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