What Is Sensory Processing Disorder? Sensory Processing 101

What is sensory processing disorder?

It took months of occupational therapy with Children’s Hospital Colorado and a ton of research on my own to understand my daughter’s sensory processing disorder. But now days, there is SO MUCH more to help parents with SPD. In fact, there’s a new book called Sensory Processing 101 about sensory processing by Dayna Abraham, Claire Heffron, Pam Braley, and Lauren Drobnjak. I think you’ll find it to be a valuable resource — especially if you are a parent of a young child.

Sensory Processing 101 is three books in one. First is Sensory Processing Explained. It covers each sensory system (auditory, olfactory, oral, proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, and visual) from a therapist’s point of view and from the perspective of a parent and educator. Second is Sensory Activities. This book gives parents step-by-step instructions for everyday activities with kids at home or at school. The third book is Sensory Resources. This last book contains parent resources. Buy the physical paperback book here or download the ebook here.

Download a FREE CHAPTER of Sensory Processing 101.

Sensory Activities

This book offers TONS and TONS of activities for each sense with young children in mind.

For example, one of the proprioceptive activities is to play couch cushion games — they have 9 fun ideas! Another idea I like is to play hand sandwich with you child just before doing homework.

My daughter struggled with tactile issues so I particularly enjoyed reading through the tactile activities. I love the idea of a touch and feel book and the sensory play doughs.

Sample Activity: Diffuser Necklace

Here’s a lovely craft activity to engage a child’s sense of smell, the olfactory system– DIY Diffuser Necklaces.

Use air-drying clay to make a necklace. Don’t forget a small hole for the string! Let it dry for 24 hours. Paint. String. Add 1-2 drops of essential oils on the pendant. Wear when oil is dry. ENJOY!