Tools that helped me: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder

When we started our journey with kiddos diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder, I thrived on the research. I also made sure our therapy team knew I was passionate about learning and being hands-on.

What started as a job I felt I had to do for my kids quickly became a massive passion project. I have said many times I think I missed my calling working in the therapy field. Traditional education has never been my strong suit, so getting my Masters seems a bit far-fetched. However, nothing stops me from learning everything I can from existing research and tools and sharing that knowledge with you! 

Before we dive into some of my favorite resources I have gathered for you below, we need to cover a few things. 

With every bit of content, I create, I feel it is important to point out three critical pieces of information I have become passionate about sharing with other moms who have concerns about their child’s development. (Feel free to keep scrolling if you have heard my schpeel before) 

#1 – While we currently have a fantastic pediatrician, my personal experience and research tell me that not all pediatricians are well versed in Sensory Processing VS Autism and how to spot characteristics between the two. For example, It is common for very young children (under the age of 4) to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism without FIRST being regularly seen by specialized therapists. At this time, SPD is not an official diagnosis recognized by American Pediatrics. However, you will find many OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, and Early Intervention Specialists who feel otherwise. 

#2 – Get a second and third opinion on everything as well as do your research. YOU are your child’s best advocate, and not all doctors, therapists, and therapy treatments are created equal. If something doesn’t feel right, keep pushing, change doctors, change therapists, try a new treatment plan. 

#3 – However, once you have received a diagnosis, accept it. Dive into research and team up with your doctors and therapist to make a game plan. The unknown can be scary, but it is your job to be full steam ahead with research, advocating, and listening to how you can build the best support around your child during these early years of growing and adapting to the world. 

So now on to the point of this blog post. Below you will find links to educational tools and resources that have helped me not only learn more about Sensory Disorders but helped me with my role as a parent. 

Resources I found through Instagram: 

• All Things Sensory Podcast / Harkla.co
  • This podcast is by two Occupational Therapy Assistants who break down topics around sensory disorders. You can scroll down to their first episode and binge listen, or you can search for a specific topic. They also have a website with products and an Instagram page with helpful tips, tricks, and reminders for working with your sensory kids. 
    
• Speech Sisters
  • I found these ladies first on Instagram sharing helpful speech therapy advice. Soon after, they rolled out an Online Course to help parents work on Speech with their kids at home. Even if you don’t buy the course, their daily content on Instagram is helpful! 
    
• Big Little Feelings
  • If you are a parent to a toddler or soon-to-be toddler, this content is for you. Their free content is on Instagram daily, but they have a course that will help you re-think parenting a little human. 
    
• Curious Parenting
  • Educating you on how children and their brains work while giving you strategies on how they really should be treated, parented, and taught!
    
• Mrs. Ds Corner
  • Have school-age sensory kids? This resource is for you. Special Education Teacher who explains you need to know about IEPs. What is it? How to get one? How to make sure it works! 
    
• Feeding littles 
  • OTs/Feeding Specialist developed this content for regular picky eaters to sensory kiddos who avoid most foods. They have an excellent Instagram account full of visuals and a website with courses you can dive into to learn more. 

Websites I use for research and education: 

• Star Institute
  • This website is my primary resource for research on Sensory Processing. Their website is all about education and is highly user-friendly, with menu options breaking down the basic steps to learning more about SPD. 
    
• GriffinOT 
  • Here is an excellent resource on education around Sensory Integration. I have taken a few of the courses and found them extremely simple to understand yet filled with information. 
    
• RBT training
  • If you have a kiddo who may need ABA therapy, it is longer sessions where you most likely won’t be present. So diving into some RBT training may help you understand what ABA therapy may look like for your child and how you can be more hands-on at home. You can do this from an online course or a local school. Just head over to Google and enter “RBT Training”. (See my blog post on ABA therapy) 

Books that came highly recommended and I found helpful: 

• “The Out of Sync Child” 
• “The Strong-Willed Child” 
• “ABA Visual Guide for Parents” 

There are, of course, many more resources I have used over the years, but these are a great place to start! 

You can stay up to date on our daily sensory-friendly adventures by following along on Instagram and Tik Tok! 

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