Review: “No Longer a Secret: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges”

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When I was 39 and pregnant with Zoe, my husband and I went to BabiesRUs and I left with a  new mom magazine. I remember reading in the car, for the first time, about hypersensitivity – or what we now call sensory processing disorder (SPD). Though I had no idea the precious angel in my womb would suffer from this, I did recognize some of the symptoms from my own experiences: avoidance of certain clothes, a repulsion for fluorescent lighting, sensitivity to sleep.  This week, I also learned that I also have  at least one symptom of sensory over-responsivity in the “movement domain,” which “No Longer A Secret” defines as “becomes anxious or distressed when her feet leave the ground.”

I was excited to review this book because, oh yes, that’s me!  Well, that explains why my ventures in bike-riding, skating, skiing, and swimming have been pure HELL.  In fact, I can’t do anything about those things, and I have ZERO interest in them.  (You can add inner tubing as well, but for some reason, roller coasters are just fine, welcome even.)  All these years I had thought this was a phobia-induced by worrisome mother watching a more-athletic father try to teach me, but I now think this has some play in it.

The great thing about “No Longer A SECRET: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges” is that you will learn, in detail, about what sensory processing disorder is, the various responses your child might have to it, and solutions using the “A. S.E.C.R.E.T.” formula: Attention, Sensation, Emotional regulation, Culture/Context/Current conditions, Relationship, Environment, Task. For example, is your child inattentive to the task at hand? If so, how can you encourage him to focus on it?  Sensation: what sensory input will help him succeed at the task? Etc.

I was surprised to find that as much as I’ve read and learned about SPD over the years, this book still had something to teach me. Not only does it review the disorder in all it’s variances, it also gives you practical tips and suggestions on how to regulate a child with SPD, using things like “Chair Moves,” 5 positions that your child can move his school chair, and aroma bracelets, which you can make at home for your child with essential oils. There are even recommendations on how to approach play dates and concrete strategies for taking your child to the movies.  Most everything in this book encourages inclusion so that your child can successfully navigate integrating with the world at large, rather than remaining isolated, however, they also give advice on knowing when to retreat.

I read the chapter that applied to Zoe in great detail and will need to go back and take notes, however, I was also delighted to find that the last section on dyspraxia included several clues that can help with some of the difficulties Amelia has with homework and focus.  There is only one downside to this book and that is that it can be a bit clinical because they want the parents and teachers who read this to really understand the processes going on behind the disorder.  I’m surprised to say that I highly recommend this book especially if you are looking for concrete ways to focus a child with SPD in school, work or play.