7 Books About Sensory Processing that Every Parent Needs to Read for a Deeper Understanding
Navigating the world of sensory processing can be overwhelming, especially without the right resources. This post offers you a comprehensive guide to books about sensory processing that provide valuable insights, strategies, and understanding.
Equip yourself with knowledge and confidence to help support your child’s sensory needs.
This post was created by Marra Robert, OTD, OTRL and contains affiliate links.
Are you overwhelmed by the world of sensory processing? Are you parenting a child with sensory processing disorder, autism, or sensory processing needs, and you’re not sure where to start or want to learn more so that you are able to help them?
Maybe you are an occupational therapist looking to learn more about sensory processing.
Fear not! I’m here to help make the world of sensory processing a little easier to understand for you and provide recommended sensory integration books for occupational therapists and parents for you to help your child whatever their sensory needs may be.
Hi! My name is Marra and I am a mama and a pediatric occupational therapist who has spent years working with children with different developmental needs and helping to support their parents and families wherever they are.
The majority of the children I have worked with have different sensory needs and if you don’t know already, sensory processing is one of my favorite things to talk about.
I absolutely love turning to sensory books to learn more and I want to share with you my favorite books on sensory processing that have helped me help many children reach their goals and do big things!
Get ready to uncover hidden treasures in the form of books that hold the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of sensory processing issues, sensory integration theory, and practice.
These gems not only provide valuable insights but also offer strategies for effective coping and empowerment. Are you ready to embark on a transformative reading journey? Let’s dive in and explore the world of sensory processing together.
DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF SENSORY PROCESSING
In order to navigate the complexities of understanding sensory processing issues, it is essential to immerse yourself in the world of sensory integration. First we need to have a basic understanding of what sensory processing is.
Sensory processing is our ability to take in information through our eight senses, make sense of all of it, and process it in order to choose an appropriate response. That’s right, we have eight sensory systems.
We have the five sensory systems most people are familiar with: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. We also have an additional 3 senses: vestibular, proprioception, and interoception.
Our vestibular sensory system is our sense of movement. It is our response to gravity and it allows us to keep our balance when we are moving around.
Proprioception is the sense of deep pressure that we feel in our muscles and joints. It is also our sense of body awareness or how we know where our body is in space. Interoception is how our body is feeling: tired, sick, hungry, hot, ect.
If you would like to learn more about sensory processing and the eight sensory systems check out What is Sensory Processing
We have a lot of information coming into all of our 8 sensors constantly. This is a lot of information for our brain to process and some children have more difficulty with this.
Maybe you are a parent of the sensory-sensitive child, or the sensory-seeking child. Children vary with their sensory needs. Their sensory needs might be different and they might require more support. Here is the link to a blog post about the sensory red flags to look out for.
In order to navigate the complexities of understanding sensory processing issues, it is essential to immerse yourself in the world of sensory processing by reading books about sensory processing.
By delving into this subject, you will gain valuable insights and strategies that can help you better support your child. Fortunately, there are a multitude of books about sensory processing available that delve into the intricacies of sensory processing, offering a wealth of knowledge and guidance.
Let’s explore some of these insightful books about sensory processing that can provide you with the tools you need to navigate this journey with confidence and understanding.
INSIGHTFUL BOOKS ABOUT SENSORY PROCESSING
1. "THE OUT-OF-SYNC CHILD" BY CAROL KRANOWITZ
This is one of the widely acclaimed books about sensory processing offers an essential guide for parents seeking to understand and support their child with sensory processing challenges.
It provides a comprehensive overview of sensory processing disorders, along with practical advice on how to recognize and address them effectively.
2. "RAISING A SENSORY SMART CHILD" BY LINDSEY BIEL AND NANCY PESKE
With a focus on empowering parents, this book provides a wealth of knowledge about sensory processing issues and offers practical strategies for everyday challenges. It contains valuable insights, advice, and activities that can be easily incorporated into your child’s daily routine.
3. “SENSATIONAL KIDS” BY LUCY JANE MILLER
With a focus on empowering parents, this book provides a wealth of knowledge about sensory processing issues and offers practical strategies for everyday challenges. It contains valuable insights, advice, and activities that can be easily incorporated into your child’s daily routine.
4. "THE EXPLOSIVE CHILD" BY ROSS W. GREENE
While not solely focused on sensory processing issues, this book is a valuable resource for parents dealing with challenging behaviors often associated with sensory processing difficulties.
Dr. Greene provides a compassionate and empowering approach to understanding and addressing explosive behavior, offering effective strategies for collaboration and problem-solving.
5. "TOO LOUD, TOO BRIGHT, TOO FAST, TOO TIGHT" BY SHARON HELLER
This book explores the experiences of individuals with sensory processing issues, offering readers an inside look into their world. Dr. Heller provides practical advice and strategies for managing sensory overload and creating a supportive environment for individuals with sensory challenges.
6. "THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE CHILD" BY ELAINE N. ARON
This book is another must-read for parents interested in understanding their child’s sensory processing issues. This book sheds light on the trait of high sensitivity, exploring how it intersects with sensory processing and how it can impact a child’s emotions and behavior.
Aron provides practical advice for nurturing and supporting highly sensitive children, helping parents create a harmonious environment that honors their child’s unique needs.
7. “BALANCED AND BAREFOOT” BY ANGELA HANSCOM AND RICHARD LOUV
This is obne of my favorite and my most recommended to not just parents of kids with sensory processing issues but all parents. It’s written by an occupational therapist and discusses why it is so important that our kids spend time playing outside and especially walking around outside barefoot. This book is a must-read for all parents.
The world of sensory processing can be complex and overwhelming for parents trying to support their children. However, by delving into the hidden treasures of recommended books about sensory processing, you can gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate this intricate realm.
These books about sensory processing not only provide a deeper understanding of sensory processing issues but also empower parents to become advocates for their children.
As you embark on a transformative journey of knowledge and empowerment, remember the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who said, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
So, take action today and dive into these books to unlock the hidden treasures that will help you better support your child’s sensory processing needs.