Do you know what sensory processing disorder (SPD) is? 

Many parents (and teachers) don't, but 5-15% of all children exhibit symptoms of SPD, which affects how they learn, socialize and interact with the world. It's possible that your child has a sensory processing problem that you haven't yet recognized as an issue with available & effective interventions.

Nancy Peske, aka The Sensory Smart Parent, is a co-author of Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues. She's also the mother of a son who has SPD.

Nancy Peske

According to Nancy, children who have sensory processing issues may:

Have problems eating (particular textures may bother them, for instance)

Be overly sensitive to stimulation -- or under-sensitive to stimulation

Struggle with body awareness and control

Exhibit language delays

Constantly seek movement

Be easily overwhelmed and distracted

Have difficulty with reading and fine motor control

For some reason, the bodies and brains of people with sensory  issues process sensory stimuli differently than most people. Their experience of the world is very different, and that can lead to misunderstanding.

The more you know about sensory processing challenges, the better prepared you'll be to recognize and respond to the symptoms.

In this episode, Janet, Jen & Nancy discuss:

What sensory processing is

Signs & symptoms of sensory processing disorder

Why you should always trust your instincts (Got concerns about your child's development? Talk to your pediatrician. Keep pushing. Ask for an evaluation.)

How to find help for children with sensory challenges

Sensory diets

Interventions to help children with sensory processing issues

How movement helps boys with sensory issues

The role of "heavy work" in manage sensory processing disorder

How the changing expectations of childhood may be contributing to a rise in SPD diagnoses

Screen time and sensory processing disorder (Spoiler: "Kids with sensory issues often have a different relationship with technology than you might expect," Nancy says. "It's often helping them learn.")

How teachers can accommodate sensory processing issues

Why recess should NEVER be taken away from children with sensory challenges

Classic children's games that can help kids with sensory issues

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

sensorysmartparent.com -- Nancy's website (includes links to all her social channels)

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, by Nancy Peske & Lindsey Biel

Helping Boys with Sensory Issues -- 2016 Building Boys interview with Nancy

Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms Checklist

Balancing Screen Time for Boys & Kids with Sensory Issues -- YouTube video featuring Nancy & Jen

Creating an Inclusive Classroom -- Scholastic Teacher article by Jen; mentioned at 28:17

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