Every kid loves birthday parties, right? Wrong! For a child with Sensory Processing Disorder, parties can be an overload of noise, tastes, and smells. Often, other children and adults don't understand why a child is not having fun like he is "supposed" to.
In this colorful picture book, a child's voice explains why parties can be painful for some kids. Balloons are popping, kids are screaming, party games are confusing---does a kid have to endure all of this to be a good friend? In the end, perhaps it would be better to celebrate a friend's birthday on another day. That's still being a great best friend!
Author Laurie Renke, mother to sons and illustrators Jake and Max, wrote this wonderful children's book for her young son with SPD, and to raise SPD awareness. She says, "I wrote this book for every child who would rather not go to his or her best friend's birthday party. I hope that after reading this book, everyone who knows a child like this, as well as that child, will start to understand some reasons why events like this might be anything but fun for many children."
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 44
Laurie is the founder of SPD Parent Connections, which started in her hometown of Londonderry, New Hampshire. SPD Parent Connections is currently in more than 25 communities in the U.S. (and two in foreign countries). Laurie's message of hope for families with children with sensory processing disorder is sure to be heard around the world. Her book I Like Birthdays … It's the Parties I'm Not Sure About was initially written for her son Jake, when he was just four years old.
"Every kid---with or without SPD---know how overwhelming birthday parties can be. This great little book expresses those complex feelings with simplicity and clarity."
Carol Kranowitz, MA, author of The Out-of-Sync Child
"Finally, a book for children, written from the child's perspective, that describes what it is like living with a sensory processing disorder. It allows us to change places with the child. This book will help many children and adults alike to understand why events most people perceive as pleasurable, may be disastrous for someone living with SPD. I hope it will promote knowledge, compassion, and understanding for those living with SPD."
Janet Stafford, OTR/L, owner of Kidsplay Therapy and Wellness Center
I know many children, parents, teachers, and therapists who will enjoy this book's simple, direct, and important message. The honesty which often accompanies SPD can be felt on every page, encouraging us to honor what we hear."
Diana Henry, MS OTR/L, president of Henry OT Services
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