What's a Sensory Diet?

An Individualized Plan

A sensory diet, first created by occupational therapists in the early 90's, is an individualized plan of physical activities and accommodations to help a person meet their nervous system's sensory needs.

Sensory Profile

Understanding a child’s sensory profile and the activities which create calmness and regulation can really help when a child feels overwhelmed and out of control. Engaging children in sensory experiences on a regular schedule can support focus, attentiveness and interaction. Children may feel less anxious when they feel comfortable and in control.

Here are some good activities for a sensory diet:

💪 Proprioception:
Push, pull, lift heavy objects Play hopscotch, swim

🤸‍♂️ Vestibular:
Swing, spin, dance

💆‍♀️ Tactile:
Draw, massage, play with textures

🙉 Auditory:
Listen to music, nature sounds

😳 Visual:
Organize spaces, use neutral colors

👃Smell:
Calming scents: Lavender, Vanilla Alerting scents: Peppermint, Citrus

🤤Taste:
Experiment with flavors Include crunchy and chewy foods

Support

I spend a lot of time with parents and kiddos exploring multi-pronged ways in which we can support nervous system regulation. Creating a calm and supportive environment and paying attention to a child's individual sensory needs is so critical.