Recommended Reads for Sensory Needs

Many children on the autism spectrum have sensory issues, whether it be stimulating (such as hand-flapping) is distressful (such as a dislike of being touched or fear of hand dryers). In fact, it's estimated that up to 90% of autistic children have sensory problems!

Sensory Processing Disorder is a diagnosable condition in it's own right. Not all children with SPD have autism, but we can learn a lot about how to help our Auty children manage their sensory issues by reading specialist books on this subject.

Here are three books in particular which have been recommended by our Sparkle parents to help you learn more about sensory processing issues for your children:

The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz

SPD can cause a bewildering variety of symptoms. When their central nervous systems are ineffective in processing sensory information, children have a hard time functioning in daily life. They may look fine and have superior intelligence, but may be awkward and clumsy, fearful and withdrawn, or hostile and aggressive. SPD can affect not only how they move and learn, but also how they behave, how they play and make friends, and especially how they feel about themselves. 

[...] This book was conceived to explain sensory processing and its counterpart, Sensory Processing Disorder, to parents, teachers, and other non-OTs who are new at this. This 2nd edition, seven years after the first, contains up-to-date information that may also help those who are already experienced in caring for children with other, more observable disabilities, many of which overlap with SPD.

Understanding Your Child's Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook by Angie Voss

A sensory signal is a hint, clue, or indicator given by a child's behavior or reaction to the environment or surroundings. This includes a child's reaction to social interaction or communication. When one understands a child's sensory signals, it becomes more natural and clear as to how to enrich the environment with the right sensory tools and strategies. 

[It}is almost a dictionary of symptoms, explanation and then ideas to help provide for the need. It's brilliantly easy to read.

Sensory Profile Toolkit: A Sensory Resource for Parents of Children with Autism by Rebecca Harris

This book begins with an introduction to sensory differences in autism and an explanation of the sensory system. Following this is a sensory checklist for each of the seven senses:

• Sight

• Sound

• Smell

• Touch

• Taste

• Vestibular (balance)

• Proprioception (sense of self in space)

The book then goes onto an interpretation of the results, followed by a list of suggested activities.
The book is wire bound with a laminated cover and is designed to be written in.
It does not replace a sensory assessment, but will help parents who are struggling in this area to understand some of the ways they can support their child.