Review
------
"This is an excellent resource book that clearly explains
sensory systems and sensory integration and how to identify
problems in this area for individuals with autism. There are
checklists to help identify concerns, and it is full of practical
suggestions for activities for specific difficulties, strategies
for challenging behaviors, and adaptations in a variety of
settings." --Geneva Centre for Autism
"The how-to book on sensory integration that we have been wishing
and waiting for." --Autism National Committee
Each time I open my copy of Building Bridges through Sensory
Integration to reread, say, a suggestion for teaching a child
with poor self-regulation, a definition of occupational therapy,
or strategies for sitting in a circle, I thank Paula, Ellen, and
Shirley for writing this classic. The book is "just right" (as
Dr. Ayres would say) because it has almost everything a parent,
teacher, or professional needs to know about supporting children
with sensory issues. Now that the book has been updated and
reorganized, there is even more to applaud.Thank you, Paula,
Ellen, and Shirley, for putting your heads together to produce
this wonderful, necessary book. This revised version is the best
yet! -- from the foreword by Carol Stock Kranowitz, MA
About the Author
----------------
Paula Aquilla loves the practice of Occupational Therapy and
Osteopathy! She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and
has practiced in a variety of clinical, home and community
settings since 1986. Paula is also an osteopathic manual
practitioner and specializes in paediatrics. She is the director
of Aquilla Occupational Therapy; a family oriented practice that
is full of fun and learning! Paula was the founder and was the
director of Yes I Can! Nursery School, Yes I Can! Summer camps
and the I Love My Baby programs in Toronto from 1990-1996. She
was the founding director of Giant Steps, Toronto. Paula
currently consults to the Muki Baum Centres in Toronto
and she consults to many school in Toronto. She teaches
throughout Canada, the United States, Australia, the UK, and
India. Her practice encompasses all types of children and young
adults and her specialty is sensory integration therapy. Paula
has been a guest lecturer for the University of Toronto, McMaster
University and Humber College. She is published in the field: she
is a co-author of Building Bridges through Sensory Integration:
Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism and other
Developmental Disorders (1998) and is a contributor to Children,
Youth and Adults with Asperger's Syndrome. Paula has contributed
to other magazines and special interest newsletters in Canada,
the US and the UK. She is the technical editor for the SI Focus
Magazine. Paula brings warmth and enthusiasm in her work with
children and their families. Aquilla Occupational Therapy
Services was established in 1990. Ellen Yack M.Ed., B.Sc.OT, OT
Reg.(Ont.) is an occupational therapist who possesses a unique
combination of expertise in the areas of clinical work,
consultation, education and public speaking. Ellen has practiced
as an occupational therapist since 1979 and has a Masters Degree
in Education. She is internationally recognized for her expertise
in sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders. Ellen's
other areas of expertise include developmental coordination
disorder, global developmental delay, attention deficit disorders
and learning disabilities. She is one of the co-authors of
Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Occupational
Therapy for Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders which
won a Teachers Choice Award for Best Special Education Classroom
Resource. Ellen is also a contributor to the book Children, Youth
and Adults with Asperger Syndrome. Shirley Sutton (BSc, OT
Reg(Ont)) is a private occupational therapist helping children
and youth with long and short term developmental disabilities,
and adults with developmental disabilities. She also offers
in-services and workshops on a variety of topics related to play,
behavior, gross and fine motor development, and sensory
integration. Registered with the College of Occupational
Therapists of Ontario, and is a member of the Ontario Society of
Occupational Therapists, The American Association of Occupational
Therapists, and Autism Ontario. As a music, movement and drama
teacher for 25 years (1976-2001), Carol observed many out-of-sync
preschoolers. To help them become more competent in their work
and play, she began to study sensory processing and sensory
integration ("SI") theory. She learned to help identify her young
students' needs and to steer them into early intervention. In
writings and workshops, she explains to parents, educators, and
other early childhood professionals how sensory issues play out -
and provides fun and functional techniques for addressing them at
home and school. She is best-known for her book, The Out-of-Sync
Child, which has sold more than 600,000 copies (September
2013).Over 400 sponsors have brought Carol to their communities
for presentations, both in the United States and abroad --
including Australia, Canada, England, India, Indonesia, Ireland,
Japan, Mexico, and Singapore. (Click http:
//out-of-sync.child.com/about-carol/sponsors-of-carols-presentations/if
you are curious.)To help families, teachers, and professionals
understand SPD in children, she has authored several books,
manuals and other publications.