Description
“Max and Me, A Story about Sensory Processing” tells the story of a child’s first days at school.
Each day gets harder for him as he struggles to cope with the noise, lights and activities of a busy school day. One day he has had enough.. “ I hate school, I don’t want to go back!” That’s when his mum tells him about Max – his modulator.
The story offers an explanation of how sensory information is processed using the analogy of a ‘modulator’, who, living in the brain has the job of receiving messages from the senses and then deciding the best thing for the body to do. Once he gets to know his modulator and how to work together with him, things start to go better for him… that is, until Max falls asleep!
Why this book?
‘Max and Me’ uses a simplified, jargon–free analogy of a ‘modulator’ who sits in the brain of a child as he begins school. The modulator (Max) receives messages from all the senses and is responsible for processing them to produce an appropriate response.
‘Max and Me’ is the first book that describes the neurology (what’s happening in the brain) in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and not just the behavioural responses. This helps children, parents and teachers understand the disorder and put the behaviour in context so the child does not feel to blame.
Solutions are also offered to help moderate the speed of messages going into the modulator so the child can participate fully in home and school life.
It is hoped that the book would open up discussion between you and the child about their own needs and most importantly take away any feelings of blame from the child.
An Occupational Therapist can help you choose the right sensory activities for your child and their modulator.
Written by Inés Lawlor
