Hearty

I am working on a new book that highlights the stories of families raising a child with SPD through personal essays written by the parents. My publisher wants me to add more stories from families who are raising a child who is under-responsive. Sensory Underresponsive is the THIRD type of Sensory Modulation Disorder - with the other two being "Seekers" and "Aoviders" Specifically under-responsive exhibit signs such as - doesn't feel pain, or hot vs. cold, trouble knowing when to use the restroom, doesn't notice hunger, unaware of surroundings, easily exhausted, hard to gain their attention, doesn't notice food left on face, sedentary, not motivated, etc. I am looking for a parent (or many parents) that would like to write their ‘story’ – and can do so BY NEXT WEEK. I can forward you guidelines, information, a sample stories, and the release if you are interested.  Send me an email if you would like to be part of this project - hartleys (at) steinerigrou...

I am over at the SPD Blogger Network today talking about how to boost your child's social skills!  Check out my tips to make the most of playdates, role playing and social stories. Enjoy your week! Hartley

I was reading a blog post the other day that I found through the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Association ( CABF ) by Tracy Anglada and it struck me -- hard.  I think the simple fact that this woman was raising 4 children, two of which were diagnosed with Bipolar was pretty amazing -- but when I read that her children inspired her to write a book about Bipolar, I knew we had something special in common. When Tracy heard her children's diagnosis, like so many of us, she wanted a book to explain the illness to her then 7 year old son. That was not available in 2000 - neither was a book for siblings, a book for teachers, or a book that gave these kids a voice. So she wrote them . Tracy is the author of Brandon and the Bipolar Bear (also available in Spanish), Turbo Max , The Childhood Bipolar Answer Book , SWIVEL to Success (Bipolar Kids in the Classroom), as well as Intense Minds:  Through the Eyes of Kids With Bipolar Disorder and all of her books can be found on her website ....

I am very excited to be hosting Dr. Roya Ostovar, author of The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder on HLW3B today. Dr. Ostovar is a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Ostovar Pediatric Psychology and Consultation in Belmont, Massachusetts ( http://www.royaostovar.com/ ). Her new book, The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder , provides much needed information on everything from the direction of new research to practical solutions for taking your sensational child on vacation – and, I am not kidding when I say this, virtually everything in between. I am sure you are not surprised to hear that I jumped at the chance to ask Dr. Ostovar more about Sensory Processing Disorder. Truly, how often do you get the chance to go straight to the doctor with your questions – no appointments, no co-pays, no nurses, no screening, no assessments– just straight to the doctor?! This was an opportunity I could NOT say no to! I was also happ...

I am over at the SPD Blogger Network today talking about how to reduce Easter stress for your kids - and yourself!  Check out my tips on filling your child's basket, making breakfast, and dressing them for happiness. Hope you have some sun in your neck of the woods! Hartley

Recently I have seen a rise in the number of articles, Facebook posts, and even tweets claiming to define what Sensory Processing Disorder is. This should be good news, and it is -- mostly .  But, some of them are full of misinformation. Although I am thankful that anyone wants to help spread awareness, it frustrates me personally that these people could very well be doing more harm than good. I have dedicated such a large portion of my life to spreading awareness that will hopefully benefit kids like mine all over our country and arguably the world, that I would really like to see people get good, solid and accurate information. Wouldn’t you? It is with that goal in mind – the goal to educate and help – that I am taking my personal stab at answering the increasingly popular question, “What is Sensory Processing Disorder?”  My answer, and this article, will be specifically geared towards helping parents with SPD kids prepare a response for the dozens of strangers (and even family memb...

I receive letters a lot from other moms who are going through what I have been through – and am still going through. Diagnosis, confusion, questioning, school issues – you name it. But I got one this last week that surprised me. Remember the Oprah thing? You know, how Oprah had a boy on her show with a mental illness, and because of the way the show was taped/cut it made it seem like this child’s behavior – aggressive, dangerous, and out of control – was all due to Sensory Processing Disorder? Yeah, that one. There were so many responses from parents who were terrified that their child’s SPD was going to turn into – that. But this letter was a little different. Here is what it said, “ To be honest when I saw the recent show on Oprah, I was excited about it. I could see my child in the little boy on the show, especially her rages and thought this is so great! Finally I can show my family and friends what SPD is. Then the next day on blogs and forums I started reading about how upset peo...

Our website is currently locked (I can't update it right now) so until I fix it, our schedule will be right here. Today we'll be at God's Little Acre in Simms, TX, and I think Rock Creek Baptist is actually in Maud. Diamondhead is a community in Hot Springs.

Happy April Fool's Day! And more importantly, Happy Autism Awareness Month. I am over at the SPD Blogger Network today, with my interview with Dr. Roya Ostovar talking about Sensory Friendly Classrooms - what better way to spread awareness of Autism then by asking our schools to become sensory friendly?  I know, genius.  I also was nominated for an award. Really, it isn't a joke!  I was nominated for a Circle of Mom 25 Most Inspiring Families award!  How cool is that? A big fat thank you to whomever nominated me - so cool of you! So happy April - hope no one plays a joke on you - but if they do, I want to hear about it. LOL H