The world of sensory processing can be a confusing place. 1 in 15 school-aged children experience sensory differences. Despite an advancing body of research and a quickly expanding body of knowledge, those children and families living with sensory differences often feel misunderstood, and at a loss for how to communicate to others what they are going through and what they need. I hope this book brings you connection… to your child, to your student, your client, or your friend. I hope you can find in Ovis, and in his family, a character to whom you can relate. In addition, I want these stories and pictures to spark a lightbulb (and a chuckle) that help you to see an everyday challenge that you or someone you love may have encountered, a little more clearly.

There is no official medical diagnosis of sensory processing disorder. However, sensory challenges are a part of many existing diagnoses and regardless of diagnosis or “condition,” our human experience makes us sensory beings. By reading to children we support various sensory systems and create a nurturing welcoming place for them to feel connected, both to themselves and to other people. This alone is a good place to start when trying to support a child with sensory processing differences.

I look forward to sharing more stories of Ovis and hope you will share with me your stories of Ovis in your life!

Kelly Beins
Author and Occupational Therapist