My Feeling Is Different

"My Senses Are Different" is a guide for parents and caregivers to help them deal with sensory processing issues in children.

Parents may notice that their children are picky eaters, sensitive to certain fabrics, or bothered by loud noises or bright lights. What many don't realize is that behind these behaviors lies a different sensory processing experience.

I titled the book "My Senses Are Different" as if the child is saying to their parents and society, "My sense of touch is different."

The book includes a detailed explanation of sensory processing disorder, the difference between a sensory seeker and a sensory avoidant, and the most common challenges faced by children with sensory processing issues.

It also discusses the difficulties a child may face if left untreated and explains the seven sensory systems: touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell, spatial awareness, and the vestibular system (balance).

The book also includes a quick quiz for caregivers, where they answer yes or no questions to determine if a child has a sensory processing issue, along with strategies that can be implemented at home.

Other topics covered include sensory diets, strategies to reduce drooling, the relationship between sensory processing and food, tips for dealing with picky eaters, the difference between sensory and behavioral issues, how to design a sensory room at home, and more.

Dr. Noor Al-Habib is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

She earned her Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy from the United States.

In America, Dr. Noor spent ten years living abroad, but it was a wonderful and enjoyable time despite the bittersweet separation from her family, friends, and homeland.

After graduating with her Master's degree, on the very day she graduated, she received a job offer as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Buffalo, New York, and she accepted.

Her goal was to gain valuable experience and develop an excellent foundation in occupational therapy.

Study alone is not enough; practical experience adds so much.

She loved her work and was settled, going to work every day and learning something new each day, always eager to learn more. Later, she decided to pursue a Doctorate in the same field.

In America, occupational therapy is a well-established specialty, with over a century of history. But what about Saudi Arabia? She didn't know if the specialty was widespread or well-known.

Although she was settled in her job in America, she preferred to leave and return home. Her goal was to serve her country and community, which had always been a priority for her, and she dreamed of seeing occupational therapy grow before her eyes.

She knew she could work anywhere in the world, but working in her homeland and serving her family and community gave her a completely different feeling, which was what she had been searching for and striving for throughout her time abroad.

Today, thank God, Dr. Nour works in Riyadh, the capital, and sees diverse cases of all ages, young and old. She helps them overcome the difficulties they face in their daily lives and trains them to achieve their goals and aspirations in the easiest ways possible. She also receives consultations from both parents and specialists on all matters related to occupational therapy.

Dr. Nour decided... Noor created this guide for mothers, fathers, and caregivers to help them better manage children who appear to have sensory processing difficulties. It is important to note that professional consultation is necessary if a child's sensory processing difficulties are hindering the development of daily living skills.

This guide can be used as a resource at home, in addition to the child's professional therapy sessions.