If you or your child struggle with sensory processing, you may benefit from a sensory diet.

A sensory diet is a personalized plan developed by an occupational therapist that provides sensory input throughout the day to help regulate the nervous system.

The goal of a sensory diet is to meet the sensory needs of an individual and improve their ability to process and respond to sensory information.

Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input from the environment.

Individuals with sensory processing difficulties may be over or under-responsive to sensory input, which can impact their ability to participate in daily activities.

A sensory diet can help provide the right amount and type of sensory input to help an individual better process sensory information and improve their overall functioning.

An occupational therapist can work with you or your child to develop a sensory diet that is tailored to meet specific sensory needs and goals.

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What is a Sensory Diet?

If you or your child has sensory needs, an occupational therapist may recommend a sensory diet.

A sensory diet is a personalized plan that provides sensory input to help regulate the nervous system.

It is not a diet in the traditional sense, but rather a set of activities and strategies that can be incorporated into daily routines to meet sensory needs.

Sensory input can come in many forms, such as touch, movement, sound, sight, and smell.

Some people may seek out certain types of sensory input, while others may avoid them.

An occupational therapist can help identify which types of sensory input are most beneficial for an individual and create a sensory diet that includes activities to provide that input.

A sensory diet can be especially helpful for children with sensory processing difficulties.

By providing the right types of sensory input throughout the day, a sensory diet can help children stay focused, calm, and organized. It can also help reduce sensory overload and prevent meltdowns.

Overall, a sensory diet is a tool that can be used to support individuals with sensory needs.

It is important to work with an occupational therapist to create a personalized plan that meets the individual’s specific sensory needs.

Sensory Processing Issues

If you struggle with sensory processing issues, you may experience a variety of negative reactions to sensory input.

You may feel overstimulated or sluggish, and you may have difficulty processing auditory or tactile input.

These sensory challenges can make it difficult to engage in physical activities and can impact your daily life.

One common type of sensory processing issue is vestibular dysfunction.

This refers to difficulties with the vestibular system, which is responsible for processing information related to balance and movement.

If you have vestibular dysfunction, you may struggle with activities that involve movement, such as walking or running.

Another type of sensory processing issue is auditory processing disorder.

This refers to difficulties with processing and interpreting auditory input.

If you have auditory processing disorder, you may struggle to understand speech in noisy environments or may be easily overwhelmed by loud noises.

Tactile processing issues are also common and can impact how you respond to touch.

If you have tactile processing issues, you may be hypersensitive to certain textures or may struggle with activities that involve touch, such as getting a haircut or wearing certain types of clothing.

Treatment for sensory processing issues often involves a sensory diet, which is a structured set of sensory activities designed to help regulate your sensory system.

This may include activities such as deep pressure massage, vestibular activities, and tactile input.

By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can help improve your ability to process sensory input and reduce negative reactions to sensory challenges.

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Sensory Processing and Sensory Diets

If you have difficulty processing sensory information, you may find it challenging to respond to your environment effectively.

Sensory processing is the way your nervous system receives, interprets, and responds to sensory input from your surroundings.

Sensory diets are a set of activities and strategies designed to meet your sensory needs and help you regulate your sensory system.

A sensory diet can help you stay focused, calm, and alert, and improve your overall functioning.

To create a sensory diet, you need to identify your sensory needs and preferences.

You can work with an occupational therapist to develop a personalized sensory diet that meets your specific needs.

Some sensory strategies that may be included in a sensory diet are:

• Deep pressure activities
• Movement breaks
• Sensory toys and tools
• Calming scents
• Visual supports
• Sensory-friendly environments

It’s essential to remember that sensory diets are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Everyone’s sensory needs are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Sensory processing and sensory diets are essential components of regulating your sensory system and improving your overall functioning.

By identifying your sensory needs and preferences and working with an occupational therapist you can develop a personalized sensory diet, you can create an environment that supports your sensory processing and enhances your daily life.

Types of Sensory Input

When it comes to sensory diet, there are several types of sensory input that can be used to improve sensory processing.

These types of sensory input can be categorized into the following sensory systems:

Proprioceptive Input

Proprioceptive input refers to the sense of body position and movement.

It can be provided through activities that involve heavy work or resistance, such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects.

Examples of proprioceptive input include:

• Carrying a heavy backpack
• Pushing a shopping cart
• Doing wall push-ups
• Jumping on a trampoline

Vestibular Input

Vestibular input refers to the sense of balance and movement.

It can be provided through activities that involve spinning, swinging, or rocking.

Examples of vestibular input include:

• Swinging on a swing
• Spinning in a chair
• Rocking in a rocking chair
• Doing somersaults

Tactile Input

Tactile input refers to the sense of touch.

It can be provided through activities that involve different textures, temperatures, or pressures.

Examples of tactile input include:

• Playing with playdough
• Touching a furry or soft object
• Taking a warm bath or shower
• Using a vibrating massager

Visual Input

Visual input refers to the sense of sight.

It can be provided through activities that involve different colors, patterns, or movements.

Examples of visual input include:

• Watching a lava lamp
• Looking at a picture book
• Staring at a spinning top
• Playing with a kaleidoscope

Auditory Input

Auditory input refers to the sense of hearing.

It can be provided through activities that involve different sounds, volumes, or frequencies.

Examples of auditory input include:

• Listening to music
• Playing with a musical instrument
• Using noise-canceling headphones
• Blowing a whistle

Taste and Smell Input

Taste and smell input refer to the senses of taste and smell.

They can be provided through activities that involve different flavors, smells, or textures.

Examples of taste and smell input include:

• Eating different foods with different flavors and textures
• Smelling different scents, such as essential oils or perfumes
• Chewing gum with different flavors
• Using scented lotions or candles.

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Creating a Sensory Diet

When creating a sensory diet, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences.

A sensory diet is a personalized plan of sensory activities and strategies that can help you regulate your sensory system and improve your overall well-being.

Here are some tips for creating a sensory diet:

Activities

Choose activities that you enjoy and that provide the sensory input you need.

For example, if you need more proprioceptive input, activities such as weightlifting, yoga, or jumping on a trampoline may be helpful.

If you need more vestibular input, activities such as swinging, spinning, or riding a rollercoaster may be beneficial.

Focus

Incorporate sensory activities into your daily routine to help improve your focus and attention.

For example, taking a sensory break every hour or so can help you stay focused and alert.

Sensory breaks can include activities such as deep breathing, stretching, or using a fidget toy.

Sleep

Use sensory activities to help promote better sleep.

Activities such as taking a warm bath, using a weighted blanket, or listening to calming music can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.

Eating

Consider how sensory input affects your eating habits.

If you are sensitive to certain textures or flavors, try incorporating more foods with similar textures or flavors into your diet.

For example, if you enjoy crunchy foods, try adding more carrots or apples to your meals.

Sensory Activities

Incorporate a variety of sensory activities into your daily routine.

Activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep pressure massage can help you regulate your sensory system and improve your overall well-being.

Creating a sensory diet can be a helpful tool for improving your sensory processing and overall well-being.

By incorporating activities that provide the sensory input you need, you can improve your focus, sleep, eating habits, and overall quality of life.

Sensory Diet Activities

When it comes to sensory diet activities, there are a variety of options to choose from based on the specific sensory needs of the individual.

Here are some activities that can be incorporated into a sensory diet:

Proprioception

Proprioceptive activities involve deep pressure and resistance to provide a sense of body awareness.

Some examples include:

• Push-ups and wall push-ups
• Carrying heavy objects
• Squeezing a stress ball or therapy putty
• Climbing or crawling

Vestibular

Vestibular activities involve movement and balance to stimulate the inner ear.

Some examples include:

• Swinging on a swing or hammock
• Spinning or twirling
• Riding a bike or scooter
• Jumping on a trampoline

Tactile

Tactile activities involve touch and texture to provide sensory input.

Some examples include:

• Playing with sensory toys such as slime or playdough
• Exploring different textures such as sand, rice, or beans
• Using a vibrating massager or brush
• Engaging in messy play with finger paints or shaving cream

Visual

Visual activities involve the use of sight to provide sensory input.

Some examples include:

• Watching calming videos or nature scenes
• Using visual schedules or timers to provide structure
• Creating a calm-down corner with visually soothing items such as lava lamps or fiber optic lights

Auditory

Auditory activities involve the use of sound to provide sensory input.

Some examples include:

• Listening to calming music or white noise
• Using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
• Engaging in vocal play such as singing or humming
• Playing with musical instruments or sound machines

Taste and Smell

Taste and smell activities involve the use of taste and smell to provide sensory input.

Some examples include:

• Chewing gum or crunchy snacks
• Using scented lotions or essential oils
• Engaging in cooking or baking activities
• Exploring different tastes and smells through sensory bins or taste tests

Incorporating sensory diet activities into your daily routine can help regulate your sensory system and promote overall well-being. Experiment with different activities to find what works best for you.

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Managing Sensory Issues

As a parent, caregiver, or teacher, managing sensory issues can be challenging.

However, there are several strategies you can use to help children with sensory processing difficulties.

Here are some tips to help manage sensory issues:

Creating a Calm Environment

Creating a calm environment can help children with sensory issues feel more relaxed and in control.

You can create a calm environment by reducing noise levels, using calming colors, and providing comfortable seating.

Additionally, you can use calming activities such as yoga or meditation to help children regulate their emotions.

Providing Sensory Input

Providing sensory input can help children with sensory issues regulate their senses.

You can provide sensory input through activities such as swinging, bouncing on a therapy ball, or using a weighted blanket.

You can also use fidget toys or stress balls to provide tactile input and help children stay focused.

Using Alerting Activities

Alerting activities can help children with sensory issues become more alert and focused.

You can use activities such as jumping jacks or running to provide alerting input.

Use music or bright colors to help children become more alert and focused.

Creating a Safe Space

Creating a safe space can help children with sensory issues feel more secure and in control.

You can create a safe space by using a crash pad or a quiet corner where children can go when they feel overwhelmed.

Also, you can use visual cues such as pictures or symbols to help children understand when they need to take a break.

Managing Transitions

Managing transitions can be difficult for children with sensory issues.

You can help manage transitions by providing visual schedules or countdown timers.

Use calming activities such as deep breathing or stretching to help children transition between activities.

Addressing Sleep Issues

Sleep issues can be common for children with sensory issues.

You can address sleep issues by creating a calming bedtime routine, using a white noise machine, or providing a weighted blanket.

Try to limit screen time before bedtime to help children wind down.

By implementing these strategies, you can help children with sensory issues manage their senses and feel more in control of their environment.

Final Thoughts

If you or your child have difficulty processing sensory information, it can affect your daily life in many ways.

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including resistance to textures, food, and clothing, poor social interactions, and difficulty with attention and learning.

Children with SPD may have trouble with certain environments, such as noisy or crowded places, or may have difficulty with specific sensory information, such as bright lights or certain smells.

They may also be sensory seekers, seeking out certain sensations such as spinning or jumping, or may exhibit sensory-resisting behaviors, such as covering their ears or avoiding certain textures.

Adults with SPD may have similar difficulties but may have developed coping mechanisms or may have learned to avoid certain situations or stimuli.

They may also experience meltdowns or difficulty regulating their emotions in response to sensory overload.

A vestibular sensory diet can be helpful for both children and adults with SPD.

This type of sensory diet includes activities that stimulate the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Activities such as swinging, jumping, and spinning can be beneficial for those with SPD.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s sensory processing is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If you or your child are experiencing sensory issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can help develop a personalized sensory diet to meet your specific needs.

 

Works Cited

How to Create a Sensory Diet – The OT Toolbox

The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Diets – Activities, Templates, and More (harkla.co)

What is a sensory diet? – Autism Awareness (autismawarenesscentre.com)