Parents know when their child has a sensory problem, but too often their observations are discounted because they are ‘just the parents.’
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. SPD affects more than one in twenty children– that’s one child in every classroom. Continue reading
From the National Center for Learning Disabilities: If your child is struggling in school because of a learning disability (LD), an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) might be an option to support his or her K-12 educational needs. Every public school child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP, and it’s hard to understate just how important this document is—it’s the cornerstone of a quality education for many students with disabilities. As a parent, you play a key role at all points in the IEP process, and your knowledge and advocacy can make a big difference in ensuring your child’s success.
Book: Understanding Your Child‘s Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook for Parents and Teachers
Amazon Description: A practical, daily application handbook for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help understand sensory signals versus behavior and how you can help! This user friendly “go to” handbook is geared for daily use and as a quick sensory reference guide. Enjoy the simple, organized format to give you the essential and useful information for over 110 sensory signals. The handbook provides simple every day sensory strategies and techniques to help ALL children; including SPD, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, APD, and developmental disabilities. This handbook provides guidance and understanding as to why children do what they do in regards to unique sensory processing differences and needs. Continue reading
Writer Karen Wang offers a humorous look at what parents need to know in dealing with sticky situations.
The response to our fill in the blank was overwhelming! And now we’re on to Part II of people’s responses. It’s amazing how many of us have had the same experiences.
Finish this sentence… “You know you’re an SPD parent when ____.” Continue reading
So many children have not been properly treated for their sensory issues when they were little. So they are left to address these issues on their own. Here is a teenager that, although he is having problems, doesn’t talk to his parents about it… which is probably not an isolated issue. Parents, if you have older kids, think about what they may be experiencing.
Book: Feelings to Share from A to Z
Amazon Description: Knowing how to describe our feelings is important to our emotional health. So is knowing it’s okay to talk about our feelings with others. Feelings can be confusing when we don’t have the words to express them; they can be overwhelming and even scary when we keep them to ourselves. In rhyming poems and engaging illustrations, this book helps children build and use a vocabulary for communicating their emotions. Because it’s meant to be read aloud, it encourages discussion. From “A is for Awesome” to “Z is for Zany”,Feelings invites kids to name, claim, and share their emotions.
Book: I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! My Story About Accepting No for an Answer and Disagreeing the Right Way! (Best Me I Can Be)
Amazon Description: NO is RJ s least favorite word . . . and he tries his best to convince his dad, his mom, and his teacher to turn No into Maybe or We ll see or Later or I ll think about it. Even though he doesn t have much success, RJ keeps arguing until his teacher suggests that he try to join her classroom s Say YES to NO Club. If RJ can learn how to accept No for an answer and to disagree appropriately with his teacher and parents, he can add his name to the club s Star Board. RJ finds that lots of praise and some rewards come his way when he uses these skills the right way!
Author Julia Cook helps K-6 readers laugh and learn along with RJ as he understands the benefits of demonstrating these social skills both at home and in school. Tips for parents and educators on how to teach and encourage kids to use the skills of accepting No for an answer and disagreeing appropriately are included in the book.
I Just Don t Like the Sound of NO! is another title in the BEST ME I Can Be! series of books from the Boys Town Press to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful.
This book is also available with an accompanying CD audio book, read by the author. Winner of the 2011 MOM’s Choice Award Honoring Excellence and the National Parenting Center’s ‘Seal of Approval.’
Think all you get is stress when your child has a meltdown? Actually, it can create a greater bond between you and your child…. depending on how it is handled.
Photo: John Bradley
Weathering the storm of a meltdown leads to great rewards
Book: Soda Pop Head
Amazon Description: Recommended for Grades K-6. His real name is Lester, but everyone calls him Soda Pop Head. Most of the time he is pretty happy, but when things seem to be unfair his ears gets hot, his face turns red and he blows his top! Lesters dad comes to his rescue by teaching him a few techniques to loosen the top and cool down before his fizz takes control. Soda Pop Head will help your child control his/her anger while helping them manage stress. It s a must for the home or classroom. Paperback, 32 pages. Book Excerpt: There goes Lester. Watch him fester. His ears start to fizz. He gets mad as a griz. His face turns red. Hes a Soda Pop Head. You just never know when Lester will blow. His cap will go flying. If it hits you, youll be crying, so you’d better stay away from Lester today!
The Sensory Spectrum 