Sensory diets: what’s it all about?
In therapy speak, a sensory diet is a tailored plan of activities and accommodations designed to meet a child’s sensory needs and help maintain them in an optimal level of nervous system arousal throughout the day in order to participate and perform at their best.
It’s not just about fidgets and spinning on swings at intervals throughout the day. It’s about
about being thoughtful and intentional about the environments we live, work and play; the activities we participate in, our daily routine, and the mechanisms we have in place to proactively and reactively tend to our nervous systems.
What is your child naturally seeking? What are they naturally avoiding? Follow these cues and layer in more of what helps and remove more of what seems to harm. Then repeat. Our “sensory diet” will include some key components and will also vary from day to day.
In this article, I'll explain what a sensory diet is, why it can be beneficial, and how it can be implemented at home or in the classroom.
What Is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a carefully designed set of activities that provide the sensory input a child needs throughout the day to stay focused, organized, and in control. Just like a balanced nutritional diet is tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of an individual, a sensory diet is customized to address the unique sensory needs of each child.
These activities are not random. They are strategically selected to either calm or alert the child’s nervous system depending on what is needed at any given time. For example, a child who has trouble sitting still might benefit from activities that provide proprioceptive input (like pushing or pulling heavy objects), while a child who is easily overwhelmed might need calming sensory experiences (like deep pressure or slow, rhythmic movement).
Why Are Sensory Diets Important?
For children with sensory processing difficulties, the world can be an overwhelming place. Sounds might be too loud, lights too bright, or certain fabrics too itchy. On the other hand, some children might crave sensory input to the point that they are constantly seeking movement or touch. These sensory needs can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate, learn, and interact with others.
A sensory diet helps to regulate these sensory needs, providing the right amount of input at the right times. When implemented consistently, a sensory diet can help:
Improve focus and attention: Sensory activities can help a child become more alert or calm, depending on what they need to focus on tasks.
Reduce sensory-related behaviors: A well-balanced sensory diet can decrease the frequency and intensity of sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviors.
Enhance self-regulation: By learning to recognize and meet their own sensory needs, children can develop better self-regulation skills.
How to Implement a Sensory Diet
Consult with an Occupational Therapist: The first step in creating a sensory diet is to consult with an occupational therapist who can assess the child's sensory processing needs. They will work with you to develop a plan that includes specific activities tailored to your child's unique sensory profile.
Incorporate Activities into the Daily Routine: Sensory diets work best when they are part of the child’s daily routine. For example, a child might start the day with a few minutes of jumping on a trampoline to wake up their system, or take a sensory break during school by chewing gum or using a fidget tool.
Use a Variety of Sensory Inputs: A sensory diet should include a range of activities that provide different types of sensory input. This might include:
Proprioceptive Input: Activities that involve heavy work, like carrying a heavy backpack, pushing a weighted cart, or squeezing a stress ball.
Vestibular Input: Activities that involve movement, like swinging, spinning, or rolling.
Tactile Input: Activities that involve touch, like playing with textured materials, finger painting, or using a sensory bin.
Oral Input: Chewing crunchy or chewy foods, blowing bubbles, or using a straw to drink thick liquids.
Monitor and Adjust as Needed: Sensory needs can change over time, so it’s important to monitor how the child responds to the sensory diet and adjust activities as needed. Regular check-ins with the occupational therapist can help ensure that the sensory diet continues to meet the child’s needs.
Tips for Success
Be Consistent: The key to a successful sensory diet is consistency. Try to incorporate sensory activities into your child’s routine every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
Involve the Child: Whenever possible, involve the child in choosing sensory activities. This can help them become more aware of their own sensory needs and learn to advocate for themselves.
Communicate with Educators: If your child is following a sensory diet at home, it’s important to communicate with their teachers so that similar strategies can be used in the classroom.
Conclusion
A sensory diet is a powerful tool that can make a significant difference in the lives of children with sensory processing challenges. By providing the right sensory input at the right times, a sensory diet can help children feel more regulated, focused, and ready to take on the world. If you think your child might benefit from a sensory diet, I encourage you to reach out to an occupational therapist to get started.
