Many children, teens, and even adults experience sensory processing challenges including out-of-proportion reactions to certain sensory experiences that most of us find commonplace. These challenges can range from mild to severe-from difficulty tolerating fluorescent lights and discomfort with certain clothing textures, to fight-or-flight reactions to unexpected or loud noises such as sirens or automatic hand dryers, or such strong oral sensitivities that the individual can tolerate eating just a few foods. They may struggle with one or more "sensory channels," or, more often, be quickly overwhelmed by the demand to process multisensory input (especially in busy environments with competing sights, sounds, and smells), leading to poor self-regulation, acting out, and tuning out.

Sensory challenges, sometimes referred to as Sensory Processing Disorder when they interfere with daily function, are frequently seen in tandem with autism, anxiety, attention disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and other diagnoses.

This book equips clinicians with all the information they need to know to recognize and understand sensory sensitivities; connect the dots between behavior and underlying sensory processing problems; when to refer and collaborate with sensory processing professionals; and essential "sensory smart" strategies that can help clients feel and function at their best at home, in school, and in the community.

About the Author
Lindsey Biel, MA, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with a private practice in New York City where she evaluates and treats children, teens, and young adults with sensory processing issues, autism spectrum disorders, and other challenges. She is co-author of the award-winning Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues, with a foreword by Temple Grandin. She is also the author of Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens, co-created the Sensory Processing Master Class DVD program, and has authored two chapters in Dr. William Steele's book Optimizing Learning Outcomes. She teaches workshops to parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, and others across the country. Visit Lindsey at sensorysmarts.com for downloadable checklists, articles, webcasts and more.

Reviews
"This is a fantastic book for mental health professionals, physicians, and occupational therapists working with challenging kids and teens. Biel explains how our sensory system can signal that there's a problem and describes clinical strategies for practitioners to incorporate. . . . Biel also highlights how parents can become more knowledgeable about their child's needs, as well as how they can work more effectively with those professionals." -- PsychCentral
"Practically focused and well-written, Sensory Processing Challenges provides many strategies for assessment and management. It makes excellent use of a growing body of research in the field and will be an invaluable resource for occupational therapists, teachers, parents, and professionals." -- Fred R. Volkmar, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry at Yale New Haven Hospital; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
"Sensory Processing Challenges clearly explains the often unrecognized connection between many behavior problems and sensitivity to sensory stimuli that the child simply cannot tolerate. When I was a child, some fabrics felt like sandpaper scraping against my skin and sudden loud noises hurt so much they made me scream. I know firsthand how distracting, disruptive, and painful sensory issues can be. Lindsey Biel provides loads of much-needed practical advice to help children with sensory challenges." -- Temple Grandin, author of The Autistic Brain and Thinking in Pictures
"Lindsey Biel is a priceless treasure for the SPD community! Sensory Processing Challenges breaks new ground by describing Sensory Processing Disorder with clarity, rigor, and a wealth of practical advice that will equip professionals in all disciplines to understand and to help children, adolescents, and adults with SPD. This is the one book on this topic that all of our colleagues in the child care professions must read." -- Brock L. Eide, MD, and Fernette F. Eide, MD, authors of The Mislabeled Child and The Dyslexic Advantage
"For the clinical psychologist, the school counselor, the speech-language pathologist, the pediatrician - yes, for every professional working with "out-of-sync" children and adolescents - this book is a jewel! Occupational therapist Lindsey Biel shines light on every facet of Sensory Processing Disorder. She illustrates how this neurological condition affects kids at work and play, at school and home. Her practical, fun, and specific suggestions will enable and encourage all pediatric experts to include sensory strategies in their practices." -- Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A., author of The Out-of-Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun
"With clarity and practicality, Lindsey Biel offers a best-practice handbook for understanding and working with children with sensory processing challenges, supporting and empowering them with strategies, tools, and resources. . . . [An] indispensable guide for professionals to foster resiliency, self-advocacy, and success in children and parents coping with sensory-related needs." -- Topher Collier, PsyD, ABSNP, Director of School Culture and Student Success; Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, Avenues; The World School



Book Information
ISBN 9780393708349
Author Lindsey Biel
Format Hardback
Page Count 296
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 625g
Dimensions(mm) 244mm * 163mm * 25mm