Sensory Diets | Mysite

Sensory Diets Rock!!!

A sensory diet is a group of activities that are specifically scheduled into a child’s day to assist with attention, arousal and adaptive responses. The activities are chosen based on the child’s sensory regulation needs.

In my practice I use sensory diets in two different ways:

#1 Provide structure and organization around sensory activities to increase regulation for attention and behavior. Some children response very well to having a routine around sensory input to help them maintain regulation during school tasks and manage behaviors throughout the day.

#2 I also use sensory diets to help families organize and determine what sensory input helps their child in a variety of settings. You can fill out the chart with 😊 or ☹ to mark what works best for your child. It also important to note the time of day and other stresses that might have influenced their sensory response.

Sensory Diet #1 example

Sensory Diet ideas

Heavy Work

Push or pull boxes with toys or books on carpet or hardwood floors.
Fill a pillowcase with a few stuffed animals
Pillow fights
Pull other children around on a sheet or blanket. (see Heavy work handout for more)

Tactile (Touch)

Bath-time: use washcloth for washing, dry off with firm touch

Deep pressure activities
Lying under large soft pillows
Sensory bins (See Tactile Handout for more)

Vestibular (Movement)

Crawling over/under with tunnel or under a table
Roll over a large exercise ball on tummy or back
Playground activities (swings, monkey bars)
Jump or crash on a trampoline, mattress or large pillow (See Vestibular handout for more)

Visual (Sight)

Organize toys into bins
Hide or play in a tent or fort
Use solid or calming colors in bedroom or for bedding and curtains
Consider a light dimmer or allowing lights to stay off
Play with flashlights – can find named objects or chase (See Visual handout for more)

Auditory (Hearing)

Be aware of your voice volume and less talking during play
Control noise levels at home (turn off television, try quite music)
Make a quiet corner for books or puzzles
Noise canceling headphones
Play listening games such as Simon Says, Hyperdash, Follow the Leader (See Auditory handout for more)

Oral (mouth)

Use of kid sized vibrating toothbrushes
Chew or massage mouth with vibrating toys

Chew Gum
Blow cotton balls, pop corn, with or without a straw across to target.
Blow party favors, pinwheels, bubbles, toy whistles (see oral handout for more)

Sensory Diet #2 example