I always get asked what my favorite Sensory Processing books are. Today I’m going to share them! As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I wanted to read as much as I could about it to better support my clients and families. So many of our kids have sensory processing challenges. For example, they might be sensory sensitive where they react to sensory input quickly or they may have trouble registering and giving meaning to sensations. Sensory Processing can be such a confusing concept but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve created a list of some of the most common books recommended, which includes some of my favorites!
Book #1: Sensory Integration and the Child by Jean Ayres
I’m starting with one of my favorite books on sensory processing. This book is an absolute must if you want to be a OT that is knowledgeable about Sensory Integration. It is required reading for CLASI training and it’s one of the most reached for books on my shelf. It helps you understand how everything works together, including Praxis.
The author, Dr. Jean Ayres, is a pioneer in sensory integration and is brilliant. That doesn’t mean the book is going to be hard to understand. She describes things in such an easy-to-grasp way that any parent or therapist can read this.
Book #2: Sensational Kids by Lucy Jean Miller
This is another favorite that I haven’t read yet. I’ll be honest, many of these sensory processing books are going to have similar information in them. It’ll be presented in a slightly different way, likely with slightly different language. This book is frequently recommended for OT students and is great for parents.
A note on sensory processing disorder: Many of the kids we work with most definitely have sensory processing differences, but the diagnosis of sensory processing disorder (SPD), is not recognized by the DSM. OTs should not be using this term with parents, as we can’t diagnose and it’s not officially a diagnosis.
I recommend using the following terms:
- Sensory processing differences
- Challenges with processing sensory input
- Sensory modulation differences
- Sensory discrimination challenges
Book #3: Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
I recommend this book to all of my parents! It covers sensory processing basics and environmental modifications. You’ll learn practical solutions for daily tasks, and explore how sleep and eating may be impacted. It was recently updated and worth checking out.
Book #4: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals by Angie Voss
This sensory processing book offers a ton of suggestions for every situation you can think of. Does the child struggle with bathtime? It breaks down the different Areas that might be impacting them and offers practical strategies to support the child. Do they have nail cutting? Yup – there are multiple solutions!
I think paying attention to the child’s sensory signals give us so much insight into what sensory strategies they need and when. Remember we want to use regulation strategies pro-actively, rather than reactively.
Book #4: The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Another well-loved book about Sensory Processing. They just released a 3rd edition with lots of updates!
Book #5: No Longer A Secret by Lucy Jane Miller
I felt like this book on sensory processing helps parents think more like a therapist. It focuses on the relationship and asking yourself questions about how to best support the child. Sensory integration trained therapist may not learn anything brand new. I recommend still looking into this book to see how it can support parents.
Book #6: Sensory Integration Theory and Practice by Anita Bundy and Shelly J. Lane
I recently invested in this textbook because I heard such positive reviews from the OT community. And it held up. It is very much a textbook, so this isn’t one that I’d recommend to parents. If you are an OT or even an OT grad student, this book is fantastic, especially if you work with kids. Each chapter is written by a different OT in the field including Zoe Maillox, Diane Parham, and Virginia Spielmann.
Happy Learning! If you are looking for even more support, I offer therapist and parent mentorship!
