Sensory Diets

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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.