Sensory diets control exposure to specific sensations for individuals with sensory integration dysfunction. People suffering from this neurological condition experience an abnormal chemical reaction to sensory input, resulting in disruptive emotional and behavioral responses. A sensory diet is designed to minimize negative behaviors and improve function by scheduling specific activities to produce calm or develop new sensory skills in the affected individual.
Condition
Sensory integration dysfunction is a brain disorder affecting at least 5 percent of the population. The condition occurs most often in those with autism, attention deficit disorders, fragile X syndrome, and the intellectually gifted. Sufferers of SID appear to experience either muted or exaggerated chemical reactions in the brain to specific sensory stimulation. There is no cure for the condition, but behavioral therapy is known to help alleviate symptoms and improve function. according to the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Treatment
The sensory diet is a form of behavioral therapy and is the best known treatment for SID. The diet is typically designed by an occupational therapist based on observations of the individual and input from family and caregivers. A schedule of events is planned to ensure the right forms of sensory stimulation are provided in manageable quantities throughout the day. Specific stressful exposures are included at appropriate intervals to help to develop sensory integration skills. The desired outcome of treatment is more consistently appropriate behavior and long term sensory processing improvement. (See References 2)
Application
Affected individuals benefit most when sensory diets are implemented universally. The diet can be used as an effective tool at home, in the classroom, at work, and in the community. Occupational therapists commonly train parents, teachers, and caregivers to continue therapy outside of the clinical setting. SID sufferers may learn the skills to regulate their own reactions to sensation by using the diet independently. Experts strongly recommend a whole-life approach to sensory diet treatment, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Efficacy
Some experts believe sensory diets are a highly effective means of regulating agitation and creating a more socially acceptable pattern of behavior in all individuals, but others disagree. The effectiveness of sensory diets in adults is particularly suspect. Professionals argue sensory integration therapy was designed for use in children and is effective in this age group because the brain is still developing. Critics claim there is little evidence that the diet provides long term benefits after childhood, according to Pacific University.
Risks
Sensory diets must be designed to meet the specific needs of each affected person and must undergo constant re-evaluation to prevent serious negative reactions. Overexposure to problematic sensory stimulation can result in negative behaviors and more severe difficulty interacting with the individual's environment. A sensory diet may interfere with balance and may manifest in physical symptoms such as nausea in severe SID, where sensitivities to stimulus are extreme. Gentle implementation of the diet is recommended to avoid creating an undesired stress response.
References
- University of Alaska Anchorage Early Childhood Mental Health Institute
- U.S. National Guidelines Clearinghouse: Use of Sensory Diet in Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Pacific University: What is the Best Use and Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Theory with Adults Who Have Chronic Mental Illness?
