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Leila Brenner
I would consider myself quite versed in SPD (commonly known as Sensory Processing Disorder). To be honest, I feel like many of us can absolutely relate to someone with SPD. Personally for me, a lot of noise, certain textures, certain touches – all overwhelm me to the point that I need to put myself in a time out to gather myself and calm down. Now take that as an adult, give it to a child, multiply it to the point of pain, and do not give them the knowledge or words to explain how they feel. That is a child with SPD. Chynna does such a wonderful job in I’m Not Weird explaining what a child with SPD feels like – what bothers them (noise, lights, certain sounds, textures, touches, etc.). Many times these children do act out and throw tantrums because they don’t understand what is going on or why it hurts. They can’t explain how they are feeling and so they lash out, they scream, they have a fit. (Remember that next time you see a child in public throwing a fit. Don’t assume they are a brat or whatever negative comment you have to say. They could just be experiencing the pain that comes from bright lights, loud noises, a certain smell. You never know until you walk in someone’s shoes.) I’m Not Weird does a wonderful job showing this part of a child that many people do not understand, but also points out that a therapist can assist in helping the child express what is hurting them; help parents communicate with their child; and help a child with coping skills to self regulate themselves. I’m Not Weird really is a book that all adults should read so they stop making assumptions about children who may not be “perfect angels” in public for something that is beyond their control; but more importantly, I think it’s a great book for parents, siblings, and children who are diagnosed with SPD and would make a great classroom or school book for the child’s school! The more people who can understand a child with SPD, the better our world would be and I’m Not Weird does such a great job sharing what SPD is, it is a must have resource!
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Tanya Pugh
I'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Alexandra's Journey by Chynna T. Laird, was a wealth of knowledge. I loved that it was told the perspective of a child with SPD. It allowed me to read portions with my son who has a good friend and classmate with SPD. We both learned so much more and I think it will allow my son to have an even better friendship with his classmate. I also work in an elementary school and this book along with it's resources will be a great help in my future interactions with the students. I see this book being reread often.
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Sharon Martin
The first thing that hit me about this book was the despair on the little girl's face, as she was in distress and could not tell her parents what was wrong. They looked just as much in shock and upset as they did not know how to cope. Through the book and the development of the girls’ growth the author, along with brilliant illustrations, describe expertly the problems both of the parties are experiencing. There has obviously been a lot of research on this particular medical condition and the effects on children and parents. As we move through the book the different actions of the child paint the characteristics to look out for, and where to seek help and guidance from, to help the parents understand and cope with the obvious difficult challenge they are facing. The introduction of a specialist trained in this particular field increases both the parents and child's knowledge and understanding on coping mechanisms to improve their relationship. An excellent book describing a very difficult condition for parents and a children to cope with and should be shared to help other people who are not in the close social bubble of the family to help them understand and accept the child.