Sensory Diet
Sensory Diet
A “Sensory Diet” is a common term used for an individualized scheduled program of sensory-motor activities and environmental considerations and modifications. The suggested activities are BUILT INTO EXISTING DAILY ROUTINES, in order to effectively support occupational participation and performance. Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD) have difficulty maintaining a “just right level of arousal” required to adapt to the daily challenges and responsibilities of daily life. Due to an over-aroused or under-aroused nervous system, children with SPD may function above or below the optimal state of attention which prevents them from being able to appropriately meet the demands of society i.e. functional participation in school, sports, social activities, family chores, etc. A Sensory diet must be implemented at regular intervals throughout the day in order to impact thresholds for sensory inputs, assist the child in maintaining a “just right” state of arousal, and prevent episodes of dysfunctional behavior. Activities may be incorporated proactively, and/ or reactively. Some examples of activities and/or equipment used to carry out a Sensory Diet include the following:● Incorporating sour, crunchy or chewy foods into mealtimes ● Drinking thick liquids (i.e. yogurt, applesauce) through a straw during snack ● Oral-motor toys for blowing and sucking, and messy play during bathtime ● Swinging, sliding, rolling, jumping during free play ● Wearing a weighted vest during homework ● Adding weight to one’s backpack when walking to school ● Sitting on an inflated cushion during tabletop tasks
A Sensory Diet is a dynamic program which may change/ be modified with the growing needs of the child, as well as with the caregivers understanding of their child’s sensory cues.