Understanding Sensory Processing

  1. Sensory Integration and the Child: 25th Anniversary Edition (1979, revised 2005) by A. Jean Ayres. Updated classic by Dr. Jean Ayres, who developed the theory of sensory integration and many of the treatment foundations. This book offers extensive information about sensory integration with case examples.
  2. The Sensory-Sensitive Child: Practical Solutions For Out-of-Bounds Behavior (2004) by Karen A. Smith. Written by two psychologists, who are also mothers of children with sensory processing disorders, this book is strong in addressing the behavioral impact of sensory processing disorders (not just those with hypersensitivity).
  3. Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with SPD (2006) by Lucy Jane Miller. In-depth, state of the art information of sensory processing disorder. Includes medical and scientific explanations as well as real life examples of children with Sensory Processing Disorders.
  4. The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (1998; revised 2005) by Carl Kranowitz. An easy-to-read classic written by a preschool music and movement teacher. Includes detailed checklists. Carol has given one-day workshops in our areas several times.
  5. The Out-Of Sync Child has Fun (2003; revised 2006) by Carol Kranowitz. A collection of sensory based activities to do at home.
  6. Building Bridges through Sensory Integration (2003) by Ellen Yack, Shirley Sutton, and Paula Aquilla. Practical book specifically oriented to children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders. Offers specific strategies for challenging behaviors and self-help skills.
  7. Tool Chest: for Teachers, Parents and Students Handbook by Diane Henry. Easy to use reference, primarily geared to school support and adaptations.
  8. Raising Your Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues (2005) by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske. Written by a parent of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder and a pediatric occupational therapist, this book includes practical ideas for activities.
  9. Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children (2001) by Catherine Schneider. Introductory book to understanding sensory systems and impact on learning.
  10. Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do It You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World (2002) by Sharon Heller. An overview of sensory defensiveness and treatment options.
  11. Making Sense of Sensory Integration (CD and Booklet) Conversation with Jane Koomar, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Stacey Szklut, MS ,OTR/L, moderated by Sharon Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA
  12. SenseAbilities-Understanding Sensory Integration by Maryann Colby Trott, Marci K. Laurel, and Susan L. Windeck

Understanding Floortime and Developmental Play

  1. Engaging Autism: Using the Floortime Approach to Help Children Relate, Communicate, and Think by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder
  2. The Challenging Child: Understanding, Raising, and Enjoying the Five “Difficult” Types of Children by Stanley Greenspan
  3. The Child With Special Needs: Encouraging Intellectual and Emotional Growth by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder
  4. Building Healthy Minds: The Six Experiences That Create Intelligence And Emotional Growth In Babies And Young Children by Stanley Greenspan and Nancy Lewis
    Love, Jean: Inspiration for Families Living with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration
    A, Jean Ayres, Zoe Mailloux

Books for children

  1. Arnie and his School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions that Build Success by Jennifer Veenendall
  2. The Goodenoughs Get in Sync: 5 Family Members overcome their Sensory Issues by Carol Stock Kranowitz,
  3. I’m Not Weird, I Have SPD by Chynna Laird
  4. The 7 Habits of Happy Kids Hardcover by Sean Covey
  5. Meghan’s World: The Story of One Girl’s Triumph over Sensory Processing Disorder by Diane M. Renna
  6. Sensitive Sam: Sam’s Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending! By Marla Rott-Fisch
  7. My Mouth is Like a Volcano! By Julia Cook (and a number of other titles)
  8. Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have The Wiggle Fidgets by Barbara Esham
  9. Squirmy Wormy: How I Learned to Help Myself by Lynda Farrington Wilson
  10. This is Gabriel Making Sense of School – 2nd Edition: A Book about Sensory Processing Disorder by Hartley Steiner
  11. Why Does Izzy Cover her Ears? Dealing with Sensory Overload by Jennifer Veenendall
  12. What To Do When You Worry Too Much – A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner, MD
  13. What To Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck – A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner, MD
  14. I Will Never Ever Not Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
  15. When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
  16. Personal Space Camp by Molly Bang
  17. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
  18. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
  19. When My Worries Get Too Big by Karl Dunn Buron