Whether it's having to remove tags from clothing or using special dimmed lighting when they study, kids with sensory disorders or special sensory needs often need adaptations in their everyday lives in order to find success in school and beyond. Taking a look at the most common sensory issues kids face, Raising Kids With Sensory Processing Disorders offers a compilation of unique, proven strategies that parents can implement to help their children move beyond their sensory needs and increase their performance on tasks like homework, field trips, transitions between activities, bedtime, holidays, and interactions with friends. Written by parents and occupational therapists, the book shows parents how to characterize their child's sensory issues into one of several profiles that they can then use to find the best adaptations and changes to their everyday routines. About the Authors: Rondalyn Varney Whitney, Ph.D., OT/L, is an educator, researcher, and occupational therapist with more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Whitney is a prolific author whose books include Nonverbal Learning Disorder: Understanding and Coping with NLD and Asperger’s and The Writer’s Toolkit. She presents nationally and internationally on ASD, sensory processing, family quality of life, therapeutic humor, social skills program development, and related topics. She is also a featured author in The Out of Sync Child Has Fun, Sensory Focus Magazine, TodayinOT, and OT Practice. Her research interests are in family quality of life, family resilience, and sensory processing as a barrier or support to social participation. She is the mother of two amazing boys, Zac and Alex. Dr. Varleisha D. Gibbs, OTD, OTR/L, began her career after receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Delaware. She received her master’s degree from Columbia University and her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. In addition, several years of her study occurred within the Ph.D. program of Health Sciences at Seton Hall University. Those professional relationships allowed her to take part in various research activities. Specific focus was given to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition to her educational development, in 2003, Dr. Gibbs founded Universal Progressive Therapy, Inc., located in New Jersey. The company was established with the focus of providing interdisciplinary and quality therapeutic services to families. As president, she has had several opportunities to educate, service, and research the areas of sensory integration and ASD, as well as family-centered care. Dr. Gibbs has published in a peer-reviewed journal, Occupational Therapy and Healthcare. Her work has focused on family-centered care and ASD and the use of telerehabilitation. She is a lecturer, having performed trainings and lectures throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As a full-time faculty member at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Gibbs is steadfast and an expert in the field of pediatric therapeutic intervention. Hence, she is an advocate of evidence-based practices, which is evident in her lectures. Utilizing the best evidence is paramount to Dr. Gibbs. Overall, Dr. Gibbs desires to provide individuals with the tools to assist the individual and the entire family system being serviced. Currently, her research and efforts continue in the areas previously mentioned, with special attention given to educating parents and providing them with the tools to improve the lives of their children and family. |
