Many children, teens, and even adults experience sensory processing
challenges including out-of-proportion reactions to certain sensory
experiences that most of us find commonplace. These challenges can range
from mild to severe--from difficulty tolerating fluorescent lights and
discomfort with certain clothing textures, to fight-or-flight reactions
to unexpected or loud noises such as sirens or automatic hand dryers, or
such strong oral sensitivities that the individual can tolerate eating
just a few foods. They may struggle with one or more "sensory channels,
or, more often, be quickly overwhelmed by the demand to process
multisensory input (especially in busy environments with competing
sights, sounds, and smells), leading to poor self-regulation, acting
out, and tuning out.
Sensory challenges, sometimes referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder
when they interfere with daily function, are frequently seen in tandem
with autism, anxiety, attention disorders, oppositional defiant
disorder, and other diagnoses.
This book equips clinicians with all the information they need to know
to recognize and understand sensory sensitivities; connect the dots
between behavior and underlying sensory processing problems; when to
refer and collaborate with sensory processing professionals; and
essential "sensory smart" strategies that can help clients feel and
function at their best at home, in school, and in the community.
