---

Great Resource on Sensory Integration Issues with Young Children

Our Childhood Development & Education Director’s “best book find for 2009” is on the subject of sensory integration. Read on to learn more about why this issue is important to those of us who work in early childhood education

I’m not an expert on children with autism and sensory processing disorders, but sensory integration has long been an interest of mine in the early childhood field. I firmly believe that in child care centers, we serve many children who may have difficulties in processing our overloaded visual environments. Information available on the subject of sensory integration tends to be highly technical, which has discouraged me (and countless others) from becoming more knowledgeable about the topic as it relates to children’s environments.

Imagine my surprise when I met Rebecca Isbell, author of THE definitive book on sensory integration for youngsters, at an early childhood conference I participated in at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Isbell was kind enough to give me my very own copy of the book, and I cannot encourage you enough to read it so you can better understand how to design an environment to support the sensory needs of all children. She co-authored the book with her daughter, Christy Isbell, an occupational therapist with specialized training in both sensory integration and neurodevelopmental treatment.

The book can teach you practical adaptations, easy solutions and activities for children with sensory challenges. It’s my best book find for 2009. Many thanks to Dr. Isbell for sharing her knowledge with me! You can find Sensory Integration: A Guide for Preschool Teachers at Gryphon House Press.

---