Getting the most out of MOST

What a wonderful time was had at the MOST, the Milton J. Rubinstein Museum of Science & Technology, in Syracuse a couple of Saturdays ago. More than 100 families participated in a “Sensory Friendly Time,” many from the Auburn-Cayuga County area.  “Sensory Friendly Time” is the result of the collaborative efforts of the staff at the MOST, the Central New York Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Connections (a support group for parents who have children with sensory processing disorder) and occupational therapists from Thrive By 5. It all began when Betty Jones, educator at the MOST, was contacted by a parent who explained that the MOST was too difficult for her sensory sensitive child to visit. Taking this to heart, Betty contacted the CNY SPD Parent Connections, who then contacted Thrive By 5. As the three agencies began meeting, it became evident that this child’s difficulty was not unique.  Many children have difficulties when visiting this wonderful children’s museum and play area. The MOST is filled with fun things for kids to explore, yet often it can be a very overwhelming experience, especially for those children who have a sensory processing disorder.  

A sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a neurological disability in which the brain is unable to accurately process the information coming in from the senses. Individuals may be oversensitive to some sensations, wildly overreacting to touch or movement or loss of balance; under-sensitive to some sensations, needing crashing or banging or sharp sounds and flavors to register anything; or a combination of both. Sensory processing problems can affect the five traditional senses — particularly touch and hearing, but also taste, sight and smell - as well as two additional senses: the vestibular sense, which tells us where our body is in space, and the proprioceptive sense, which tells us what position our body is in. SPD can affect people in only one sense — for example, just touch or just sight or just movement — or in multiple senses. One person with SPD may over-respond to sensation and find clothing, physical contact, light, sound, food or other sensory input to be unbearable. Another might under-respond and show little or no reaction to stimulation, even pain or extreme hot and cold. In children whose sensory processing of messages from the muscles and joints is impaired, posture and motor skills can be affected. These are the “floppy babies” who worry new parents, and the kids who may get called “klutz” or “spaz” on the playground. Still other children exhibit an appetite for sensation that is in perpetual overdrive. Frequently, SPD is part of a more pervasive disorder, such as autism. Sensory integration therapy, performed primarily by occupational therapists, can in some cases eliminate sensory processing problems, and in other cases teach individuals how to cope with those problems in a less disruptive way.

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping ...

For children with sensory difficulties-those who struggle to process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights-this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Sensory integration dysfunction, also known as sensory processing disorder, affects all kinds of children-from those with developmental delays, attention problems, or autism spectrum disorders, to those without any other issues. Coauthored by a pediatric occupational therapist and a parent of a child with sensory issues, this updated and expanded edition of Raising a Sensory Smart Child is comprehensive and more helpful than ever.

Learn:

* How the senses actually work and integrate with each other
* How and where to get the very best professional help
* “Sensory diet” activities that meet your child’s needs–including new tips and ideas for kids, teens, adults, and families
* Practical solutions for daily challenges-from brushing teeth to getting dressed to picky eating to family gatherings
* Using “sensory smarts” to help children with developmental delays, learning, and attention problems
* The special challenges of helping children with autism and sensory issues
* Ways to advocate for your child at school and make schools “sensory smart”
* How to empower your child and teen in the world
* Complementary therapies, resources, and helpful web sites

In all, the most comprehensive guide to sensory processing challenges is now more detailed and useful than ever . Loved and celebrated by parents, teachers, therapists, doctors and others, the new edition of Raising a Sensory Smart Child is a must-have volume for anyone who cares about a child with sensory issues.

The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing in Children, Easy, Everyday Solutions to Sensory Challenges

Autism: A Guide to Understanding and Helping Your Child

Raising a Sensory Smart Child, The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues

The out-of-sync child, recognizing and coping with sensory processing disorder

Encyclopedia of clinical child and pediatric psychology