by Nancy Kashman and Janet
Mora Reviewed By Maureen Bennie
Nancy Kashman, occupational therapist, and Janet
Mora, speech-language pathologist, have joined forces
to create a team approach in tackling the difficulties
of sensory integration. Their book focuses on sensory
difficulties that manifest themselves in the processing
of sensory information and behavior. Each chapter
teams an OT approach with a visual strategy approach
provided by the SLP. Every chapter has examples
highlighted in italicized writing to draw attention
to successful strategies used with children.
There are a few "points at a glance" which
provide easy to read information in bullets on pages
45, 49, and 52. There is a good chart, Environmental
Effects on Level of Arousal, on page 65 that lists
what stimuli is arousing or calming. Chapter 7,
Intervention, outlines all its strategies in the
east to follow bullet format
The book has 10 chapters and appendices A through
I. I thought the ideas for use of videos for assessment
and intervention in Chapter 9 was beneficial. Chapter
10 highlights three case studies for a team approach
in sensory integration but I would like to see more
examples sited. The appendices provide practical
information such as guidelines for assessing an
environment, how to make stuffed pants, how to make
stuffed sweatshirts, and how to construct a weighted
vest. These items are quite expensive because they
are special order so guidelines for making your
own will save you money. I love what items to put
in an oral box in Appendix F and the general communication
tips listed in the bullet format in Appendix H.
The assessments, resources and recommended readings
located at the back of the book are thorough. There
are illustrations throughout the book to support
a strategy or point such as what sitting in the
"W" position looks like (pg. 76). Any
suggested intervention is supported by a list of
recommendations or guidelines for implementation.
I found this book to be a great practical guide
written in an easy to understand and easy to follow
format. It could be used successfully by professionals,
teachers, and parents who are coordinating their
own therapy/intervention team.
This resource book can be ordered on-line for
$39.95 at Exceptional
Resources or by calling 1-877-482-1555.
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