My Links lists (to the bottom right of all articles) were getting a little out of control, so I decided to move those lists into their own ever-expanding articles -- that way no one has to do excessive scrolling past anything they don't have an interest in. I will now add to all Resource Links articles, as I come across things and/or have a chance, over time. This list is by no means complete, even given the notes I currently have, so please check back!
Also, if you'd like to recommend a relevant website, blog, or article, please leave a comment, and I will add it to my list. Thanks!
Sensory Processing Disorder is recognized as a disabling condition by the Neurological and Psychological medical communities, but not yet by the federal government! This means you cannot apply for SSDI for a child -- or anyone of any age -- with a Dx of SPD, and depending on the state you live in and/or your insurance coverage, you cannot receive vital therapy, programs, services or other kinds of aid. (Extra levels of ludicrosity are added by the fact that the government considers Autism a valid disability, and sensory processing issues are understood to be a large part of what makes Autism a disabling condition.) This needs to change, and right now is our first and best chance. SPD is finally under consideration by the DSM-V for inclusion in the government's "list" of acknowledged disabilities. Click here to find out how to, essentially, cast your vote in favor of this life-changing inclusion.
== Sensory Integration Dysfunction / Sensory Processing Disorder -- Resource Links ==
Informational WebPages:
- SPDBayArea.org -- Symptoms, Checklist, Diagnosis, Tips, Treatment, Media Coverage, Books, and many other kinds of resources
- Sensory-Processing-Disorder.com
- Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist: Signs & Symptoms of Dysfunction
- Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
- Sensory Integration Dysfunction: Signs, Symptoms & Background -- @ IncredibleHorizons
- Sensory Integration Dysfunction @ KidPower.org
- Sensational Kids OT -- Sensory Specialists
- Sensory Processing Disorder Wiki page
- Understanding Proprioceptive Dysfunction...
- Understanding Vestibular Dysfunction...
- Sensory Accomodations (for the classroom) Suggestion Page -- Download from HartleysBoys.com
- Archive of Sensory Integration Disorder articles on eHow
SPD Therapy, Learning & Play Products:
- Southpaw Enterprises
- Achievement Products
- Future Horizons
- Fun & Function (Save 10% on COOL sensory tools at Fun and Function: Use coupon code HLW3B at checkout.)
- The Sensory University Toy Company
- Hugz4Me -- The Sensory Place -- specializing in sensory products & home solutions
- Feature on Chewlery -- wearable oral-tactile-motor sensory & focus therapy
Dapper Snappers -- adjustable, elastic pants-tighteners for skinny kids, that don't affect dressing/undressing mechanics or speed - Adaptations by Adrian (adaptive clothing of various types, designed to make dressing easier)
- Soft Clothing (designed with SPD specifically in mind)
- SmartKnitKIDS -- Seamless Sensitivity Socks (also have adult sizes now)
Prince's Sensory Delights (sensory-friendly clothes designed with multiple disabilities in mind)- SPIO: Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (flexible compression garments usable as or under clothing)
- Feature on Vibram Five Toes -- shoes for improved strength, balance, agility & proprioception
- Miracle Belt (weighted therapy belt -- adult-sized version available through here)
Affordable Weighted Blanket
™- Dream Catcher Custom Weighted Blanket
- The Magic Blanket
---> (Look for an upcoming feature on Weighted Blankets with more links and information!) - Snoedel: The Original Sleep & Bonding Aid (an even-NICU-safe aromatherapy lovey that absorbs the scent of mom)
- P'kolino Triangular Colored Pencils (large size & ergonomic shape aids in training mature grip....the company also offers many other useful things, from soft but well-balanced furniture to toys)
- The Writing Claw (guarantees a mature, tripod grip for holding eating utensils or writing/art tools)
- Feature on sensory-kid-safe household disinfectant
SPD Books:
- Google Book Search on SID/SPD Resources
- SensoryProcessingDisorders.com's SPD Book List
- "The Adventures of Daniel Boom, AKA Loud Boy" -- a comic-style paperback series featuring a boy whose superhero alter ego can't control his volume (not official SPD books, but SPD kids can relate and enjoy)
Social Networks:
- Sensory World! - For People Affected By Sensory Disorders
- Sensory Street on FaceBook
- Sensory Planet on FaceBook
- Raising A Sensory Smart Child on FaceBook
Personal Perspectives:
- From formal interviews to candid home videos YouTube can show you a lot
- Hartley's Boys Blog --
"101 Sensational Stocking Stuffers"
"12 Days of Christmas: The SPD Version"
"You Know You Have An SPD Kiddo When..."
"More Ways You Know You Have An SPD Kiddo..."
"Even More Ways You Know You Have An SPD Kiddo..."
....and many, many other SPD-relevant posts!! - Also brought to you by Twitter's ParentingSPD of Hartley's Boys, comes the SPD Blogger Network
Have your own little sensory kid with a big case of cabin fever? How about an "accidentally accessible" field trip to a local Botanical Garden, to ease early-Spring frustrations? Many Botanical Gardens -- at least the more impressive ones around larger cities -- will have special areas designed to stimulate the senses. I've had positive experiences with both the "Enabling Garden" and the "Sensory Garden" of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Chicago, IL, and the "Everett Children's Adventure Garden" of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, NY.
Comments
Great info, thanks for what you do for autism. You also might want to check out www.HealingThresholds.com.
Thank you, Scottie. As for the link, it's been noted down on my list for the similar "resource list" type feature I'll be doing for ASD. Yes, the ASD and SPD lists will be cross-linked. :-)
Sensory integration disorder is a neurological disorder , it shows the brain's inability to integrate certain information received from the body and body’s five sensory systems. Brain does not work properly in this situation because brain does not receive the messages due to a disconnection in the neuron cells.
http://www.disorderscentral.com/sensory-processing-disorder.html
Written by a mother of a sensory processing child and a long time Pediatric Occupational Therapist with Sensory Integration Certification
DRESSING FOR SUCCESS!
Every child deserves to feel comfortable and adorable in their clothing. What if that same clothing could offer qualities that address sensory discomfort and therapeutic input? The child's image of themselves and how they feel in their environment can enhance the social and emotional quality of life when that child feels organized and calm. We all have sensory qualities that make us who we are however when these neurological qualities interrupt our participation in life in a negative way it should be recognized. There are many children with an array of "diagnosis’s" that are subject to sensory hyper or hypo sensitivities, motor difficulties, and social differences, such as with Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disabilities (SPD), Anxiety, and many other Developmental Disabilities. Why not make their clothing possess some of the very neuroscience qualities that could help enhance their social and emotional well being? As a mother of a child who suffered from sensory processing disorder and as a long time Sensory Certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist and advocate I know first- hand it is not easy for our children.
Parents, therapists, and educators often express to me the benefits of weighed garments, chew objects, compression garments, and a child’s desire for soft materials however they frequently state that what is offered to them is so” therapeutic” looking and therefore stigmatizing. It’s hard to use many of these garments throughout “normal” life.
Many sensory sensitive children suffer from preoccupations with tactile discomfort, a desire to chew, difficulty with spatial awareness, disorganization, difficulty with motor skills, hyper or hypo activity, as well as social and emotional difficulties.
When a garment is being constructed to address children who suffer sensory processing difficulties specific consideration should be made to address ease of function, tactile sensitivity, relevant design, safety, consistency in design for spatial orientation, and proprioceptive input (the unconscious awareness of sensations coming from receptor's in one's joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments). This helps promote independence as well as organization, alertness, and simplicity where quickness of dressing is often expected throughout the child’s day. When choosing a weighted vest or blanket for instance, it is significant to hear the child ask specifically for the “soft one”, or the “cool one”, or the nice one. It is as significant to give their parents beautiful, easy to use, and superior fabrics that are relevant and stylish. It is the right of the child and their parents to have non-stigmatizing products. Just as important is the idea of play and products should express the darling nature and playfulness inherent in children.
Respect, pleasure, playfulness, comfort, and a feeling of security are aspects that can be inherent in their clothing. As the design of the child’s apparel and play products are considered, it is important that as many of their personal characteristics are taken into consideration as well as the ability to take some therapeutic qualities along with them anywhere all day long.
There are so many strategies that help a child with Sensory Processing Difficulties. Considering the aspects in their clothing is just another way a parent can simply use a non-invasive strategy aimed at helping their child and letting the child know you understand and accept what they are feeling!
Susan Donohoe OTR/L, Certified in Sensory Integration
Founder
Prince’s Sensory Delights
Info@ princessensorydelights.com
Here is another great resource, www.sensoryprocessingmadesimple.com/. I really enjoyed the video, What is Sensory Processing. For a first timer, it really explained to me what sensory processing disorder is and how it is different from autism.
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