Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Sensory Dysfunction is a clear and comprehensive resource to identifying and addressing sensory dysfunction in children, using a range of practical strategies to help them reach their full potential at home, at school and in the community. The authors explain the causes, contributing factors, symptoms and associated behaviors of sensory dysfunction, particularly when found in conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), ADHD and bipolar disorder. Focusing on early intervention, they provide a host of tried and tested integration activities, assessment and curricular modifications, treatment options and useful equipment and resources that ultimately aim to limit or prevent the interference of sensory dysfunction with successful learning, socialization and skills development. This accessible and empowering book offers a unique approach to the condition and will help families, teachers and caregivers meet the particular needs of children with sensory dysfunction.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. 1. What is Sensory Integration? 2. What is Sensory Dysfunction? 3. Concomitant Diagnoses. 4. Sensory Dysfunction at School. 5. At Home and at School: Looking at Strategies. 6. More about Asperger's Syndrome. 7. Ellie and Dylan: Ten Years Later. In Conclusion. Appendix 1: Sensory Integration Activities. Appendix 2: Treatment Options. Appendix 3: Resources. Index.

About the Author :
Polly Godwin Emmons has a BS in Biology and a BA in Psychology from Binghamton University, a MSEd in Elementray Education from Emira College, and holds certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education PreK-12. Polly lives in New York with her two children and is a Special Education teacher at a local high school. Liz McKendry Anderson has a MEd in Elementary Education from Lesley College, MSEd in Special Education from Binghamton University, and holds certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education PreK-12. She is the former director of Education for an Early Intervention Agency and is currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program for Education at Binghamton University. She lives with her husband Richard and their four children in New York.

Review :
This book is extremely reader-friendly and would appeal to a wide audience, especially parents, teachers and support staff in mainstream settings and special educational needs placements. It is well organized and it flows from beginning to end, making it difficult to put down. For me this book was highly thought-provoking and I would recommend it, especially to parents and those professionals with limited experience of working with children who present with complex behaviours. This is a useful, thorough book and easy-to-read book, an asset to any school staffroom or special needs library. This book is a useful supplement to any occupational therapy department. It will be particularly helpful to parents and teachers wishing to know more and to understand the language often associated with SID/sensory issues. It will also help occupational therapy students who are trying to understand the impact that SID can have upon the occupational functioning of children. I feel that the book is accessible and easy to understand. When jargon is used it is explained and often supported by a case study or an example to give the reader more information. The case studies are useful and the authors offer practical suggestions throughout. This book would make an invaluable resource for families, teachers and caregivers living or working with children with sensory dysfunction. Symptoms, causes, contributing factors and behaviour associated with sensory dysfunction - particularly when occurring in autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and bipolar disorder - are clearly explained. Successful integration activities with assessment and curricular modifications are combined in their innovative approaches. They consider the more common areas of sensory difficulties and follow this with a list of functional, practical suggestions. This is a highly detailed, comprehensive reference/text/handbook for all those who interact professionally or personally with children who have sensory disabilities. This very valuable resource book has a number of distinctive features. The authors are two highly qualified educationists working in Special Education in the United States who are mothers of children with sensory integration disorders... this highly detailed, comprehensive reference/ text/ handbook for all those who interact professionally or personally with children who have sensory disabilities. The authors are both parents and teachers... It is a supportive book for parents, carers and teachers, presenting information and strategies for the reader to enable them to have a greater awareness of the behavior and associated symptoms. The information is rooted in real case studies and practical solutions, which are useful in helping the reader understand the complexities of this condition. A good proportion of this book is devoted to recognizing and understanding the very complex nature of sensory integration and sensory dysfunction writes Janet Baker. It explains the difficulties parents, teachers and children experience, and how sensory dysfunction is often linked to other diagnoses such as ADHD, autism and Aspergers syndrome. The ultimate goal of this book is to help children with sensory dysfunction, and the adults in their lives gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. The information is rooted in real case studies and practical solutions, which are useful in helping the reader understand the complexities of this condition. Authors Polly Godwin Emmons and Liz McKendry Anderson take the mystery out of sensory dysfunction in their new book Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorders. Parents and professionals new to sensory dysfunction will find this book helpful in understanding what is sensory integration and sensory dysfunction, how to assess it, and how to help these individuals be at their best both at home and at school. Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipolar Disorders is a quick reference guide for both home and school with accessible information. It provides a great starting point for parents and professionals being introduced to the topic of sensory integration dysfunction.