Sensory processing is the organisation of sensory input received from the body and the environment for use in daily life. Children with sensory-processing challenges have specific sensory issues that can negatively affect their quality of learning at home and in school.
A Sensory Diet is a personalised activity plan designed by an Occupational Therapist trained in sensory integration therapy. It provides sensory input at home and in the classroom to meet a child’s needs.
Examples of Sensory Diet Activities for children:
Touch
- Deep pressure massage
- “Sandwich” between pillows
- Messy play (e.g. foam, paint, glitter glue)
Movement
- Climb ladders
- Trampoline
- Wheelbarrow walk
- Swings
- Slides
Listening
- Favourite music
- White noise tracks
- Therapeutic Listening programs
- Singing
- Quiet room
Other sensations
- Scented candles
- Suck thick fluid through straw
- Chewy tubes
- Fidgety toys
Because each child is unique, there is no cookbook recipe for creating a sensory diet. The right combination of sensory input and sensory diet activities for your child is something that needs to be devised by a qualified Occupational Therapist.