How Does Your Engine Run? Leader's Guide to the Alert Program for Self Regulation, Revised Edition (Spiral-bound)

by Mary Sue Williams (Author), Sherry Shellenberger (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
How Does Your Engine Run? A Leader's Guide to the Alert Program for Self-Regulation draws from Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger's years of experience working in the schools and therapy clinics. This practical book explains the Alert Program in its entirety. It guides you through the twelve steps to teach independent self-regulation with an extensive list of activities and clinical stories. The book includes all worksheets, charts and pictures needed for the program with permission to copy for educational use. Join the thousands of parents, teachers, and therapists who are helping children through the use of this outstanding program.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 130 pages
• Publisher: TherapyWorks, Inc; 1 edition (January 10, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964304104
• ISBN-13: 978-0964304109
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,640 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome resource for parents , April 20, 2008

By	A. Blackburn (Albuquerque, NM United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book on the recommendation from a friend for my son who has some sensory integration issues. This book does a fabulous job of explaining sensory integration and the nervous system to those who may have never had any knowledge or understanding of these topics before. It has really helped me understand what is happening with my son and how to handle it.

I love the real life examples and practical suggestions! I love how easy it is to follow and implement. I appreciate how it gives information on how we all regulate our states and how it gives suggestions for modifications based on different ages. This program can grow and change along with my son and will continue to be a useful tool for our family. For the price, this was a wonderful investment for our family and I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book makes my treatment sessions "Just Right"!, April 6, 2008

By	Melissa Winkle "Melissa" (Albuquerque, NM, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book at the authors two day workshop. A must have for therapists, teachers, caregivers and parents- well written and easily understood by anyone who works or lives with individuals with sensory challenges. This book offers theory and clearly defined steps for implementation in any environment. The authors make it easy to educate team members and family members so that consistency is achieved and maintained. (They also offer a quick read Introductory Booklet that I lend to other team and family members as the first step in its use. For those who are crunched for time, I offer the Alert Program CD which has excerpts from the Leaders Guide and really fun songs for activity!! ) While this program is most frequently used for children, I have been able to modify it for adults with developmental disabilities, too.

I am on my second copy now-- I use it so often, my first copy had to retire! This book is well worth the price as it contains well designed activities for clinical, home, school and community environments. It is self-paced and easy to navigate through the stages and activities. It is user friendly for individuals and groups. Typically, after lending it to other professionals and parents, it is quickly returned because they order a copy for their own library! The individuals who support clients with sensory struggles often report that they learn something about their own "Engines" and it helps them to identify and respond adaptively, too! What a great modeling opportunity!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for self awareness!!!, February 15, 2008

By	B. Sanchez (Michigan, United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I did not buy this book. Because of the price I borrowed it from my library before deciding to buy it or not. I am glad I did not buy it. The book is wonderful, but it is an easy read and can be read over a weekend, so there is no need to spend the money on it.

That being said, I am very glad I borrowed this book! My 7 year old has autism and was having a problem self regulating. He would be hyper, but not bouncing off the walls hyper, just hyper in his seat. I tried to tell him he was hyper and needed to calm down. I tried to make HIM aware that he was hyper so he could calm himself down. This book very simply helped me do it. He now recognizes when he is running "on high" and we do things to bring him down a bit.

The book has charts that are great, although we drew our own chart on a wipe-off board so we could change it easily. It also has lots of games to play to stress it's point of self regulating.

I think this would be a GREAT book for anyone or any parent that wants to learn how to be more aware of their body's needs.