The importance of a Sensory diet. Does your child need one?

Imagine a child who struggles to focus in class, gets overwhelmed by loud noises, or has difficulty sitting still. These are common challenges that can be rooted in sensory processing difficulties. While these challenges can be frustrating, there’s a powerful tool that can help: a sensory diet.

What Is a Sensory Diet?

A sensory diet is not a diet in the traditional sense. It’s a personalized plan of sensory activities that help children regulate their sensory systems in order to improve their ability to focus, learn, and interact with their environment. Think of it as a “sensory meal,” or “snacks” through the day that provide the right amount of sensory input to help children feel balanced and ready to learn.

Why Do Kids Need a Sensory Diet?

Some children have sensory processing difficulties, meaning their brains have trouble interpreting and responding to sensory information within their environment. This can make it difficult for kiddos to regulate their bodies and may be expressed though certain behaviors and reactions. Following are some expressions and characteristics that may be seen:

• Sensory Overload: Feeling overwhelmed by sights, sounds, smells, textures, or movement.
• Sensory Seeking: Constantly seeking out sensory input, such as spinning, jumping, or chewing.
• Sensory Under-Responsiveness: Having difficulty noticing or responding to sensory input, such as being unaware of pain or temperature changes.

Creating a Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is tailored to each child’s individual needs and preferences. You may find that something that works one day may not work the next, so having a variety of tools and strategies may be the best approach. When setting up a sensory diet, it is important to incorporate your kiddo’s preferred input with the input that your kiddo may need to work on accepting. It’s a matter of finding a balance between helping your child regulate their bodies while still challenging their sensory system. Try to be consistent, build a routine, and draw from a toolbox of activities to bring variety and interest. Here are some examples of sensory activities that may be included in a sensory diet:

• Proprioceptive Input: Activities that involve deep pressure, such as heavy work, hugging, or using weighted blankets.
• Oral Motor Input: Activities involving blowing through a straw, chewing gum, or having crunchy snacks.
• Tactile Input: Activities that involve touch, such as playing with Play-Doh, sand, or textured objects.
• Vestibular Input: Activities that involve movement and balance, such as swinging, spinning, or rocking.
• Auditory Input: Activities that involve sound, such as listening to calming music or nature sounds.
• Visual Input: Activities that involve sight, such as looking at calming pictures or videos.
• Olfactory input: Activities or scents that stimulate input to the sense of smell. Check out our article “The Sense of Smell and How it Relates to Sensory Regulation,” to get more ideas regarding the sense of smell.

An Example of a Sensory Diet:

The following example is a very brief and general run-down of the components of what a day’s sensory diet may look like. Check out our article “Comprehensive Example of a Sensory Diet for a 6-Year-Old boy,” for a detailed example of what a sensory diet may look like for the following scenario.

Child: A 6-year-old boy with sensory processing difficulties who struggles to focus in school.

Sensory Diet:

• Morning: Provided opportunities for deep pressure using a weighted blanket while reading a book.
• Before School: Jump on a trampoline to provide vestibular input.
• During School: Use sensory breaks, calming visuals, and/or headphones to accommodate sensory needs
• After School: Incorporate swinging, jumping, and/or tactile play such as Play-doh.
• Evening: Listen to calming music while taking a warm bath.

Remember

• A sensory diet is a personalized plan, so what works for one child may not work for another.
• The time and frequency of sensory input or activities within a sensory diet may vary as well.
• Be patient and consistent with the sensory diet. It may take time for your child to see the benefits.
• It would be beneficial to consult with an occupational therapy practitioner to help create a sensory diet that is tailored to your child’s specific needs.

By providing your child with a sensory diet, you can help them regulate their sensory systems, improve their ability to focus, learn, and thrive.

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