A sensory diet, or plan of stimulating sensory activities, must be created for your child by an occupational therapist (OT). A sensory diet, which isn't just about food, is a program to treat sensory processing disorder, formerly called sensory integration disorder. This disorder impacts the way the brain manages sensory information. Difficulty processing sensory information may cause clumsiness, behavioral challenges, depression and problems at school or work. Sensory diets include activities and stimulation integrated into daily life, supervised by teachers, parents and caregivers.
Heavy Motor Activities
Heavy motor or proprioceptive stimulation relies upon weight or pressure. Activities might include pushing, lifting or jumping, using heavy objects or your child's weight. She may benefit from a weighted vest or blanket to apply consistent pressure. In the classroom, encourage her to stack chairs, clean the chalkboard or move desks to provide proprioceptive stimulation without drawing additional attention.
Oral Activities
Many children with sensory processing disorder require additional oral stimulation. Foods can provide much of that input. Crisp, crunchy foods including celery, carrots or pretzel sticks may be one choice, while other kids do better with gummy candy, licorice or other chewy foods. Frozen foods or foods that combine hot and cold may also provide valuable stimulation. Straws and tubes designed for chewing may be helpful in some cases. If your child struggles with oral defensiveness, he may benefit from exploring food textures with his hands before trying to eat new foods.
Touch
Tactile activities are integrated into most sensory diets. Boxes of beans or rice, sand and water play all fit easily into most children's daily lives, as do clay or other sculpting doughs. Your occupational therapist may recommend a brushing protocol and teach you and your child's caregivers how to perform this using a soft brush to provide your child with additional tactile stimulation.
Movement
Vestibular movement, defined as that based on stimulation, can help some children organize sensory input. Swinging, rolling, performing somersaults and riding a bike or scooter can provide this type of stimulation. A visit to the playground or gymnastics classes, or a family bicycle ride can fit movement into your child's day with ease.
Energizing or Alerting
Some children with sensory processing disorder are lethargic and require additional stimulation to remain alert and focused. Drinking cold water, cool cloths, jumping, running in place or marching can help these kids to perk up and stay on task. Brighter lighting and loud, energetic music can also help to stimulate these children.
References
- Sensory Smarts: Sensory Diet Activities
- DevelopmentalDelay.net: Sensory Diet and Classroom Modification
- Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation: Sensory Processing Disorder Explained
- Virgina Deparment of Education: What's on the Menu for Your Sensory Diet?
- "The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder"; Carol Kranowitz, Lucy Jane Miller; 2006
