Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Have you ever wanted to be a 'little mouse in the corner' to see what life is really like for children with a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? You can do that through Lucy Miller's new book, Sensational Kids. This book is truly sensational. I've been recommending it to a lot of the parents and teachers of students I service. Part I includes the basics about Sensory Processing Disorder (background, symptoms and warning signs, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and strategies). Part II - Living with Sensational Kids is our opportunity to read about "a day in the life of" children with a Sensory Processing Disorder. In this section, Lucy introduces 5 case studies (typically developing child and four young children who each have a different Sensory Processing Disorder -- over-responsive, under-responsive, sensory-seeking, and dyspraxia). The section continues with these same children at an older age. Part III goes beyond the basics and includes the science of SPD, combination disorders, causes and prevalence, intervention methods and treatment effectiveness, and a personal message to parents. This book could have been called "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sensory Processing Disorder but were Afraid to Ask." Not only is it informative, but it's very easy to read. I highly recommend the book.

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.

I really loved this book. It helped me to understand what my newly diagnosed SPD child goes through on a daily basis, how he feels, etc. It was an eye-opener and some parts were hard for me to read because I just didn't realize that he melts down because he feels so bombarded by sights and sounds that he isn't processing correctly. This book isn't so much one of those books that gives you specific therapies to try with your child, but it was still extremely valuable knowledge for us as we deal with our son on a daily basis, and it definitely made me feel less alone as far as I'm not the only parent who is going through this and my son isn't the only kid who has these issues. Re-framing how you view your child and his/her behaviors based on their SPD is very important in helping their self-esteem!

Lots of little things were off with my daughter. I thought it was related to a divorce but then school just got more difficult for her and she ranged between very sweet to screaming. The pediatrician just wanted to put her on an ADHD patch - without even seeing her. That MIGHT have helped her focus but would not account for her not being able to ride a bike (age nine at the time) or never being able to remember to hang up her towel after a shower or why she slept poorly or why - too many to list. While waiting for a neuro appt to deal with her headaches, someone recommended an Occupational Therapist. She diagnosed her with Dyspraxia among other things. She recommended this book. It was a few pages in and I began to cry. A mom is quoted as saying something like "by the end of day we are so worn out just from getting through the day that I do not know how to help my child". I was no longer alone!! My daughter ended up seeing the book out. She asked what it was about. I reminded her why we were in OT and I said the book was written to help families with children that had the same issues. Her mouth dropped. She said "you mean I am not the only one". Since she has continued to see specialists. One said she had auditory processing disorder. We are awaiting results of blood work and an EEG as another doctor thinks she may have epilepsy. A year ago I held her hand and promised not to stop until I figured out how to help her enjoy her childhood. We are still working at it! I have so many highlights and tabs in this book. Once I have my daughter on track, I am going to buy multiple copies of this book and write our story. I will then take them to every pediatrician I can find and ask them to open their eyes. No other child should have to suffer as long as my daughter and no one figure it out. Don't give up on helping your child! THANK YOU for writing this book!!! P.S. Also look into Hippo (Horse) Therapy. It has helped her core and her confidence!

This book was recommended by our OT. It is very helpful in understanding vestibular and propreoceptive disorders. Although written in laymen terms, the concepts are still a challenge to grasp. Hard as we try, implementing A SECRET, the real meat of the book, is not easy. I have learned a lot through Dr. Miller's book and am most appreciative.

This book is excellent, very informative. My son has been diagnosed with SPD, and I've read 'Out of Sync Child' by Carol Kranowitz, so alreday knew a bit about the condition. Lucy Millar has a wonderfully easy style of writing without talking down to you. You can tell she has worked with numerous (probably hundreds) of parents, and can identify with their concerns and questions.

The book was informative, precise love it.

Ótima referência para terapeutas ocupacionais

Anyone who's wondering if their child has SPD or is in the process of trying to determine what works best NEEDS this book. It is written so clearly and for so many different groups. It has ideas for social, academic, and at home. It describes all the different types of SPD really well and I had many "AHA" moments while reading. Have passed this title around to many people already!

Good information about SPD, by reading it u can diagnose about the child correctly