Bringing sensory differences into kids’ books with Lindsey Rowe Parker

In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently

From the colors of the classroom to the noises of the playground, school can be overwhelming for kids with sensory processing challenges. One author has turned these experiences into a new picture book. The book aims to help kids who have trouble processing sensory information.

In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek talk with Lindsey Rowe Parker, author of Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes: Calming My Jitters at School. It’s the second in a series of picture books about sensory differences for kids.

Lindsey was a child with sensory differences. And now she’s a parent to a daughter with autism and a son who is neurodivergent.

Lindsey begins by reading a section of the book. Then she talks about the importance of representation in children’s books. She also shares some of the sensory challenges she faced as a kid, and other real-life stories she included in the book.

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.

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Related resources

• Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes: Calming My Jitters at School
• Sensory processing challenges fact sheet
• Surviving the holidays with sensory processing challenges
• Summer survival guide: Hacks to help your family thrive

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give