Sensory Diet

A “sensory diet” is a personalized activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused and organized throughout the day in a structured way. People of all ages with varying levels of sensory issues can benefit for a sensory diet. We all use sensory diets in our own way during the day, from drinking our cup of coffee in the morning, to chewing gum or snacking while starring at the computer, to hot baths at the end of the day to de-stress. In the same way, an occupational therapist will create a structured schedule to offer children activities that will help there body “wake up” or “slow down” so that they can function appropriately throughout the day.

All people are “wired” differently, this is what makes us unique! Our nervous system regulates the sensory input we experience throughout the day and has the job of filtering important from non-important, safe from not safe input. Sometimes these messages are “scrambled,” which leads to arousal levels that can be “too high,” “just right,” or “too low.” When we are “too high” our body is constantly on the move, we are fidgety and we can’t focus and complete the tasks. When we are “too low” our body is tired and we can’t focus and get up and moving. The job of a sensory diet is to use sensory tools to help regulate our nervous system so that we are “just right” so that we can focus and complete our task. For example when a child is “too high,” their therapist may suggest to squish between pillows or complete 10 frog jumps to help slow the child’s body. If the child is to low the occupational therapist may suggest jumping on a trampoline or swinging to wake them up.

Typically I suggest trying to complete some of the listed activities for 10-15 minutes every couple hours at home. Please consult with your occupational therapist because it is important that the type of input a child is getting depends on their arousal level. Many times it is great to complete tasks before and after school hours to help improve focus and transitions.

High arousal tools:

• Lying under a weighted blanket or stack of pillows and blankets for deep pressure.
• Wearing a weighted or compression vest ( ask your therapist about one before buying).
• Help put away heavy groceries or carry laundry basket.
• Wear a backpack that has a couple books in it for weight.
• Wheelbarrow walk, bear walk, push-ups, sit-ups.
• Tug of war games.
• Roll self up in a blanket like a burrito

• Jumping on a trampoline or into a pile of pillows.
• Swing
• Spinning on a sit-n-spin or log roll down the hallways.
• Bouncing on a therapy ball
• Drinking or eating something with a strong flavor (such as sour)

Also check out – What is Occupational Therapy  and Take it Outside