Customer Reviews

Meghan's World: The Story of One Girl's Triumph over Sensory Processing Disorder

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a pediatric OT, and as the coauthor of Raising a Sensory Smart Child, I highly recommend this lovely book. Kids with sensory processing issues often feel very isolated, as if only they are distressed by everyday sensory challenges that do not seem to bother anyone else. It can be profoundly comforting to a child to know she is not alone in experiencing what she feels. It also "normalizes" the interventions used to help her--such as using sensory gym equipment, getting "brushed," or listening to special music over headphones. While not every child with sensory issues needs all of the interventions described in the book (such as a special diet), this also opens up an important dialogue between parents and kids about activities that help children feel and function better.
--Lindsey Biel, [...]

As a mother of two children with sensory issues I thought this was a great book describing SPD in its simplist
form. I used many of the techniques the author talked about and thought she did a great job of putting it in a fun, beautifully illustrated, child friendly book. I have purchased it for friends with kids that were exhibiting some sensory issues, hoping to shed some light on what might be SPD or at the very least just to try some of the therapies they might find helpful. I love the personal journal in the back too. I would highly recommend it.

I ordered this book for my son who has SPD and some other unofficial diagnosis...It is a great book to read to any child with sensory issues especially if you are doing the off the cuff treatment route as we are. Everything in the book we could relate to. If we are in a hurry I summarize some of it and since my son is almost 3 he is old enough to understand the similarities....Thanks Diane for a great book!!!

Michelle
Mom of Joseph 33 months

Meghan's World is a great book for famlies with a child suffering from SPD. The illustrations are beautiful. The story gives children with SPD someone to relate to, and parents helpful tools & treatments to explore.

Meghan's World has been a god-send to us. My daughter was recently diagnosed with SPD and Meghan's World was like holding up a mirror to her. She was able to see herself in every page and for the first time not feel so alone in her struggles. Her face lit up as she began reading about Meghan's challenges to hold it all together when internally she wanted to scream and run away. It has helped her to feel confident about not only her difficulties, but also her many therapies. Seeing all that Meghan did to feel better has made her many trips to the many therapists easier to swallow and far less scary. My daughter also began immediately to think of what she too could do to help others like "Meghan" had helped her - what a wonderful cycle.
As a mom, it is difficult to put into words what our journey with SPD has been like, but having something I can give to her and to relatives and friends to say, "See, we are not crazy. This is a real thing that many people deal with and is not cured by harsher discipline!" This alone has been a great gift.
I highly recommend this to anyone who's child is suffering with SPD (especially those whose children are "Overreactive" - as is my daughter and Meghan.) It will truly bless your life!

This book will help children with SPD and their siblings/friends/parents in multiple ways: 1) It will help children with SPD in knowing that other people feel as they do 2) It will help those without SPD better understand the struggles of a child affected by SPD, 3) It will likely open a line of communication for those reading through the book together 4) Finally, and certainly not least, the author offers suggestions and references for therapy and treatment. The book is well thought out and presented. You may even find it inspiring.

This book is a great one for sharing with children who have Sensory Integration Disorder. My kids love seeing another little girl who does the same things in her day that they do in theirs--OT, therapeutic listening, nutritional changes, brushing and joint compressions. It's also been a great resource for sharing with other parents who see their child's sensitivites and difficulties as only behavior issues. A great book to add to the home collection!

My sensory-avoider liked this, though the character has a more severe case of SPD than my son. He really seemed to identify with some of her struggles and I asked him on one page in particular, "Do you feel like this sometimes?" My six-year-old responded, "Always." He loves some of the ideas (e.g., "hideaway" place) presented and I liked it because it offered some practical things to try at home. I only gave it 4 stars because Meghan has some other issues (severe allergies, needs enzymes to digest some things) beyond SPD, which kind of confused my son whose own eating issues are only related to SPD. That said, my son carrying it around the house showing me what he wants (as if the book was a therapy catalog) tells me he gives it 5 stars!

I was impressed with how much comfort my five year old felt from this book. She said things like, "she is just like me!" It was nice to see her feeling understood. For a child with sensory issues, it is hard for most people to understand what she goes through. I am planning to share it with my extended family as well~

This book is wonderfully written and illustrated. Diane Renna has done a great job in relaying information that should be helpful in dealing with children who have sensory processing disorders. Shared insights to behaviors and diet changes make this book a must read for anyone dealing with it, and in my opinion, it will help many families dealing with autistic children. Jim Fargiano, author of The Spoken Words of Spirit: Lessons From The Other Side