The Sensory Processing Diet

As a mom of a newly diagnosed child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I relentlessly sought experts in SPD, as well as top nutritionists, biopsychologists, and neurologists. I figured that if I understood the major functions of the brain, and how it's supposed to take in, process and respond to stimulation, I could discover how SPD interferes with these functions. Understanding the whole picture - the combination of body, brain and nutritional health - led me to embrace the "Sensory Diet." In this book, I share the keys of a well-balanced nutritional diet and the activities and exercises that truly work. Use the resources in this book to create a whole picture of your own child's conditions and customize a Sensory Diet for him/her. "If you're the parent, teacher, relative or friend of a sensory kid, The Sensory Processing Diet will give you unique insight into his or her world. Reading it was a breath of fresh air, as I could relate to so many of her parenting struggles and found her recommended interventions to be both doable and helpful." --CAMERON KLEIMO, sensory mom "Chynna Laird has written a sensational book about a little known disorder, but one that is becoming increasingly more identified in children. As a child psychologist, I found the book to be interesting, informative and complete. I recommend it highly to parents and professionals. I loved it." --LAURIE ZELINGER, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, board certified psychologist, author of Please Explain "Anxiety" to Me "I work with many children in play therapy that also experience sensory issues. The Sensory Diet gives an in-depth look at contributors to SPD, what types of treatments are available and adjustments families can make so that a child with SPD can cope in life in a way that he/she hasn't understood before. I wholeheartedly recommend it to therapists and parents." --JILL OSBORNE, EDS, LPC, CPCS, RPTS, author of Sam Feels Better Now! CHYNNA LAIRD – is a mother of four, a freelance writer, blogger, editor and award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), mental and/or emotional struggles and other special needs. She's authored two children's books, two memoirs, a parent-to-parent resource book, a Young Adult novella, a Young Adult paranormal/suspense novel series, two New Adult contemporary novels and an adult suspense/thriller. Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca From Loving Healing Press www.LHPRess.com

A fully revised edition of the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges "At last, here are the insights and answers parents have been searching for." —Dr. Temple Grandin For children with sensory difficulties—those who struggle process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights—this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Sensory processing challenges affect all kinds of kind—from those with developmental delays, learning and attenion issues, or autism spectrum disorder to those without any other issues. Now in its third edition, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is even more comprehensive and helpful than ever. In this book, you'll learn: * How the 8 senses (yes, 8!) are supposed to work together and what happens when they don't * Practical solutions for daily challenges-from brushing teeth to getting dressed to handling holiday gatherings * Strategies for managing sensitivities to noise, smell textures, and more * "Sensory diet" activities that help meet sensory needs, with new ideas for kids, teens, adults, and families * Parenting tips for handling discipline, transitions, and behavioral issues * How to practically and emotionally support children and teens with autism and sensory issues * Ways to advocate for your child at school and make schools more "sensory smart" * How to help your child with sensory issues use technology effectively and responsibly * Ways to empower your child and teen in the world * Where to get the best professional help and complementary therapies ***WINNER of the NAPPA GOLD AWARD and iPARENTING MEDIA AWARD***

This book can help children with SPD learn how to explain their disorder to others; help peers understand what children with SPD go through; and also help therapists, teachers and/or counselors learn how to talk about it.

Children with sensory processing challenges benefit greatly from specific sensory input throughout their day. This book provides strategies for creating authentic sensory diets while weaving motivating sensory input into a lifestyle of sensory input. Written by an occupational therapist.

"The Sensory Diet is not just about nutrition, it prescribes a complete program to address all of the needs of a child growing up with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) including exercises and evaluation methods for exteroceptors (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, and tactile senses), proprioceptors (vestibular, proprioceptive) and interoceptors. The holistic approach is required because SPD can affect almost every aspect of the nervous system"--

Revised and updated—the authoritative bestseller that presents the latest research on Sensory Processing Disorder. Sensory Processing Disorder is an increasingly common diagnosis, with a wide range of symptoms that can be difficult for parents and pediatricians to identify. In Sensational Kids, internationally renowned expert Dr. Miller shares her more than forty years of experience and research findings on SPD. Now in its fourteenth printing, with more than 50,000 copies sold in all formats, it is an authoritative and practical guide to understanding and treating this little-understood condition. Newly updated, this revised edition will include the latest research on SPD's relationship to autism, as well as new treatment options and coping strategies for parents, teachers, and others who care for kids with SPD. Other topics include: The signs and symptoms of SPD Its four major subtypes How the disorder is diagnosed and treated sensory strategies to help SPD kids develop, learn and succeed, in school and in life.

Newly expanded and revised with essential updates and insights, the third edition of this definitive guide delivers new information on sensory processing disorder and differences (SPD). “The Out-of-Sync Child has become the parents’ bible to [SPD].” —The New York Times Does your child experience sudden bursts of anxiety, agitation, or discomfort, or appear sensitive or sensory-craving without explanation? Is your child clumsier than most children, or unable to discriminate between ordinary sounds, sights, and other sensations? Sensory processing differences, in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses, are common yet widely undiagnosed in young children today. Often overlooked or undiagnosed, SPD impacts thousands of children from all walks of life. This latest edition of Carol Kranowitz’s renowned and practical guide for parents, teachers, and professionals offers authoritative, research-based information on recognizing SPD and comprehending the diagnosis, and important advice on how to help kids and families cope and thrive. Delivering comprehensive guidance and drug-free interventions, The Out-of-Sync Child is a trusted resource for parents and professionals who want to understand and ease the challenges of living with SPD.

Written in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book helps parents understand their child's diagnosis and develop a plan for success. Is there medication for sensory processing disorder? How can occupational therapy help? What advice can I give my child's teacher? Can you "outgrow" sensory processing disorder? How can we make social situations less of an ordeal? What are some therapeutic activities I can do with my child? It is estimated that more than 10 percent of children deal with some form of sensory processing disorder (SPD), a neurological disorder characterized by the misinterpretation of everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement. For many children, SPD can lead to academic struggles, behavioral problems, difficulties with coordination, and other issues. The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative reference, providing sound advice and immediate answers to your most pressing questions about SPD, such as: What is sensory processing? Does SPD affect social skills? Can you see sensory processing difficulties in an infant? What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Is SPD a sign of autism? Are there tests for SPD? How do I get a prescription for occupational therapy? How do I teach my child to understand his sensory needs? Written in an easy-to-read question and answer format, The Sensory Processing Disorder Answer Book helps you fully understand SPD, conquer your fears, and seek help for your child when necessary.