The Out-of-Sync Child Resource Book
A Sensory Processing Book by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
Feb 21, 2009
Carol Stock Kranowitz’s book, The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder [Perigee, 2005], is one of the most comprehensive books available on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), formerly known as Sensory Integration Disorder (SID). In it you will find numerous real-life examples, checklists, and suggestions to help parents, teachers, and children cope with this disorder.
Recognizing Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
The first part of the book is dedicated to examples of different manifestations of SPD. Kranowitz gives several case study examples based on children she encountered in her years of teaching. In conjunction with her stories are several checklists for a parent to use. These checklists are not meant to officially diagnose a sensory processing problem. Instead they are to identify red flags in a child’s behavior and to provide a launch pad for discussion with professionals.
Beyond the Five Senses
Commonly the senses are considered to be hearing/auditory, seeing/visual, touching/tactile, smelling/olfactory, and tasting/gustatory. However, SPD also affects two other senses: vestibular and proprioceptive.
Kranowitz defines the vestibular sense as “[telling] us where our heads and bodies are in relation to the earth’s surface.” [Kranowitz, 113] It determines how you are moving and where you should be going. It stimulates reflexes for your protection. Sensations are interpreted by receptors in the inner ear and help you stay balanced.
Proprioceptive is similar in that you are determining reflexes as well as planned movement, both consciously and unconsciously. It helps you stay calm or can make you over-stimulated. Sensations are interpreted in muscles, skin, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Problems with this sense are often accompanied by problems with another sense.
Diagnosing Sensory Processing Disorder
Kranowitz recommends keeping copious notes on your child’s behavior. Document both positive and negative experiences with dates and times. Detail what transpired prior to and following each behavior. Ask teachers and other caregivers for their observations. Note if and how his out-of-sync behavior affects him and others around him. Then contact your local early intervention program or local school district for an evaluation.
Treatment for Sensory Processing Disorder
Most frequently the child will receive therapeutic treatment from an occupational therapist (OT). The OT will provide activities that can reduce the sensitivities of an over-stimulated child or to stimulate the under-responsive child. Each child’s therapy will depend on her individual needs. Sometimes additional therapies are also employed, with certain types of SPD.
Sensory Diet
Your child’s therapists will help develop a balanced sensory diet to help regulate her sensory processing abilities. Follow the therapists’ plans and work closely with the child's teachers and caregivers in its implementation. Kranowitz provides several fun sensory activities both in this book and in The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun [Perigee 2003].
Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder
Kranowitz also provides an extensive list of resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers of children with SPD. She cites numerous books and websites for further information. She also shares stories from parents in similar predicaments as well as helpful do’s and don’ts.
About Carol Stock Kranowitz
Carol Stock Kranowitz is an educator who taught preschool in Washington, D.C. from 1976-2001. She also worked extensively with children through her kindergarten music classes and as a choreographer for community productions. With her own children, she was a den mother for Cub Scouts, room mother, and team manager. Over the years, she noticed a few of her students didn’t respond like others, but had no official special needs. Finally, she received some help from Lynn A. Balzer-Martin, PhD, OTR, who had closely studied Sensory Processing Disorder through Dr. A. Jean Ayres, a pioneer in the field. Together they devised a screening practice at their school. Realizing few easy-to-read resources existed for parents and teachers, Kranowitz wrote this book.
Carol Stock Kranowitz’s book The Out-of-Sync Child is a beneficial resource for anyone who has or works with young children. Identify the child's issues and learn how to get help. Learn about different available methods and how to cope with the child's diagnosis. Use the resource section to guide you further on your quest for appeasing the child's sensory needs.
Resources:
Kranowitz, Carol Stock, M.A. The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder. New York: Perigee, 2005.
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