Sensational Kids
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Sensational Kids - Revised Edition (May 2014)
Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
by Lucy Jane Miller and Janice Roetenberg
In Sensational Kids Revised Edition, Dr. Miller shares her more than forty years of experience and research on SPD including the most current information on identification and treatment options for the four major subtypes of SPD, training families to develop a sensory lifestyle, understanding brain differences among children with SPD compared to those with autism and ADHD, and strategies to help kids with SPD develop, learn and succeed in school and in life.
Co-authored by Janice Roetenberg, Sensational Kids is written for a broad audience—from parents and educators to clinicians—and includes new material for parents, teachers, and others who care for kids with SPD. Sensational Kids is a practical guide to identifying and treating this little-understood condition.
No Longer A SECRET
No Longer A SECRET: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges
by Doreit Bialer and Lucy Jane Miller
The newest resource for parents, teachers, and therapists helping children with sensory or motor issues. Includes cost-effective, functional, on the spot tips to use for children with sensory issues at home, at school, or in a community setting.
Online Tools, Publications and Websites
The Mighty
SPD Stories on The Mighty
An online publication featuring stories about Sensory Processing Disorder.
Theravive
www.Theravive.com
Theravive is a network of licensed therapists and psychologists helping to connect people throughout the US and Canada to the right professional who can help them. Our mission is to reduce mental health stigma, by providing mental health practitioners near by, who can help.
Activity and Children's Books
Arnwine, Bonnie. (2005).
Starting Sensory Integration Therapy
Fun activities that won't destroy your home!
Barrett, Samara; Grandin MacNeil, Phyllis and Jennifer (2014)
Applesauce Grows on Trees
Join Sam's adventure with Ms. Phyllis as they play their way into the discovery that one of Sam's favorite foods actually starts out red and grows on trees!
DeMonia, Lori (2015)
Love for Logan
An inspirational story based on actual events. A young girl learns to better understand why day to day life can be challenging for her older sister. While sharing a special night, the story embraces how one girl's love for her sister empowers her to overcome one of life's obstacles.
Gianetti, Michele (2017)
Emily's Sister
This book is for children age 7-10 years old. It is a true life story told through the eyes of Emily, the big sister to Elizabeth who has SPD. The book is to help families begin conversations with the siblings who have a sister or brother affected by SPD, to help them learn what the disorder is and how to help their sibling.
Gianetti, Michelle (2011)
I Believe in You: A Mother and Daughter's Special Journey
A mother's emotional journey through discovering her daughter's sensory disorder, understanding her needs, and fighting to get the best treatment to help her. Introduction written by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller.
Kranowitz, Carol Stock (1995).
101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces
Activities for the doctor's office, on car, train, and plane trips, home sick in bed.
Kranowitz, Carol Stock (2004).
The Goodenoughs Get in Sync
A delightfully illustrated "chapter book" for eight- to twelve-year-olds that tells a charming story about five family members who each have a different sensory processing challenge and their naughty dog and how they get in sync after a tough day. Winner of the iParenting Media Award and a finalist for ForeWord magazine's Book of the Year in Children's Nonfiction!
Kranowitz, Carol Stock (2003).
The Out-Of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids With Sensory Integration Dysfunction
A companion to The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction; presents activities that parents and kids with SPD can do at home.
Lawlor, Ines (2014)
Max and Me - A Story about Sensory Processing
This book tells the story of a child´s first days at school. The story offers an explanation of how sensory information is processed using the analogy of a ‘modulator’, who, living in the brain has the job of receiving messages from the senses and then deciding the best thing for the body to do. Once he gets to know his modulator and how to work together with him, things start to go better for him.. that is until Max falls asleep!
Mucklow, Nancy (2009)
The Sensory Team Handbook
A hands-on, jargon-free manual for kids and teens with Sensory Processing Disorder. Upbeat, humorous, and filled with engaging comics, cartoons, diagrams, quizzes, trivia, and question-answer sections, the book turns occupational therapy into something young people can do by and for themselves.
Olsonoski, Laura (2016)
Strawbert’s Sensational Story: Helping Children Build a Positive Relationship With Food
Strawbert’s Sensational Story tells a fun and interactive tale that shows children eating doesn’t have to be scary, but rather an exciting multiple-step adventure, exploring and building a positive relationship with food.
Renke, Laurie (2002)
I Like Birthdays . . . It's the parties I'm not sure about!
Written from a child's perspective, this book describes what it is like living with a Sensory Processing Disorder; helps others to understand why some events can be disastrous for children with SPD.
Renna, Diane (2007)
Meghan's World: The Story of One Girl's Triumph over Sensory Processing Disorder
Lushly illustrated and kid friendly, this true story validates children's feelings and offers a glimpse into the world of a child living with SPD.
Rivlin-Gutman, Annette (2015)
Just Breathe
This story is for any child who feels anxious or worried when facing everyday life circumstances such as going to a new school, taking a test, arguing with a friend, or trying out for a team. In this charming story, the child remembers to breathe deeply in order to find his own inner calm and successfully cope with each new situation.
Roth-Fisch, Marla (2009)
Sensitive Sam
Winner of the 2009 Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine.
An authentic and sensitive children's book about Sensory Processing Disorder and the daily challenges it brings. Told in rhyme from a child's perspective with warm illustrations and a happy ending. Appropriate for readers of every age! Click hereto read a review of the book published in the Highlands Ranch Herald.
Sher, Barbara (2009)
Early Intervention Games: Fun, Joyful Ways to Develop Social and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorders
A wonderful book of 100 joyful games for parents to play with their child who has sensory differences. Each game is geared towards the sense that is being stimulated as well as games for sensory seekers and avoiders.
Short, Andrew David (2017)
Exploring the Senses with Blindfolds
A short ebook of blindfold games for exploring the senses.
Sumner, Christine (2008)
I Can Be: A Child's Whimsical Introduction to Yoga
A charming picture book that makes it easy for any parent to teach yoga to their child. The author contributes a percentage of her proceeds to STAR Institute and other charities dedicated to helping children.
Books for Teachers
Bissell, Julie, Jean Fisher, Carol Owens, and Patricia Polcyn (1998)
Sensory Motor Handbook: A guide for implementing and modifying activities in the classroom (2nd ed.).
Suggestions for classroom, physical education, and recess for children K-3. Authors have extensive experience providing occupational therapy using an SPD approach in the schools.
Chaves, Jamie (2021)
Creating Sensory Smart Classrooms: A Practical Guide for Educators
This comprehensive handbook helps readers understand the neurobiology behind sensory processing and regulation issues, recognize when a student is over- or under-stimulated, and integrate different sensory inputs into the school environment.
Henry, Diana. (1996)
Tools for Teachers
Explains the impact of sensory processing problems in the classroom and illustrates how to adapt the school environment to help students with hyperactivity, distractibility, and sensory motor delays, including poor handwriting; shows how movement and sensory experiences are vital for learning.
Hickman, Lois E. Rebecca Hutchins, Jennifer Ellen (2002)
Seeing Clearly (2nd ed.)
Fun activities to improve visual skills.
Kashman, Nancy and Janet Mora (2005)
The Sensory Connection
An OT and SLP team approach to treating sensory and communication disorders.
Kranowitz, Carol Stock, Deanna Iris Sava, Elizabeth Haber, Lynn Balzer-Martin and Stacey Szklut (2001)
Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration
Carol Stock Kranowitz and expert occupational therapists have assembled an extensive and easy-to-use set of checklists and other tools that are invaluable to every teacher and parent who has children with sensory processing challenges.
Kranowitz, Carol Stock (2005)
Preschool Sensory Scan for Educators (Preschool SENSE)
A valuable new tool that occupational therapists can provide to teachers who are striving to help preschoolers with Sensory Processing Disorder.
Szklut, Stacey, Kranowitz, Carol Stock and David Silver. (1999)
Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration
Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child, interviews occupational therapist Stacey Szklut about how to teach children with disorders in sensory processing; includes 60-page reproducible booklet with classroom checklists, resources, idea sheets.
Textbooks and General Information
Abraham, D., Braley, P., and Drobnjak, L. (2015)
Sensory Processing 101
An easy-to-read guide to use as a starting point to gain a better understanding of sensory processing and the body’s sensory systems. This book is designed to help all children - not just those with a sensory disorder. Includes explanation of each sensory system, sensory activities, and sensory resources.
Ayres, A.J. (1972)
Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders
Classic text written by the occupational therapist/psychologist who developed sensory integration theory and intervention.
Ayres, A. Jean, Philip R. Erwin and Zoe Mailloux (2004)
Love, Jean: Inspiration for Families Living With Dysfunction of Sensory Integration
The story of Phillip Erwin, a young man who had sensory processing difficulties, and his aunt, A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., OTR, the scientist who pioneered the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. The story, presented in letters from "Aunt Jeanie," details Phillip's struggle, as well as the criticism and scholarly exile that Ayres suffered in professional circles.
Ayres, A. Jean (1979, 2005)
Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges
Written for families and teachers by the theoretician and therapist who formulated sensory integration theory and therapy; provides a great understanding of SPD.
Biel, Lindsey and Nancy Peske (2005)
Raising A Sensory Smart Child: A Parent's Guide to Sensory Integration Dysfunction
An informative book written by a parent of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder and a pediatric occupational therapist; provides a practical, hands-on guide with many ideas for activities; operates www.sensorysmarts.com, an informative web site for parents, addressing questions such as how to find an occupational therapist.
Blanche, Erna, Tina Botticelli and Mary Hallway (1998)
Combining Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Integration Principles: An Approach to Pediatric Therapy
Treatment for children 0-12 years with sensory processing and movement disorders such as SPD, cerebral palsy, Autism, fragile X syndrome, and Down syndrome.
Bundy, Anita C., Elizabeth Murray and Shelly Lane (Eds.) (2002)
Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice
Textbook of sensory integration theory and application for advanced knowledge related to Sensory Processing Disorder. Also available in a 418-page edition.
Case-Smith, Jane (Ed.) (1996)
Occupational Therapy for Children (3rd ed.).
This 846-page textbook includes a chapter on SPD theory and intervention; also provides a summary of all research by A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D., OTR, written by SPD experts Diane Parham, Ph.D., OTR, and Zoe Mailloux, M.A., OTR.
Case-Smith, Jane (Ed.). (1997)
Pediatric Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention (2nd ed.).
This textbook, includes two excellent SPD chapters focused on young children: "Sensory integration assessment and intervention" by Susan Stallings-Sahler, Ph.D., OTR, and "Early emotional development and sensory processing" by Elise Holloway, M.P.H., OTR.
Cermak, Sharon, Jane Koomar, Stacey Szklut and David Silver (1998)
Making Sense of Sensory Integration
A one-hour audio discussion between occupational therapists describing SPD and how it affects a child's daily activities and family life. Includes excellent screening checklists for infants, preschoolers, and elementary age children.
Fryer Dietz, Sally (2015)
When Kids Fly
A book written for parents, friends, grandparents, teachers and medical professionals alike. It can help someone figure out when to worry about a child's development, when not to worry, and what options are available -- no matter where that child falls on the spectrum of sensory motor integration.
Gardiner, Julia (2014)
Sensory Processing Challenges: EFFECTIVE CLINICAL WORK WITH KIDS & TEENS
This book equips clinicians with all the information they need to know to accurately identify sensory sensitivities in their child clients: how to pay attention to sensory issues and recognize when a client is struggling; how these issues factor into the behavioral problems at hand; and how best to partner with the right professionals to help kids at home and in school.
Goldstein, Tami (2013)
Coming Through the Fog
A Mother Share Her Journey of Her Daughter’s Recovery from Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder to Functioning Recovery and independent living while providing helpful tips for other parents. A portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to STAR Institute.
Heller, Sharon. (2002)
Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World.
An overview of sensory defensiveness and an examination of treatment options, including diet, medication, and relaxation techniques. Appendices list alternative treatments and resources.
Kranowitz, Carol Stock (1998; revised 2005)
The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
Written by a former preschool teacher with a special background in movement education, this highly acclaimed book describes how problems processing touch-pressure and movement stimuli affect a child's performance in school and at home; includes detailed checklists and resources.
Murray-Slutsky, Carolyn and Betty Paris (2014)
Autism Interventions: Exploring the Spectrum of Autism (2nd Edition)
Written for therapists, teachers, families and anyone working with individuals with ASD, this is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention book. Lucy Jane Miller, Sarah Schoen and Darci Nielson of the STAR Institute wrote a dynamic intervention chapter on Sensory Integrative Theory and Treatment in Occupational Therapy. This 540 page book includes chapters by some of the most esteemed researchers and leaders in the field including Gretchen Dahl Reeves, Shelly J. Lane, Stacey Reynolds, Theresa May Benson and many others.
Orloff, Susan (2001)
Learning Re-enabled
April Edwards, the parent of a child who has been served by occupational therapy, says: "Orloff's book is informative and practical, providing encouragement to parents and children. It defines professional terms and physiological functions affecting learning."
Ramirez, Joan (2013)
Jamie is Autistic
Jamie is the story of a young girl's struggles as an Autistic learner. Through support from parents, teachers, and a school counselor, she is able to learn and make friends. Exercises to help Autistic learners are included in the back of the book.
Schneider, Chemin. (2001)
Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children
Addresses how to use information from all the senses to develop the skills necessary for growing, learning, decision making, and communication; a guide to promote successful learning and positive behavior in people of all ages.
Schneider, Rachel (2016)
Making Sense: A Guide to 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.
Smith Roley, Susanne, Erna I. Blanche and Roseann C. Schaaf (Eds.) (2001)
Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration With Diverse Populations
An excellent resource in paperback for people who want more advanced information.
Trott, Maryann Colby, Marci Laurel and Susan Windeck (1993)
SenseAbilities: Understanding sensory integration
A 69-page booklet that uses case examples to help families and teachers understand SPD; includes suggestions for adapting playground equipment, bedtime, clothes, communication, and travel. Sold in packages of five booklets with one set of unbound pages.
Yack, Ellen, Shirley Sutton, Paula Aquilla (2002)
Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration
Innovative strategies and practical advice for managing behaviors, improving muscle tone, developing social skills, creating sensory diets – and more!
Smith, Barbara (1997)
The Recycling Occupational Therapist
This valuable resource is written for therapists and teachers, vocational instructors, parents, and all environmentalists who wish to use their ingenuity to create useful therapy products from common objects.
Smith, Barbara (2011)
From Rattles to Writing
This groundbreaking guide (written by an occupational therapist) describes the songs, games, toys, activities, and adaptations that help children develop the visual-perceptual skills needed to read and the eye-hand coordination to write.
Sensory Products
The Autism Discovery Tool
The Autism Discovery Tool is an iOS app that helps you explore the sensory world of autism and experience first-hand some of the diversity found on the spectrum. Experience the senses and common variations in autism, discover tools to help, and learn language to share and spread understanding and empathy in homes, schools, and communities touched by autism.
The CALMING CLIPPER Hair Cutting Kit
A silent alternative to noisy electric clippers for those with sensory sensitivity.
iLs Dreampad
Our Dreampad™ technology delivers music through gentle, calming vibration which only you can hear. This process brings about a relaxation response from the body and mind which has been aptly described as a “massage to the nervous system."
MeMoves
MeMoves is a video that helps children on the spectrum find calm and focus in order to be more engaged and effective in the classroom, and in life. It's been proved by third party research to have a major impact on children.
My Feelings™ board game by Sensational Learners
My Feelings™ was developed in collaboration with leading speech- language pathologists and occupational therapists to promote the social-emotional development of young children by encouraging them to express their feelings in an exciting, engaging activity.
My Pipers
The boxer short, reimagined. Welcome to My Pipers, boxer shorts for GIRLS!!! No more front fly! No more plaid! Shorter length and better fit! Because girls should have boxers too...
OTvest, Weighted Vest
The OTvest is a stylish, very high quality, denim weighted vest that is different from other weighted vests on the market. The patented weight insert applies deep pressure therapy directly to the body itself (not hanging inside pockets or hems). The weights are strategically positioned across the upper body to be highly effective at calming, focusing, and helping organize behavior. The OTvest comes in 7 sizes for all ages.
SensaCalm Weighted Blankets and Sensory Products
Well manufactured and quality, therapeutic weighted blankets, weighted vests and belts, scented lotions and soaps, ID bracelets, and more. All products are handpicked, ensuring only the very best selection. SensaCalm understands what it’s like loving someone with sensory needs, and wants to help make life less stressful and more restful for the whole family.
Trauma-Informed Resource Tool
JBS International and Georgetown University National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health created a web-based, video-enhance trauma resource tool titled “Trauma Informed Care: Perspectives and Resources.” The Tool includes video interviews, issue briefs, key resources, and links that are updated monthly to keep up with new developments in the field. The focus of this resource tool is primarily on children, youth, and young adults and their families, including foster families.
Weighted Blankets MN
Custom, high-quality weighted blankets that fit any budget. Made exclusively for each individual.
CD's
The Great Food Explorer
The Great Food Explorer music CD was created to help Parents and Therapists have a fun way to teach children about exploring, discovering and enjoying eating food.
Songs for Sensational Kids, Vol 1: The Wiggly Scarecrow
Singer/songwriter Coles Whalen collaborated with Dr. Lucy Jane Miller and The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation (Denver, CO) to create a CD for children. These 15 songs were designed to help children learn about, use and develop their sensory processing. A wonderful CD for all kids!
Songs for Sensational Kids, Vol. 2: I'm OK, Ole!
Songs for Sensational Kids, Vol. 2: I'm OK Ole! album for sale by Coles Whalen was released Oct 02, 2012 on the Cd Baby label. Singer/songwriter Coles Whalen and Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Clinical director of the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, have joined forces to bring you I m Ok, Ole! An audio CD for kids. Ranging in genre from swing to tango to reggae and beyond, this eclectic musical journey will get kids and adults moving while thoughtful lyrics will encourage sharing, taking turns and learning from mistakes.