The Sensory Processing Diet: One Mom's Path of Creating Brain, Body and Nutritional Health for Children with SPD

by Chynna Laird, Shane Steadman (Foreword by)

Overview

As a mom of a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I relentlessly sought experts as well as top nutritionists, biopsychologists, and neurologists. I figured that if I understood the major functions of the brain, and how it's supposed to take in, process and respond to stimulation, I could discover how SPD interferes with it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615995226
Publisher:	Loving Healing Press
Publication date:	08/17/2020
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

CHYNNA LAIRD - is a mother of four, a freelance writer, blogger, editor and award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), mental and/or emotional struggles and other special needs. She's authored two children's books, two memoirs, a parent-to-parent resource book, a Young Adult novella, a Young Adult paranormal/suspense novel series, two New Adult contemporary novels and an adult suspense/thriller. Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca

Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword by Shane Steadman v

Foreword by Kelly Dorfman, M.S., L.N.D. viii

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Chapter 1: Your Child’s Brain and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) 1

The Nervous System – Our Body’s Messenger System 2

How Does SPD Interfere With the Brain‘s Job? 8

Understanding Dysfunction in Sensory Integration 9

What Causes SPD? 11

Is SPD A ‘Real’ Diagnosis? 12

Chapter 2: The Sensory Systems: Exteroceptors, Proprioceptors and Interoceptors 15

The Three Basic Parts of the Sensory System 15

Exteroceptors: How Does the World Feel? 16

Proprioceptors: Coordinating Ourselves in the World 24

Proprioceptive 27

Interoceptors: What’s Happening on the Inside? 28

Chapter 3: So, What Exactly is the Sensory Diet? 33

Becoming ‘Sensory Smart’ 33

The Basics of the Sensory Diet 34

Who’s Who in the Sensory Diet? 36

The Nutritionist: Feeding the Hungry Brain. 40

Parents: The Glue of the Team 42

How is the Diet Set Up? 42

The Wonderful World of Alternative Therapies 46

Chapter 4: Sensory Integration through Play 51

Play Therapy vs. Sensory Integration Therapy 53

Play Therapy: A Good First Step 55

Chapter 5: Exercising Your Child's Exteroceptors 65

Exercises for the Auditory System 69

Exercises for the Olfactory System 72

Exercises for the Gustatory System and for Oral Stimulation 75

Exercises for the Visual System 77

Exercises for the Tactile System 81

Chapter 6: Exercising Your Child's Proprioceptors 89

Exercises for the Vestibular System 89

Exercises for the Proprioceptive System 96

Chapter 7: Feeding the Hungry Brain 109

Why Won’t My Child Eat? 110

What’s My Child’s Brain Hungry For? 112

How Can I Get My Child to Eat? 116

Different Eating Perspectives, Same Vision 120

Help for “Leaky Gut” 122

Chapter 8: Helping Your Sensational Child Succeed in School 125

Is Public School the Best Choice? 125

Looking For a Sensory-Safe School 127

What Information Do I Need to Give, and to Whom? 129

What Are IEP and 504 Accomodation Plans and Does My Child Need One? 133

Tips for Teachers 136

Chapter 9: Helping Siblings, Other Family Members and Friends Be Supportive 139

The ‘Couple’ Part of Parenting 146

Sensational Lessons for Extended Family 147

The Sensory-Sensitive Child in the Outside World 149

Tackling the Touchy Subjects 153

Eating and Eliminating 155

Editorial Reviews

"If you're the parent, teacher, relative or friend of a sensory kid, The Sensory Processing Diet will give you unique insight into his or her world. Chynna does an incredible job of taking a complex neurological condition and breaking it down in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. Based on her experience as a parent of a child with sensory needs, Chynna gives tangible and practical advice for mitigating the effects of sensory processing issues. Reading it was a breath of fresh air, as I could relate to so many of her parenting struggles and found her recommended interventions to be both doable and helpful. The Sensory Processing Diet is my new 'Bible' for all things sensory processing. Thank you, Chynna, for this amazing resource."
-- Cameron Kleimo, sensory mom

"Chynna Laird has written a sensational book about a little known disorder, but one that is becoming increasingly more identified in children. She deconstructs the mystery of Sensory Processing Disorder and shares information from both a scientific and personal point of view. As a child psychologist, I found the book to be interesting, informative and complete. It offers a wide range of information and resources, as well as a level of detail that will be appreciated by the reader. I recommend it highly to parents and professionals. I loved it."
--Laurie Zelinger, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, board certified psychologist, author of Please Explain "Anxiety" to Me

"I work with many children in play therapy that also experience sensory issues. This is a comprehensive and practical resource, both for parents and for those who help children experience sensory processing disorder (SPD). The author gives an in depth look at contributors to SPD, what types of treatments are available and adjustments families and children can make so that a child with SPD can cope in life in a way that he/she hasn't understood before. I whole heartedly recommend The Sensory Processing Diet to therapists and parents."
--Jill Osborne, EDS, LPC, CPCS, RPTS, author of Sam Feels Better Now!

From the Publisher