Children with sensory integration dysfunction commonly benefit from pediatric sensory diets that regulate the volume and types of stimulation a child is exposed to throughout the day. Calming activities are included to minimize anxiety and negative behaviors. Challenging activities are used to teach coping and desensitize the child to upsetting sensory input. The ultimate treatment goal of sensory diets is the acquisition of sensory processing skills.
Dysfunction
Sensory integration dysfunction, or SID, also known as sensory processing disorder, is a neurological inability to process stimulation of the senses appropriately. SID is a biological condition resulting from an abnormal chemical response to sensory stimuli. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources reports individuals with SID suffer developmental delays, behavioral symptoms and learning impairments. SID is associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit disorder, and many other brain disorders.
Stimuli
Sensory stimuli refers to any information received through sound, sight, touch, taste or smell. Each stimulus creates a chemical response in the brain. Sensory diets affect behavior and function by controlling the release of chemicals produced in response to a specific stimulus, according to the Virginia Department of Education. Regulating sensory stimuli according to an individual's heightened or diminished responsiveness is key to keeping neurological activity consistently functional throughout the child's day.
Personalization
Each pediatric sensory diet is designed by an occupational therapist to fit the needs of the individual child. Sensory integration problems differ dramatically from person to person and can include both over-reaction to some sensation and under-responsiveness to others. What calms one child can trigger negative behaviors in another. Experts strongly recommend collaboration between therapists and caregivers to produce the most beneficial sensory diet for each individual.
Activities
Activities included in a pediatric sensory diet will reflect the sensory regulation needs of the individual. Authors Tina Champagne and Nan Stromberg, in a 2004 issue of "The Journal of Psychosocial Nursing," report that sensory diets may include the use of special rooms, blankets, aromatherapy and more. The use of weighted blankets and skin-brushing can be helpful for children with diminished responsiveness. Some children benefit from activities as simple as chewing gum or listening to ambient music.
Treatment
Pediatric sensory diets are most effective when used throughout the day and evening regardless of environment. Experts encourage caregivers and therapists to coordinate efforts so the diet is implemented consistently in the school, home or community setting. This universal approach to sensory regulation helps maintain positive mood, behavior and function in all areas of life and offers the best chance for developing and maintaining skills.
References
- U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse: Best Evidence Statement
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Virginia Department of Education: Sample of a Sensory Diet
- "Journal of Psychosocial Nursing"; Sensory Approaches in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings; Tina Champagne, MEd, OTR/L and Nan Stromberg, MSN, RN, CS; September 2004
