A Guide to the Best Books on Sensory Processing

Understanding Sensory Issues

Are you looking for the best books on sensory issues to help you understand and support someone in your life? Whether you’re a parent navigating a recent diagnosis of sensory processing disorder (SPD) in your child, a therapist seeking to expand your knowledge, or an educator looking for ways to create a more inclusive classroom, this blog post is here to guide you. For example, we’ll delve into a variety of resources. This includes sensory processing disorder books for parents, books about sensory sensitivities for adults, and even children’s books about sensory processing disorder. Please note, I’ve read them all and recommended each of them for many years, now.

Demystifying Sensory Processing Challenges

First, understand sensory processing! To start, before diving into specific book recommendations, it’s important to establish a foundational understanding of sensory processing. Sensory processing refers to how our brains interpret and respond to information received through our senses. For example, our world is a rich sensory tapestry woven from the eight senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance (vestibular), movement (proprioception), and internal body awareness (interoception). Think of your brain having volume knob for each sense. Importantly, in a typical nervous system, these knobs adjust automatically to create a balanced sensory experience. However, for individuals with SPD, these knobs may be turned up too high or too low. As a result this leads to sensory sensitivities or difficulties filtering out unimportant sensory information. Importantly, this can result in what we call sensory overload. More specifically, that is a state of feeling overwhelmed by sensory input that can trigger meltdowns, anxiety, or withdrawal.

Types of Sensory Processing Books:

• Children’s books about sensory processing disorder: While this blog post includes resources for adults, there are fantastic children’s books available, too. For instance, look for picture books about sensory processing disorder with engaging illustrations and simple language. Importantly, they explain sensory sensitivities in a child-friendly way. We have a great recommendation below!
• Books for adults with sensory overload: Adults with sensory processing disorder can also benefit from reading about the condition. For example, these types of books offer strategies for managing overwhelming sensory experiences and advocating for their needs.
• Autism and sensory processing disorder books: There’s a strong link between autism and sensory processing difficulties. However, it’s important to remember that not all people with sensory issues are autistic.

Additional Considerations About the Best Books on Sensory Issues:

• Sensory diet books for kids: A sensory diet provides activities that meet a child’s specific sensory needs. For instance, these books offer strategies to incorporate movement, touch, sound, smell, taste, and visual input into a child’s daily routine.
• Sensory activities for toddlers books: Toddler sensory books (with fun textures!) are for exploring senses. They are not about sensory processing per se.

Sensory Processing Disorder Books for Parents

Many excellent books address sensory processing challenges for parents. Here are some of the most recommended titles:

• The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene: This book explores the topic of emotional dysregulation, a common challenge for children with SPD.
• Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske: Co-written by an occupational therapist, this book offers practical coping strategies and sensory activities for parents.
• The Sensory-Sensitive Child by Karen A. Smith: This resource is a great starting point for parents dealing with children who have heightened emotional responses to sensory input.
• Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Dr. Lucy Jane Miller: Written by an occupational therapist, this book delves into the different types of sensory disorders and provides helpful tips for parents.

Resources for Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Professionals

• Building Bridges through Sensory Integration: Written by a trio of occupational therapists, this book offers a deeper understanding of sensory integration and its impact on children.
• Sensory Integration and the Child by A. Jean Ayres: While geared towards occupational therapists, this book offers valuable insights for parents seeking a comprehensive understanding of sensory integration.
• Love Jean, Inspiration for Families Living with Dysfunction of Sensory Integration by A, Jean Ayres: This loving short book provides a glimpse into the work of A. Jean Ayres, occupational therpaist and a pioneer in sensory integration therapy.

Books about Sensory Sensitivities

Sensory Team Handbook: This book empowers older children and teens to learn about their sensory systems and develop coping strategies. In addition, it can also be a helpful resource for their parents or educators.

Living Sensationally: Want to understand how your senses shape your world? Then read Dr. Winnie Dunn’s “Living Sensationally.” Importantly, it explores how we experience touch, sound, and more. Moreover, you can discover your sensory preferences and create a life that feels just right!

The “Out-of-Sync” Series by Carol Stock Kranowitz

Educator Carol Stock Kranowitz has authored a popular series of books that explore sensory processing challenges in children.

• The Out-of-Sync Child: This book offers a clear and concise introduction to sensory processing, explaining the different ways children may experience sensory input.
• The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: A favorite among parents and therapists, this book is packed with engaging activities designed to address sensory needs.

Children’s Books About Sensory Processing Disoder by Carol Stock Kranowitz

• The Goodenoughs Get in Sync: This book helps children understand sensory processing disorder in a relatable way. Critically, it’s a valuable resource for pre-teens and can also be read to younger children by parents! In facti, it is our number one recommendation for children to read as a sensory diet book for kids.
  
• To explain, a sensory diet is a personalized plan of activities that incorporate different sensory experiences (touch, movement, sound, smell, taste, sight) throughout the day. For instance, just like we need a balanced diet for physical health, individuals with sensory processing challenges may benefit from a sensory diet to help them regulate their nervous system and feel calm and focused.

Additional Resources for Parents and Educators: Helping children with sensory overload books by Carol Stock Kranowitz

• 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces: This book is brimming with creative ideas for keeping sensory kids entertained in confined spaces! In addition, it is a great resource as a sensory friendly activities for kids book.
• Answers To Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration: This resource tackles common questions about sensory integration, relevant for both educators and parents.

Sensory Processing in Adults and Books for Adults with Sensory Overload

• The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up by Carol Stock Kranowitz: This book by Carol Stock Kranowitz explores sensory processing challenges in teens and adults and includes calming strategies for sensory overload.
• Furthermore, Living Senstationally, mentionned above is a great read for adults.

Sensory Books for Infants and Toddlers

Finally, it’s important to distinguish between books about sensory processing disorder and sensory activities for toddlers books. For instance, sensory books for infants and toddlers often have different textures and materials embedded on the pages, designed to engage a young child’s sense of touch. While not directly related to sensory processing challenges, these books can be a fun way for little ones to explore their senses.

Deepen Your Dive into Sensory Processing: Explore Our All Access Training!

This blog post has provided a valuable starting point for understanding sensory processing and some helpful books! However, there’s always more to learn and other ways to gain knowledge. For those seeking a deeper dive into creating sensory-friendly environments, our Sensory-Friendly Training Membership offers a comprehensive online course, “Sensory Friendly 101,” developed by experts in the field.

This course goes beyond the books. It equips you with the knowledge and strategies to create inclusive spaces for everyone. Sign up today and unlock exclusive benefits:

• Master the fundamentals of sensory processing and sensory sensitivities.
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• Become a champion for inclusivity within your organization or community.

Enroll now and empower yourself to create a world where everyone feels comfortable and engaged!

Finally, if you are interested in books, you might just be intrested in libraries too. Check out our blog: A Sensory-Friendly Library: Creating Inclusive Spaces for All

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