The Sensory-Sensitive Child: Practical Solutions for Out-of-Bounds Behavior

Description

In a book likely to transform how parents manage many of their child's daily struggles, Drs. Smith and Gouze explain the central and frequently unrecognized role that sensory processing problems play in a child's emotional and behavioral difficulties. Practicing child psychologists, and themselves parents of children with sensory integration problems, their message is innovative, practical, and, above all, full of hope. A child with sensory processing problems overreacts or underreacts to sensory experiences most of us take in stride. A busy classroom, new clothes, food smells, sports activities, even hugs can send such a child spinning out of control. The result can be heartbreaking: battles over dressing, bathing, schoolwork, social functions, holidays, and countless other events. In addition, the authors say, many childhood psychiatric disorders may have an unidentified sensory component. Readers Will Learn: The latest scientific knowledge about sensory integration How to recognize sensory processing problems in children and evaluate the options for treatment How to prevent conflicts by viewing the child's world through a "sensory lens" Strategies for handling sensory integration challenges at home, at school, and in twenty-first century kid culture The result: a happier childhood, a more harmonious family, and a more cooperative classroom. This thoroughly researched, useful, and compassionate guide will help families start on a new path of empowerment and success.

Karen Smith, Ph.D., has had a clinical practice devoted exclusively to children and their families for the past 13 years. A school counsellor in a public elementary school in Athens, Georgia, she has consulted to Head Start and Early Intervention programs and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia. She is the mother of Evan, age 8, and Gemma, age 5. Karen Gouze, Ph.D., has been the Director of Clinical Psychology Training at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago for the past 16 years, where she works in a multi-disciplinary clinic for children with disruptive behaviour disorders. She is currently the co-investigator of a study attempting to identify sensory processing problems in children already diagnosed with disruptive behaviour problems. She is also an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences of Northwestern University Medical School. She is the mother of Ben, age 14, and Kate, age 11.

"Wise and well-written." -- Carol Kranowitz, M.A., author of The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder "A wonderful resource...helpful because of the combination of professional expertise and personal experiences--a unique contribution." -- Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D., O.T.R., Director, Sensory Processing Treatment and Research (STAR) Center, The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO "A 'must-read' for parents and professionals. I highly recommend this book." -- Sharon A. Cermak, Ed.D., O.T.R./L., F.A.O.T.A., Professor of Occupational Therapy, Boston University