Sensory diets effectively treat children with sensory integration disorders through sensory stimulation. The diets limit exposure to stressful stimulation in order to help a child maintain function throughout the day. Controlled exposure to unpleasant sensations is used to help desensitize children and develop sensory integration skills. Experts believe the diet is especially beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers.
Integration
Sensory integration refers to the biochemical process of the central nervous system occurring in response to sensory stimulation. Each sight, sound, smell, touch and taste generates a chemical response in the brain that is specific to every individual. These chemicals indicate whether exposure to a sensation is pleasant or uncomfortable and can effect overall mood and behavior. Toddlers build sensory integration skills through exposure to sensory input.
Disorders
Sensory integration disorders occur when the brain's response to certain stimuli is either excessive or insufficient. Toddlers can exhibit negative mood and severe behavioral responses because of over-stimulation of the central nervous system or under-stimulation. Affected children might avoid exposure to certain stimulus such as foods to prevent distressing sensations. Children with diminished sensory responsiveness might seek out sensory input by mouthing objects or aggressive touching. The child's goal is to escape agitation or self-soothe when agitation has occurred.
Age
Sensory diets were created specifically for young children with developing central nervous systems. Adults might benefit from a sensory diet, but experts still regard early intervention as most beneficial. In addition to possible neurological changes that might occur as a result of therapy, young children are best suited to acquire habits that will help them cope with sensory integration difficulties throughout life.
Treatment
Sensory diets are typically created by occupational therapists to address the specific processing challenges of an affected child. Experts encourage families to take part in the design and implementation of the diet to ensure its use in all environments for the widest benefit to children. Consistency is key to developing appropriate coping habits. Unpleasant sensations should be introduced slowly and used in moderation to achieve desensitization without causing stress in the toddler.
Access
Access to treatment services for sensory integration disorders is guaranteed from birth to age 21 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004. Federal regulations require states to provide intervention services such as the sensory diet to children with special needs at no cost to parents. This law is enforceable even when state law or local policies attempt to bypass the obligation. Parents should contact a local disabilities rights group if their toddler is refused sensory integration therapy by local agencies.
References
- University of Kansas Medical Center: The Impact of Sensory Processing Abilities on the Daily Lives of Young Children and Their Families--A Conceptual Model
- Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience: Parasympathetic Functions in Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
- U.S.National Guidelines Clearinghouse: Use of Sensory Diet in Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004
