I have a child with more specific sensory needs. As I have explored what this means for her, I have come across 5 misconceptions about sensory processing I want to share with you today. I am also excited to introduce you to my friend, Dayna, from Lemon Lime Adventures. We have been online friends for a while, and we have talked about sensory processing over the phone and online. More recently, we attended a blog conference where we were able to meet face to face so we could move beyond “virtual friend” status. I love her passion for educating and equipping parents about sensory processing. She is my go-to guru for all things sensory, and I would like her to become yours. She has just published a book called “Sensory Processing 101” – found on Amazon or download the Ebook.” It is an amazing resource for moms, educators, caregiver, or therapist. I know you will learn and grow reading this book. As you will find, it is a great resource for everyone – whether you think your child has special needs in this area or not.
5 Misconceptions About Sensory Processing
Misconception #1: Only Certain Kids Have Sensory Needs – Every child has sensory needs. There is definitely a spectrum of needs when it comes to sensory processing, with some children more impacted than others. You might find yourself wondering if your child has more sensory needs than your average child. This post titled “Is my Child Normal?” might help you take the beginning steps of exploring sensory processing.
Misconception #2: Sensory Activities Are Only Meant for Kids with More Severe Sensory Needs – All children benefit from sensory activities. Children learn through their senses and to give kids opportunity to explore their sensory needs in a variety of ways helps their development. Providing an environment where kids can touch, smell, move and more gives them the stimulus their bodies and brains need to process their world well.
Misconception #3: Human Beings Have Only 5 Senses – There are actually 8 identified senses. You’ll learn more about this in the book “Sensory Processing 101.”
Misconception #4: There is a Simple Formula Meant to Help All Kids with Sensory Processing Needs – Sensory processing effects all kids differently. According to “Sensory Processing 101”, “No two children are alike, and no two cases are the same. Children respond to their sensory needs in a variety of ways.” Kids can respond to their needs by shutting down or exploding in anger, with every scenario in between. Some sensory activities you set up will be embraced by some kids will shunned by others. You will want to customize play, discipline and therapy based on the unique needs of your children.
Misconception #5: Children that Struggle with Sensory Processing are Only on Sensory Overload – The truth is that you will find kids who struggle with overload, but you are also going to find kids with a sensory need for stimulus. As mentioned above, you’ll find everything in between as well. I think my daughter has a bit of both. The Index of “Sensory Process 101” shows this spectrum with a number of examples – Food, prefers strong smells or craves certain vs. Food, difficulty tolerating new. Another example is Dirty, always seems vs. Dislikes messy play. There are example after example of how sensory processing IS NOT just about sensory overload.
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I want to introduce you to what you’ll find in this book. The great part of this book is that it is really 3 books in 1 and is 190 pages of full color. You can buy the print version on Amazon or the Ebook here. Here are the three components or this amazing resource:
*Sensory Processing Explained: An explanation of each sensory system from a therapist’s point of view and from the perspective of a parent and educator
*Sensory Activities: Step-by-step instructions for activities you can use in everyday play with kids at home or at school to support the development of each sensory system
*Sensory Resources: Resources related to sensory processing, including support groups for parents and caregivers of children who have sensory needs, cheat sheets with quick overviews of each sensory system, and more
Currently, there are the following items for sale (store opens 7am cst on Sept 15th)
Sensory Processing 101: Complete Guide ($24.99) Special Launch Price of 19.99 ONLY for ONE WEEK
Sensory Processing Explained ($12.99)
Sensory Activities for Home/School ($12.99)
Sensory Printable Resources ($4.99)
Download the first chapter for free to get a taste of the book. You will love having this as a part of your library! It has sensory fun for everyone!
This is a great way to explain SPD to people who are unfamiliar with it. Thank you for writing it!
http://oscoey.com/2017/04/25/easy-rainbow-flowers-science-activity/
Thanks so much! I’m actually going to be doing a 5 day series on it in a couple weeks so stay tuned.