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Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder
What would you do if your child suffered with something so severe it affected every aspect of her life?
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You'd follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that's what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, Jaimie's reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around and spent most of her day screaming with her hands over her ears and eyes.
By the time she turned two, Jaimie was so fearful of her world they spent most days inside. What was wrong with Chynna's miracle girl? Why wouldn't anyone help her figure it out? Jaimie wasn't "just spirited" as her physician suggested nor did she lack discipline at home. When Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at two-and-a-half, Chynna thought she had "the answer," but that was just the start of a three-year quest for the right treatments to bring the Jaimie she loved so much out for others to see. With the right diagnosis and treatment suited to Jaimie, this family finally felt hope. Not Just Spirited is one mother's journey to finding peace for her daughter, Jaimie. As Chynna says often, "Knowledge breeds understanding. And that's so powerful."
Parents and Therapists Praise Not Just Spirited
"Chynna's memoir is sure to encourage other parents to advocate with the same determination for their own sensational children."
--Carol Kranowitz, author The Out-of-Sync Child
"I only wish I had this book earlier. Even though my daughter and I live with this every day, I learned a lot from this book, and will return to my family with renewed hope and energy!"
--Nancy Pfortmiller
"Chynna's words touched my heart. Her memoir validated the overwhelming feelings I went through myself with my own daughter's struggles with her SPD. Raising and loving a child with severe SPD is draining for both your mind and your physical body. However, with a strong faith in God and the instincts only a mother can have, there is hope. Not Just Spirited will fill your soul with spirit and give you the strength needed to endure your own child's challenging behaviors, leading you on an enlightening journey of acceptance, strength, hope, and healing."
--Diane M. Renna, author Meghan's The Story of One Girl's Triumph over SPD
Learn more at www.ChynnaLairdAuthor.ca
Another empowering book for parents from Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com
FAM012000 Family & Children with Special Needs
PSY004000 Developmental - Child
HEA046000 Health & Children's Health
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You'd follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that's what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, Jaimie's reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around and spent most of her day screaming with her hands over her ears and eyes.
By the time she turned two, Jaimie was so fearful of her world they spent most days inside. What was wrong with Chynna's miracle girl? Why wouldn't anyone help her figure it out? Jaimie wasn't "just spirited" as her physician suggested nor did she lack discipline at home. When Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at two-and-a-half, Chynna thought she had "the answer," but that was just the start of a three-year quest for the right treatments to bring the Jaimie she loved so much out for others to see. With the right diagnosis and treatment suited to Jaimie, this family finally felt hope. Not Just Spirited is one mother's journey to finding peace for her daughter, Jaimie. As Chynna says often, "Knowledge breeds understanding. And that's so powerful."
Parents and Therapists Praise Not Just Spirited
"Chynna's memoir is sure to encourage other parents to advocate with the same determination for their own sensational children."
--Carol Kranowitz, author The Out-of-Sync Child
"I only wish I had this book earlier. Even though my daughter and I live with this every day, I learned a lot from this book, and will return to my family with renewed hope and energy!"
--Nancy Pfortmiller
"Chynna's words touched my heart. Her memoir validated the overwhelming feelings I went through myself with my own daughter's struggles with her SPD. Raising and loving a child with severe SPD is draining for both your mind and your physical body. However, with a strong faith in God and the instincts only a mother can have, there is hope. Not Just Spirited will fill your soul with spirit and give you the strength needed to endure your own child's challenging behaviors, leading you on an enlightening journey of acceptance, strength, hope, and healing."
--Diane M. Renna, author Meghan's The Story of One Girl's Triumph over SPD
Learn more at www.ChynnaLairdAuthor.ca
Another empowering book for parents from Loving Healing Press www.LovingHealing.com
FAM012000 Family & Children with Special Needs
PSY004000 Developmental - Child
HEA046000 Health & Children's Health
- GenresNonfiction
180 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Chynna T. Laird
12 books209 followersCHYNNA LAIRD – is a freelance writer and multi award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other special needs. She’s authored two children’s books, two memoirs, a Young Adult novella, a YA paranormal suspense novel, a Contemporary coming-of-age novel and an adult Suspense/Thriller.
Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca
Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 12, 2014
A very interesting and informative book about Sensory processing disorder. After reading this book I have a lot of empathy for moms of SPD kids, as it really seems to be a two steps forward, one step back disorder. But even more than that, I feel for these children. I can't imagine how it must feel going through everyday and being all anxious, because the information you get from your senses are not correct.
November 29, 2010
Having struggles and successes with a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder is an exhausting and bittersweet battle. Chynna Laird's book gives both hope and a sense of "you're not alone in this" messages to the reader who seeks more enlightenment on this somewhat obscure and misunderstood problem called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or Sensory Integration Disorder.
Often mislabeled in the categories of autism, Asbergers, or even "gifted," SPD is a neurological or genetic problem that a child manifests as early as infancy, and which may be progressive up to later years if it's not discovered and facilitated for the child's health and well-being.
The Disorder is often recognized when a child fails to make eye contact, withdraws from or rejects human contact of any kind including being picked up and hugged even by parents, exhibits hyperactive or underactive behaviors at different times, has a multitude of issues with clothing, fine motor skills, eating foods, smells and noises, making transitions, and entering the outside world in general.
It is amazing to me how Ms Laird even had a moment's time to write her book! Her daughter, Jaimie has a severe case of SPD requiring nearly constant care and intervention. But her dedication to her daughter, her family of 3 other children, her husband, the therapists and doctors and teachers who worked in tandem to reach her child...and to families who may feel isolated as they wonder what is wrong with their child and how to find help, gifted her with what has to be a Herculean strength to set down a lighted path for others. She is to be highly commended for her efforts and her love to all concerned.
This is a book for parents, family members, teachers and professional care-givers of children with SPD. It's a word of instruction as well as a word of caution and hope. It's a book that deserves a hardback edition and much more press!
The only thing I found missing in all her suggestions to parents was an urging to take care of themselves! Strangely enough, Ms Laird doesn't mention taking time out to refresh, recoup and relax so one can be ready to meet the challenges a child with SPD presents. Of all the suggestions...I think this should be high on the list. In her writings about recognizing and finding help for Jaimie, she never mentions taking time for herself or with her husband and other children apart from Jaimie. As a mother who had gifted children who demanded my attention in a similar fashion; that is, they weren't on the average track of most children, I found this advice sadly absent from Chynna's book.
I hardily recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject matter, and in seekers of "what's wrong with my child," as well as for therapists interested in a teaching tool for parents of SPD children.
It is also an interesting read for all parents who may have a child with SPD being integrated into their own child's classroom. If you are an adult with such issues as described above, you may want to read this comprehensive book, as well. I found it most helpful!
Often mislabeled in the categories of autism, Asbergers, or even "gifted," SPD is a neurological or genetic problem that a child manifests as early as infancy, and which may be progressive up to later years if it's not discovered and facilitated for the child's health and well-being.
The Disorder is often recognized when a child fails to make eye contact, withdraws from or rejects human contact of any kind including being picked up and hugged even by parents, exhibits hyperactive or underactive behaviors at different times, has a multitude of issues with clothing, fine motor skills, eating foods, smells and noises, making transitions, and entering the outside world in general.
It is amazing to me how Ms Laird even had a moment's time to write her book! Her daughter, Jaimie has a severe case of SPD requiring nearly constant care and intervention. But her dedication to her daughter, her family of 3 other children, her husband, the therapists and doctors and teachers who worked in tandem to reach her child...and to families who may feel isolated as they wonder what is wrong with their child and how to find help, gifted her with what has to be a Herculean strength to set down a lighted path for others. She is to be highly commended for her efforts and her love to all concerned.
This is a book for parents, family members, teachers and professional care-givers of children with SPD. It's a word of instruction as well as a word of caution and hope. It's a book that deserves a hardback edition and much more press!
The only thing I found missing in all her suggestions to parents was an urging to take care of themselves! Strangely enough, Ms Laird doesn't mention taking time out to refresh, recoup and relax so one can be ready to meet the challenges a child with SPD presents. Of all the suggestions...I think this should be high on the list. In her writings about recognizing and finding help for Jaimie, she never mentions taking time for herself or with her husband and other children apart from Jaimie. As a mother who had gifted children who demanded my attention in a similar fashion; that is, they weren't on the average track of most children, I found this advice sadly absent from Chynna's book.
I hardily recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject matter, and in seekers of "what's wrong with my child," as well as for therapists interested in a teaching tool for parents of SPD children.
It is also an interesting read for all parents who may have a child with SPD being integrated into their own child's classroom. If you are an adult with such issues as described above, you may want to read this comprehensive book, as well. I found it most helpful!
July 7, 2014
When asked if I would be interested in reviewing "Not Just Spirited" I jumped at the opportunity. I feel books that are informative, relate to hardships experienced by others, and can consequently provide helpful information in an easy-to-read understandable format are extremely important to us as a society.
I began reading "Not Just Spirited" and I was truly touched by the empathy the book's author, Chynna T. Laird, showed to her daughter Jaimie. For those who don't know: Sensory Processing Disorder is an inability of the brain to process information received through the senses. Consequently those who suffer from SPD are unable to properly understand how to interact with their environment. Light, touch, sound, taste and smell can cause moderate to severe discomfort which is made worse if the child is too young to verbally communicate what is wrong.
As I continued reading I wish I could say I was surprised by the lack of understanding and help Jaimie and her family received from the highly trained medical community but in all honesty, I wasn't. I also find it amazing how the general response to a problematic child is "it's just a phase" or "he or she will grow out of it." Personally I would find those generalizations insulting. As a parent shouldn't you know your child's behavior better than anyone else? Isn't there that mysterious "bonding" between mother and child so that even a "first time" parent's concerns should be taken seriously? Shouldn't the medical community give some credence to a parent's observations? After all, parents generally live with their child twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, while a pediatrician may only see that same child once every few months.
In summary I found "Not Just Spirited" to be an incredibly well written and inspirational book. Laird shares with her reader the day-to-day and sometime even minute-to-minute struggles of someone who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder. Her personal experiences enable us to better understand this disorder and Laird has found a way to help her daughter progress with her life in a healthy manner. I feel this book will also provide useful tips, information, and resources for other parents who may face the same, or similar, challenges. I would like to thank Laird for taking the time to share her family's story with us and I am appreciative that she has done so using language that the common person can understand.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
I began reading "Not Just Spirited" and I was truly touched by the empathy the book's author, Chynna T. Laird, showed to her daughter Jaimie. For those who don't know: Sensory Processing Disorder is an inability of the brain to process information received through the senses. Consequently those who suffer from SPD are unable to properly understand how to interact with their environment. Light, touch, sound, taste and smell can cause moderate to severe discomfort which is made worse if the child is too young to verbally communicate what is wrong.
As I continued reading I wish I could say I was surprised by the lack of understanding and help Jaimie and her family received from the highly trained medical community but in all honesty, I wasn't. I also find it amazing how the general response to a problematic child is "it's just a phase" or "he or she will grow out of it." Personally I would find those generalizations insulting. As a parent shouldn't you know your child's behavior better than anyone else? Isn't there that mysterious "bonding" between mother and child so that even a "first time" parent's concerns should be taken seriously? Shouldn't the medical community give some credence to a parent's observations? After all, parents generally live with their child twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, while a pediatrician may only see that same child once every few months.
In summary I found "Not Just Spirited" to be an incredibly well written and inspirational book. Laird shares with her reader the day-to-day and sometime even minute-to-minute struggles of someone who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder. Her personal experiences enable us to better understand this disorder and Laird has found a way to help her daughter progress with her life in a healthy manner. I feel this book will also provide useful tips, information, and resources for other parents who may face the same, or similar, challenges. I would like to thank Laird for taking the time to share her family's story with us and I am appreciative that she has done so using language that the common person can understand.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
March 6, 2014
Synopsis: "What would you do if your child suffered with something so severe it affected every aspect of her life?
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You'd follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that's what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, Jaimie's reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around and spent most of her day screaming with her hands over her ears and eyes.
By the time she turned two, Jaimie was so fearful of her world they spent most days inside. What was wrong with Chynna's miracle girl? Why wouldn't anyone help her figure it out? Jaimie wasn't "just spirited" as her physician suggested nor did she lack discipline at home. When Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at two-and-a-half, Chynna thought she had "the answer," but that was just the start of a three-year quest for the right treatments to bring the Jaimie she loved so much out for others to see. With the right diagnosis and treatment suited to Jaimie, this family finally felt hope. Not Just Spirited is one mother's journey to finding peace for her daughter, Jaimie. As Chynna says often, "Knowledge breeds understanding. And that's so powerful."
Parents and Therapists Praise "Not Just Spirited"
"Chynna's memoir is sure to encourage other parents to advocate with the same determination for their own sensational children."
My Review: Definitely a heart wrenching book to read, you can help but feel the heartache, frustration, sadness, and helplessness Chynna and Steve faced. I did like seeing that occasionally progress was made, even though a few steps were taken back and sometimes having to start from square one again the did finally find a way for things to start fitting together. The book itself at times was difficult to read because it sounded like a pamphlet you get in a doctors office with a lot of information and clinical terms shoved at you all at once, but I understand that she was trying to get the message out but maybe allowing people to do some of their own research would have worked better than forcing information into the book. That said it is still a book of almost unbelievable triumphs and the resilience of loving parents.
And what if your cries for help fell on deaf ears at every turn? You'd follow your gut and fight until someone listened. And that's what Chynna Laird did. When she was just three months old, Jaimie's reactions to people and situations seemed odd. She refused any form of touch, she gagged at smells, she was clutzy and threw herself around and spent most of her day screaming with her hands over her ears and eyes.
By the time she turned two, Jaimie was so fearful of her world they spent most days inside. What was wrong with Chynna's miracle girl? Why wouldn't anyone help her figure it out? Jaimie wasn't "just spirited" as her physician suggested nor did she lack discipline at home. When Jaimie was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) at two-and-a-half, Chynna thought she had "the answer," but that was just the start of a three-year quest for the right treatments to bring the Jaimie she loved so much out for others to see. With the right diagnosis and treatment suited to Jaimie, this family finally felt hope. Not Just Spirited is one mother's journey to finding peace for her daughter, Jaimie. As Chynna says often, "Knowledge breeds understanding. And that's so powerful."
Parents and Therapists Praise "Not Just Spirited"
"Chynna's memoir is sure to encourage other parents to advocate with the same determination for their own sensational children."
My Review: Definitely a heart wrenching book to read, you can help but feel the heartache, frustration, sadness, and helplessness Chynna and Steve faced. I did like seeing that occasionally progress was made, even though a few steps were taken back and sometimes having to start from square one again the did finally find a way for things to start fitting together. The book itself at times was difficult to read because it sounded like a pamphlet you get in a doctors office with a lot of information and clinical terms shoved at you all at once, but I understand that she was trying to get the message out but maybe allowing people to do some of their own research would have worked better than forcing information into the book. That said it is still a book of almost unbelievable triumphs and the resilience of loving parents.
April 3, 2019
Not Just Spirited outlines one mother's journey with sensory processing disorder, a little acknowledged disorder that severely affects children. It entails a neurological issue between what and how the body feels. Children with SPD can suffer from a lack of sensory input or an overload of it. This woman has a daughter with a very high level of sensory overload. She outlines what SPD is all about and how she went about treating it for her daughter.
I loved this book. It was a real eye opener for a problem that even today isn't very talked about. It was an accessible read that really explored the needs of children with SPD.
I loved this book. It was a real eye opener for a problem that even today isn't very talked about. It was an accessible read that really explored the needs of children with SPD.
April 13, 2012
“not just spirited” by Chynna T. Laird is a compelling book about her daughter, Jaimie, who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and her journey to find a diagnosis and ways to help her daughter cope. This was a moving book about the love of a mother and the lengths she will go for her child. SPD is often misdiagnosed and parents are at a loss as to why their child is behaving that way and what they can do to help their child. Mrs. Laird was no different. When Jaimie was a baby, Mrs. Laird knew there was something wrong at around three months. Talking over her concerns with her pediatrician, she walked away being told that it was normal and she was just a nervous first time mom. And thus began her search for what was really wrong with her daughter.
This was a heart wrenching story. Although I really felt for the mother, Jaimie’s relationship (or lack of a relationship) with her father was completely heart breaking. Having a child who doesn’t want to be touched or hugged, or screaming because of something she smells or sees, is extremely frustrating and difficult. Many times Mrs. Laird and her husband were told that it was lack of discipline or that it was their fault. Perhaps if they read this book those people would understand that Mrs. Laird and her husband are doing everything they can for their daughter and that compassion from others is actually what is needed instead of judgment.
Mrs. Laird does a good job documenting her story and Jaimie’s struggles with this disorder. SPD was not a term I had heard of until recently and awareness definitely needs to be brought to the public’s attention. Hopefully this book will reach out and make others aware that SPD is real and educate them about what it means to have SPD or to have a child with SPD. Even though Jaimie now has a diagnosis doesn’t meant that her sensitivities will get better, but it will mean she can get help to learn how to cope with them. It would be interesting if Mrs. Laird did a follow-up book when Jaimie is older so that the reader can see how she is doing. Jaimie got into my heart and I would love to know how she learns how to cope as she grows up.
This was a heart wrenching story. Although I really felt for the mother, Jaimie’s relationship (or lack of a relationship) with her father was completely heart breaking. Having a child who doesn’t want to be touched or hugged, or screaming because of something she smells or sees, is extremely frustrating and difficult. Many times Mrs. Laird and her husband were told that it was lack of discipline or that it was their fault. Perhaps if they read this book those people would understand that Mrs. Laird and her husband are doing everything they can for their daughter and that compassion from others is actually what is needed instead of judgment.
Mrs. Laird does a good job documenting her story and Jaimie’s struggles with this disorder. SPD was not a term I had heard of until recently and awareness definitely needs to be brought to the public’s attention. Hopefully this book will reach out and make others aware that SPD is real and educate them about what it means to have SPD or to have a child with SPD. Even though Jaimie now has a diagnosis doesn’t meant that her sensitivities will get better, but it will mean she can get help to learn how to cope with them. It would be interesting if Mrs. Laird did a follow-up book when Jaimie is older so that the reader can see how she is doing. Jaimie got into my heart and I would love to know how she learns how to cope as she grows up.
August 24, 2012
In the book Not Just Spirited, you follow a mother on her journey through discovering her daughter has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and the struggles both parents as well as the child go through when coping with SPD. Personally, I do not know anyone with SPD nor have I ever met any one with this disorder, so honestly I could only imagine what it would be like. And even then, I'm sure it's not even close. But as a parent, I could feel the heartbreak both Chynna (the author and mother) and Steven (the father) were feeling as their daughter Jamie more than just struggled with normal, everday things. Jamie couldn't enjoy things most children do because of the SPD. Eating most foods, wearing most clothing, even taking a bath or hugging her parents were just too much for her to bare. She would scream for hours and bang her head against a wall or the floor causing bumps and bruises to herself because these normal things weren't normal for her.
The moment Jamie was born, Chynna knew something wasn't right because Jamie would pull away and wouldn't even look at her. She wasn't sleeping right and the sound of her fathers voice made her scream. When Chynna confronted the doctor about this, he said "She's just Spirited". It took two-and-a-half years for the doctor to finally listen to Chynna and actually do something about it. As a parent, that angered and frustrated me just reading it. I could only imagine how it must have felt telling the doctor several times something was wrong, and him doing nothing.
Though the book Not Just Spirited is about SPD, as a parent, I would recommend it to anyone that has children. As it shows you that a mother's intuition is usually right and should be listened to. I found it absolutely amazing the strength Chynna was able to find within, even in the toughest of times. She is a true inspiration to not only parents of children with SPD, but to all parents in general. This book made me frustrated and angry at times, but I also found myself crying both tears of sadness and joy as I read this amazing journey through discovery and coping with SPD.
The moment Jamie was born, Chynna knew something wasn't right because Jamie would pull away and wouldn't even look at her. She wasn't sleeping right and the sound of her fathers voice made her scream. When Chynna confronted the doctor about this, he said "She's just Spirited". It took two-and-a-half years for the doctor to finally listen to Chynna and actually do something about it. As a parent, that angered and frustrated me just reading it. I could only imagine how it must have felt telling the doctor several times something was wrong, and him doing nothing.
Though the book Not Just Spirited is about SPD, as a parent, I would recommend it to anyone that has children. As it shows you that a mother's intuition is usually right and should be listened to. I found it absolutely amazing the strength Chynna was able to find within, even in the toughest of times. She is a true inspiration to not only parents of children with SPD, but to all parents in general. This book made me frustrated and angry at times, but I also found myself crying both tears of sadness and joy as I read this amazing journey through discovery and coping with SPD.
October 9, 2012
Not Just Spirited is a moving, heart wrenching family’s experience with a child that has severe SPD. It covers the first 6 years of the author’s daughter, Jamie’s life. You will see how it affects every aspect of the child’s life and the family’s interactions with her. The affects are devastating for the family and they struggle to get help for their daughter, the doctors keep saying she is high spirited and has behavior problems. Even though this is a difficult time the patience and love these parents have for their daughter is inspiring. Until she is nearly 3 they get no help with her.
I recommend this book be read by all parents and especially parents that have a child on the spectrum or a “high spirited” child or one that has issue with the way things feel and seem to over react to how clothing feels etc.. There is so much great information in this book, I truly enjoyed reading it.Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey With Sensory Processing Disorder
I recommend this book be read by all parents and especially parents that have a child on the spectrum or a “high spirited” child or one that has issue with the way things feel and seem to over react to how clothing feels etc.. There is so much great information in this book, I truly enjoyed reading it.Not Just Spirited: A Mom's Sensational Journey With Sensory Processing Disorder
November 7, 2011
WOW!!! An amazing book written by a mom, whom did what we all moms want to do, follow their intuition. Easy reading book with a simple, clear style. Makes me think I could write a book, could I? HMMMMM!
December 28, 2010
Awesome book. This is a great one for everybody. Even if you don't have a special needs child, this book can help you understand what the families living with these amazing children deal with daily.
November 24, 2012
A heart-rending story that is inspiring to those with special-needs children. However, the writing style is amateur at best, and can be very distracting.
June 18, 2013
I read this book and throughly sympathized with the mother and her brave little girl. It was a very accurate portrait of what parents with sensational kids go through.
September 7, 2016
This book really makes you feel for young Jaimie, and will for sure make you love Chynna! Must read!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews