially the SPD experience of an adult who was diagnosed later in life (delayed diagnosis). It’s very approachable and has a conversational tone, as if you are sitting down to coffee with the author, or sitting in on an engaging ted talk.

Having already read through most of a more in depth book on SPD (Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight— by Sharon Heller) I was afraid there would be little of practical value for me in Rachel Schneider’s book, but actually I have taken some very useful information away from it, even on a scientific level as it is explained clearly in layman’s terms.

I underlined a ton of stuff, especially in the later chapters, and will be passing my copy around my family to help them better understand my experience and the practicalities of how my differently-wired brain works.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a MUST for delayed diagnosis SPD adults; as one, I can definitely say that it helps me feel less alone and validates my experiences. Rachel writes in a friendly and conversational tone as she invites you into her sensory world. Making Sense can also shed light for people who have someone with sensory processing disorder in their lives. Rachel weaves a book that shares information, research, personal experience, and helpful tools.

[Arika · Rating 5 out of 5]

💗 I don't have the words. Anyone who may have sensory issues or love someone who does, highly recommended read. For everyone. #favorites

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide to sensory issues from someone who's lived with them through childhood and as an adult. I liked that it was written in layman's terms and offered clarification for common misconceptions. It discussed the science behind the causes and treatment, as well as giving first-hand accounts of what it's like to have a meltdown and shutdown. I will be sharing this book and recommending it to people that want to learn more about SPD or understand what those with it go through.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super helpful for helping me understand my sensory issues.

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As a side note: I am really particular about book formatting, and I found this one to have really narrow page margins, which made it difficult for me to read at first. If you have the same problem it is worth getting used to (or read as an ebook instead, if that's an option), I think.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful

This book was really helpful.

I was questioning some of my issues as I get older and they seem to be getting worse. But then I read this book as well as some ASD ones. And I'm now fairly confident I have both SPD and ASD. Regardless, if you're questioning this book should help you answer some questions and give some techniques for helping struggles too!

[Wendy Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview for those who know someone with Sensory Processing Disorder. But also full of lots of ideas for those with SPD. There’s more books out there. But this is a good starting place. Easy and entertaining to read. Well researched with personal examples too

[Aileen Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite informative but they mentioned several sections but didn't actually touch on them all.

[Catherine Suttle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to sensory processing issues. I loved the writing style, the author definitely has a sense of humour and makes complex material easy to understand.

[Kateri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not what I wanted it to be, but an important read for adults in the sensory community. Would recommend to those newly diagnosed with SPD and their close ones. Presents helpful techniques and tools for navigating sensory life. Hopefully in a few years more academic research will be available, but the anecdotal style of the book does feel less isolating as a reader who is also an SPD adult.