“not just spirited” by Chynna T. Laird is a compelling book about her daughter, Jaimie, who suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and her journey to find a diagnosis and ways to help her daughter cope.  This was a moving book about the love of a mother and the lengths she will go for her child.  SPD is often misdiagnosed and parents are at a loss as to why their child is behaving that way and what they can do to help their child.  Mrs. Laird was no different.  When Jaimie was a baby,  Mrs. Laird knew there was something wrong at around three months.  Talking over her concerns with her pediatrician, she walked away being told that it was normal and she was just a nervous first time mom.  And thus began her search for what was really wrong with her daughter.

This was a heart wrenching story.  Although I really felt for the mother, Jaimie’s relationship (or lack of a relationship) with her father was completely heart breaking.  Having a child who doesn’t want to be touched or hugged, or screaming because of something she smells or sees, is extremely frustrating and difficult.  Many times Mrs. Laird and her husband were told that it was lack of discipline or that it was their fault.  Perhaps if they read this book those people would understand that Mrs. Laird and her husband are doing everything they can for their daughter and that compassion from others is actually what is needed instead of judgment.

Mrs. Laird does a good job documenting her story and Jaimie’s struggles with this disorder.  SPD was not a term I had heard of until recently and awareness definitely needs to be brought to the public’s attention.  Hopefully this book will reach out and make others aware that SPD is real and educate them about what it means to have SPD or to have a child with SPD.   Even though Jaimie now has a diagnosis doesn’t meant that her sensitivities will get better, but it will mean she can get help to learn how to cope with them.  It would be interesting if Mrs. Laird did a follow-up book when Jaimie is older so that the reader can see how she is doing.  Jaimie got into my heart and I would love to know how she learns how to cope as she grows up.

Reviewed on 04/13/2012 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Heather Strauss

Having struggles and successes with a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is an exhausting and bittersweet battle. Chynna Laird has written a heartwarming book from a loving mother's perspective, offering messages of hope and a sense of "you're not alone in this" to the reader who seeks more enlightenment on this somewhat obscure and misunderstood problem.

Often mislabeled in categories such as ADHD, autism, Asbergers, or even "gifted," SPD is a neurological or genetic problem that a child manifests as early as infancy, and which may be progressive up to later years if it's not discovered and facilitated for the child's health and well-being.

The Disorder is often recognized when one or more of the following symptoms occur: a child fails to make eye contact, withdraws from or rejects human contact of any kind including being picked up and hugged even by parents, exhibits hyperactive or underactive behaviors at different times, has a multitude of issues with clothing, fine motor skills, eating foods, smells and noises, making transitions, and going into the outside world in general.  This is simply an example of some or even none of the symptoms!  There are so many things that can also be apparent to trained professions who can help parents seeking care for a child who seems not able to cope.

It is amazing to me how Ms Laird even had a moment's time to write her book! Her precious daughter, Jaimie, has a severe case of SPD requiring nearly constant care and intervention. But her dedication to her daughter, her family of 3 other children, her husband, the therapists and doctors and teachers who worked in tandem to reach her child...and to families who may feel isolated as they wonder what is wrong with their child and how to find help, gifted her with what has to be a Herculean strength to set down a lighted path for others. She is to be highly commended for her efforts and her love for all concerned.

This is a book for parents, family members, teachers and professional care-givers. It's a word of instruction as well as a word of caution and hope. It's a book that deserves a hardback edition and much more acknowledgement!

The only thing I found missing in all her suggestions to parents was an urging to take care of themselves! Strangely enough, Ms Laird doesn't mention taking time out to refresh, recoup and relax so one can be ready to meet the challenges a child with SPD presents. Of all the suggestions...I think this should be high on the list.  I know she recognizes it and surely practices it, as well! 

I hardily recommend this book to anyone interested in SPD, in seekers of "what's wrong with my child," as well as for therapists interested in a teaching tool for parents of SPD children.

It would prove an interesting read for parents having an SPD child being integrated into their child's classroom. And, if you are an adult with similar issues undiagnosed as described above, you may want to read this comprehensive book. I found it most helpful in many respects!

Deb/Your Bookish Dame
 
For more information from Chynna Laird and about SPD visit her at her blog:   http://www.lilywolfwords.ca/

Reviewed on 11/30/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Deborah Previte