I'm 33, married and mother of daughter Roxy, 4, and 34 wks pregnant with baby boy. For most of Roxy's life I feel like I'm always searching the internet on parenting a child that's extra sensitive. A couple months ago I came across Sensory Processing Disorder on my internet search and I believe she might fit into that category. It turns out that one of my friend's sisters (Kim) was very knowledgeable on the subject due to her own 3 yr old daughter having SPD. Kim reccommended some books to me, and I've read through the first one, "Out of Sync child". Now, this book reccommends the first step to having your child diagnosed is trying to get free screening/evaluation through your school system. Then other suggestions are listed after that. I'm confused, should I follow this? I'm hearing that Occupational Therapists are expensive and probably don't take insurance, but this copy of the book was written 7 yrs ago. I would really like to get her evaluated on this. Until we get her evaluated, are there any suggestions of websites/books on parenting a child with SPD? I feel we're going about it all wrong. thanks! -Liz

Welcome!
My daughter's OT evaluation was covered by insurance, and they are paying for 12 one-hour OT visits. Then she will be re-evaluated to see if they'll cover more. The two books I've gotten the most out of were:
Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
Growing an In-Sync Child: Simple, Fun Activities to Help Every Child Develop, Learn, and Grow
They're both available at Amazon.
You're not going at it all wrong. It's a learning experience and you're just beginning. Like so many of us, you'll be an expert in a couple of months.

Good for you! Keep educating yourself the more you know the easier it wil be for you when she goes to school! My insurance paid for a limited amount of OT visits, my son still needs OT but my x husband oes not have ins at his new job and I am fighting with school to give him the services. WIthout the OT he had through Early Intervention he would not be who he is today! I think OT is so important, but that is my opinion. Those are great books that LAC1961 reccommended! Try and find a workshop in your area, some OT's give them, they have a lot of things you can make at home to do with her.

I'm not sure where you live, but I know that in NY you can have your child evaluated for free by the Committee for Preschool Special Education. They have different locations your child can be evaluated at. If they determine that your child has sensory issues, the DOE or CPSE will either pay for your child to receive OT at a separate location, or (depending on their evaluation) your child could be eligible for a free preschool placement at a therapeutic school that has funding from the state.
I do not know what resources they have in other places (and don't even know which country you are in!) but, if you are in the States, you can start by contacting CPSE and asking for an evaluation.
-Hope