Sensitive Sam

by Marla Roth-Fisch

2009
Future Horizons, Inc.

Sensitive Sam is a cute little book about a little boy with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Every page consists of a quatrain describing events in the life of a child who is having trouble dealing with things which don't bother most people. Mrs. Roth-Fisch completes the book with her excellent illustrations of Sam as he deals with dressing, eating, and going to school. Sam begins working with an occupational therapist, and with some changes in his routine at home and school, he is soon learning to grow and learn in school.

This book is excellent on several levels. First, it could help the child with SPD see that others have the same challenges, and that they can be overcome. Second, this book could help explain to other children in Sam's family - or class - what SPD is, and how they could help their sibling or friend. This book will help all children understand that SPD should not be frightening, and that it is treatable with a bit of work, and a lot of love.

This book reminded me of some of the issues we had with Theodore, such as his preference for only wearing short pants. This was not a big problem when we lived in San Antonio, and while he was young, but after moving up to the Dallas/Fort Worth area it took a while to get him accustomed to wearing long pants. He also had a lot of food preferences; vegetables were a challenge for him, and he ate ketchup with just about everything. Just like Sam, Theodore managed with a lot of patience and love - especially from Carolyn.

The end of the book has a glossary and a list of websites for those interested in reading more about Sensory Processing Disorder. I recommend this book without reservation for those families with a child with SPD, and also for grade schools. ( )