Sensory Diets Explained: A Guide to Helping Kids Stay Regulated and Engaged
Every child processes the world through their senses, but some need extra support to stay focused, calm, and engaged. A sensory diet provides personalised activities that help children regulate their sensory input, promoting better emotional control, learning, and participation in daily life.
What is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a carefully curated set of activities that provide the specific sensory input a child needs to regulate their nervous system.
This might include activities that stimulate, calm, or both, depending on the child's unique sensory profile. These activities are typically prescribed by an occupational therapist after an assessment.
Why is it Important?
A sensory diet plays a crucial role in supporting a child’s development and daily functioning. Here are some key benefits:
Helps children focus on tasks such as learning and socialising.
Supports emotional regulation and reduces meltdowns.
Enhances participation in daily activities at home and school.
Encourages skill-building in motor coordination, attention, and sensory integration.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Sensory Diet
If your child shows some of the following behaviors, they may benefit from a sensory diet to help regulate their responses to sensory input:
Difficulty focusing in noisy or chaotic environments.
Sensitivity to textures, lights, or sounds.
Seeking excessive movement (e.g., running, jumping).
Frequent meltdowns or shutdowns.
Difficulty sitting still for tasks like schoolwork or mealtime.
Creating a Sensory Diet
To create an effective sensory diet, it's important to follow these steps to ensure it meets your child's unique needs and supports their development:
Assess Needs: Understand your child’s specific sensory needs (Your OT can help)
Incorporate Regular Activities: Make sensory activities part of your child's daily routine at home, school, and during play.
Monitor and Adjust: A sensory diet should be flexible & adjusted as your child grows.
Types of Sensory Input in a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet incorporates various types of sensory input to help regulate your child’s nervous system.
Here are some common types of sensory input and example activities:
Proprioceptive (Body Awareness): Deep pressure, heavy lifting, and pushing/pulling activities that give a sense of where your body is in space.
Bear hugs, pushing a heavy cart, playing tug-of-war.Vestibular (Movement): Activities that involve balance and movement, like swinging or spinning.
Swinging, jumping on a trampoline, rocking in a chair.Tactile (Touch): Incorporating different textures to engage or calm the child.
Playing with textured materials, sand play, or brushing protocols.Oral Sensory: Oral input such as chewing or sucking, which can help calm or alert the body.
Drinking through a straw, chewing gum, or eating crunchy foods.Auditory and Visual Input: Using sound and sight to stimulate or calm.
Noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces, or visual schedules.
Example Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a powerful tool to help children regulate their sensory systems, improving focus, emotional control, and participation in daily life.
By tailoring activities to your child’s unique sensory profile, you can foster their growth, well-being, and success in various environments. With the support of an occupational therapist, a sensory diet can become an essential part of helping your child thrive.
