What is a Sensory Diet? Examples of Sensory Diet Activities

What is a Sensory Diet?

A sensory diet is not what it sounds like—no it’s not a food diet! Instead, it refers to a personalized set of sensory-enriched activities designed to help children regulate their sensory needs. Whether a child is overstimulated or understimulated, a sensory diet is tailored to their unique needs to improve focus, emotional regulation, and engagement in everyday tasks. Sensory diets are often recommended by occupational therapists to support children with diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.

The OT Latina Amazon Storefront

How a Sensory Diet Works

For children who are high-energy and overstimulated—often displaying hyperactive behaviors that make it hard for them to focus—an occupational therapist will create a sensory diet. This plan might include activities like swinging, jumping, or climbing to help the child burn off excess energy and improve self-regulation. These activities help prepare them for seated tasks that require concentration, such as doing schoolwork, eating, or getting dressed.

On the other hand, sensory diets also support children who are underresponsive to sensory input. These children might have difficulty with motor coordination or may not respond to loud noises or their name being called. The sensory diet helps stimulate their senses and improve their awareness of their surroundings.

Types of Sensory Needs

Children typically fall into one of three categories when it comes to sensory needs:

1. Sensory Seekers: These children crave sensory input. They may frequently seek out movement, touch, or even specific tastes. For example, they may enjoy spinning, climbing, or playing with different textures.
2. Sensory Avoiders: These children are more sensitive to sensory input and often avoid certain stimuli. They may dislike loud noises, being touched, or interacting with certain textures like rough fabrics or sticky foods.
3. Sensory Underresponsive: These children may not respond to sensory stimuli as expected. They could have difficulty with motor coordination, may not react to loud sounds, or seem unaware of their own body in space.

Why Sensory Diets are Important

A sensory diet is a powerful tool for children across these categories. Our senses shape the way we experience the world, and for children with unique sensory needs, daily activities can become overwhelming or difficult. For example, you might relate to a personal sensory quirk like disliking the sticky feeling of pumpkin guts during carving. Imagine if that level of discomfort affected many aspects of your day—this is what children with sensory challenges face regularly.

Incorporating sensory activities tailored to a child’s specific needs helps them better navigate their environment, improving their ability to engage in tasks like self-care, learning, and social interactions. A well-designed sensory diet can significantly enhance their quality of life.

Examples of Sensory Diet Activities

Tactile

• Searching for toys hidden in a bucket of raw beans: Recommended for sensory seekers or sensory underresponsive children.
• Tactile Sensory Kit: Best for children who are sensory seekers or sensory underresponsive
• Weighted soft bear/toy: Recommended for sensory-avoidant children.
• Fidget toys: Recommended for sensory seekers or sensory underresponsive children.

Movement

• Spinning on a sensory swing: Recommended for sensory seekers or sensory underresponsive children.
• Slow back and forth swinging: Recommended for sensory avoidant, sensory seekers, and underresponsive children.
• Scooter board play: Recommended for sensory seekers and underresponsive children.
• Gentle rocking back and forth in a rocking chair: Recommended for sensory-avoidant children.

Pressure

• Weighted blanket: Recommended for high-energy children for calming.
• Compression garment: Recommended for underresponsive children to improve awareness of their body in space.
• Joint compressions or squeezes: Recommended for sensory seekers and sensory-avoidant children.

Lighting

• Bubble lamps or lights: Recommended for sensory avoidant and sensory seekers to provide a calm environment for improved regulation.
• Projection lamps or lights: Recommended for sensory avoidant, sensory seekers, or sensory underresponsive children.

(Warning: lights may have an impact on children who have epilepsy or seizures, so always consult with a professional before installing new lighting.)