Christopher Auer , coauthor of Parenting a Child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

New Harbinger Publications: What exactly is sensory processing disorder (SPD)? What are some signs of sensory disorders to look for in children?

Christopher R. Auer: Kids with SPD may over or under-respond to sensory information. They may crave sensory information, which they might seek to get by biting, spinning, or crashing into things. They may demonstrate difficulty discriminating sensory information, like the difference between something hard and soft. To some, kids with SPD can appear clumsy and uncoordinated.

NHP: What are some tips you can offer parents of children with SPD to help their children get the most out their school experience?

CRA: First, it can help if parents understand how they themselves naturally cope with sensory information at work. Some adults chew gum when they read or listen to music. Others might need a quiet spot, away from distractions. We forget that children in school might benefit from the same strategies. We have a number of specific suggestions parents could recommend to their child's teacher that can enhance the child’s learning experience. Kids might benefit from a slant board and raised-line paper on which to write. Writing or drawing might be encouraged by offering the child a variety of pencil grips, and he or she might benefit from sitting on cushions or therapy balls during class. Most of all, children should have the opportunity to actively engage in their learning through manipulative or meaningful activities. Also, just like adults need to get up and walk to the watercooler now and then, children need to have the freedom of movement through recess. Free time at recess isn’t a privilege; it's a critical component of their school day that enables them to regroup, so they can learn at their best. Finally, if their child has a medical condition that impacts his or her ability to learn (which may include certain aspects of SPD, such as developmental coordination disorder) parents can request specific accommodations through what is called a 504 Plan.

NHP: What can parents hope for to do for their SPD child?

CRA: In the darkness of dealing with the challenging behaviors often associated with SPD, parents can sometimes forget that they and their children both have a natural resilience or capacity to navigate life well, as one of the contributors to the book describes. It’s impossible for anyone to know what the possibilities are—both for parents and for children. When my older brother was recommended to be placed in the state mental institution at the age of three, no one, especially medical professionals recognized any ability for my brother to function well in life. Going against all the advice they received, my parents were determined to care for him in our home. They found intensive early intervention supports made an indescribable difference in his overall functioning. Today, he is a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and has received many awards at his place of employment. Many, including my brother, would say that he is not disabled.

NHP: How can the family as a whole be affected by this disorder?

CRA: Any significant disorder can have a devastating impact on the family if it is not addressed. Siblings may shoulder an unfair burden of responsibility for the care of the child with special needs. Medical expenses, even with insurance, can seriously impact the family's budget, limiting the resources the family has for respite. The stress of keeping peace in the family, working and juggling medical appointments, and the fatigue of dealing with challenging behavior can all impact the relationship between mothers and fathers.

NHP: How can parents advocate for greater recognition and support for SPD?

CRA: Hidden in the forest of caring for a child with a disorder are often many unrecognized roses, roses of hope, encouragement, laughter, and sometimes sorrow. These roses are the many untold stories that families have to share with the world around them. I would encourage families to talk with other families. The KID Foundation, of which I am board chair, has parent support groups in forty different states and several different countries. These groups can be a good forum for sharing and support. Parents can also log onto its Web site for ways to advocate for the inclusion of SPD in the diagnostic manual used by medical professionals.