pickMy almost 10 year old really liked the book. She liked learning about Willa‘s struggles with Sensory Processing Disorder (her Autistic brother has SPD & it helped her understand him). The story is told from Willa‘s perspective. I am a little more critical than my daughter, so it‘s a low pick for me. I do feel that representation matters & there needs to be more stories for kids about all kinds of disorders & disabilities. But…
ncsufoxes I also feel that this story is written from someone with privilege. Many kids do not get to see an OT just for SPD. SPD is not a medical diagnosis & it‘s difficult to get OT paid for through your insurance (depends on your insurance too). My son did have OT & some of his therapy focused on his SPD but he was found to have motor delays which allowed him to qualify for therapy. In the book Willa gets OT twice a week, meaning her parents are able to 2d
ncsufoxes afford the out of pocket cost. Many families can‘t afford that. Which kids reading this might wonder why they can‘t get the same therapy that Willa finds so helpful. I wish every kid with SPD had better access to therapy, it is very beneficial. We were very lucky to have great therapists over the years to provide us with access & info. Therapists are also stretching the lines sometimes in order to help families but they are very limited. Not every 2d
ncsufoxes therapist has the same views. We had one therapist with one medical group flat out say our son didn‘t need anything (as he was sensory seeking & running circles around the clinic, this was over a few “consultation” sessions). 2d
IriDas I agree about the place of privilege. It is frustrating when books present the ability to access services as a thing easily attained. So many of them do not present the fight parents have to engage in just to try to get services. 2d
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