As children with sensory integration disorders enter adolescence, they become more aware of how they are different. Many of these teens struggle to pay attention, are impulsive and have sensitivities to touch, movement and other sensory experiences. Books about sensory integration written specifically for teens can help them better understand their sensory needs and get them met in a socially acceptable manner.
"Sensory Integration Tools for Teens"
Occupational therapist Diana A. Henry wrote "Sensory Integration Tools for Teens," a handbook to help teens make sense of sensory processing difficulties. The author explains how the teenage brain is changing and that teens may struggle with getting enough sleep, struggle with impulsivity, seek intense stimulation, have sensory sensitivities and suffer from stress. Solutions are plentiful, including numerous adaptations and activities to address each sensory system, such as using a lava lamp, bean bag chair, soothing music or essential oils to promote relaxation. The author also describes age-appropriate movement activities, such as strength training, wrestling, skiing or martial arts, which provide stimulation in a safe way.
"Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence"
Teens on the autism spectrum, including those diagnosed with the high-functioning form called Asperger's, often have sensory processing challenges with symptoms such as clumsiness, sensory sensitivities, poor eye-hand coordination and visual perceptual difficulties that impact reading and writing. Author Liane Holliday Willey, herself a person with Asperger's syndrome edited "Asperger's Syndrome in Adolescence," a survival guide for teens and young adults. This book focuses on how to overcome social challenges, but also includes an explanation of what sensory integration is and how occupational therapy can help overcome sensitivities, such as fear of movement or aversion to touch. Luke Jackson, author of "Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome" wrote the foreword. He wrote his book at age 13 to help other teens learn about the sensory and social challenges associated with autism.
"How Does Your Engine Run?"
Occupational therapists Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger designed the Alert Program, a system for teaching self-regulation, and wrote the book "How Does Your Engine Run?" This guide helps children with sensory integration dysfunction recognize how their brains are like engines that may be running too low or too high and identifies activities that will bring their brains to a normal alert level in order to focus and learn. Adolescents and young adults will appreciate reading the technical explanation as to how this works and the checklist that asks them to identify their own strategies for staying alert. Chapter 5 describes how to adapt the program for all ages, with a section for teenagers and strategies to improve attention in school.
"Yoga with a Sensory Integrative Approach"
Yoga is a physical activity that is socially appropriate for a teenager and also provides the sensory stimulation that organizes the brain. Nicole Cuomo's book "Integrated Yoga: Yoga with a Sensory Integrative Approach" presents postures and sequences that are easy for children or young adults to follow.
References
- "Sensory Integration Tools for Teens"; Diana A. Henry; 2004
- "How Does Your Engine Run?"; Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger; 1996
- "Integrated Yoga: Yoga with a Sensory Integrative Approach"; Nicole Cuomo; 2007
- "Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence"; Liane Holliday Willey; 2003
