A sensory diet is a tool used to regulate sensory input for people who struggle with sensory processing. People with autism or sensory dysfunction are usually affected by this, but with the help of a certified occupational therapist, they can learn to process sensory information to improve their daily lives by developing emotional stability, reducing anxiety, and tackling other behavioral challenges. Let’s take a closer look at what a sensory diet is and how it helps people with autism.
What is a Sensory Diet?
Just like we eat meals for nutrition so our bodies can be healthy, we need a mix of sensory activities so our ability for sensory functional processing is maintained.
People with autism often struggle in sensory-rich environments, becoming either agitated and hyperactive, or withdrawn and isolated. This may be due to their neurodevelopmental limitations, which make it difficult to process or regulate simultaneous sensory information.
Sensory stimulation can cause autistic individuals to either hyper react or under react. An occupational therapist performs an initial assessment to understand the person’s sensory profile and their natural tendencies.
They can then prepare a “sensory diet” which is a set of activities or exercises that indulge various senses such as sight, touch, smell, etc, depending on the requirements of the autistic person.
The goal of a sensory diet is to bring an individual to a calm and regulated state of mind by either slowing them down if they are hyperactive or alerting them if they are under-responsive. It is important to note that a sensory diet is best initiated on a regular basis or before (and not immediately after) a maladaptive behavior occurs. If a sensory intervention is offered immediately after a behavior that is targeted for decrease, it may actually reinforce that behavior, which would not be the optimal outcome.
A Branch of Occupational Therapy
Sensory diet is a part of occupational therapy - a strategy used to teach people with autism or other developmental disabilities how to learn new skills or improve the ones they already have to lead independent lives.
A sensory diet plays an integral role in occupational therapy, especially for people on the autism spectrum.
An occupational therapist assesses the sensory profile of the individual to understand which type of stimuli are triggers for negative behaviors and creates an improvement plan.
To effectively understand the sensory profile of the individual, an occupational therapist can make use of a sensory checklist.
By using the checklist, they can gather data about what antecedents trigger certain behaviors, what the natural responses are in a given environment, and so on.
After data collection, occupational therapists analyze that information to understand more about the displayed behaviors or learning patterns and identify which sensory areas they need to stimulate or undermine.
After this, the occupational therapist will carefully craft a set of activities, games, or exercises to indulge particular senses of the autistic individuals so they learn to practice regulating those signals, until eventually they learn to respond to those stimuli in real life without being overwhelmed.
Significance of a Sensory Diet
Many people have a natural filter that can sieve out the relevant sensory information from the unnecessary.
For example, when focusing on driving, we filter out background sound. How many times have you missed the chorus to your favorite song because you were busy tackling parallel parking?
However, autistic people may process information differently than their neurotypical peers. Many cannot separate relevant and irrelevant sensory information, which may lead to sensory overload.As a result, they can become overwhelmed and show agitation, tantrums, or aggression. Or they can behave in the opposite way and become withdrawn and isolate themselves.
Sensory overload may affect their communication, social interactions, and ability to concentrate as well. This is why it is crucial for them to learn how to regulate sensory information and process various sensory stimulations in a healthy way.With therapy and the help of an occupational therapist, they can develop the ability to regulate their senses in a sensory-rich environment.
A sensory diet is a great tool for this purpose. It provides them with an immersive experience in a controlled and safe environment which they share with their therapist or caregiver who are there to help direct their emotions and responses to achieve the desired behavior.
Activities Used in a Sensory Diet
Our bodies are a collection of multiple sensory systems that enable us to have an immersive experience with our environments. We can feel different textures, smell various scents, see colors and views, and the list goes on. In short, every part of our body is equipped to provide a sensory experience without us realizing it.
Here is a list of our various sensory systems and the type of input they provide for an individual.
A sensory diet will contain all or some of these activities to target the systems that are the most troublesome. Such exercises, completed under the supervision of a certified occupational therapist or caregiver and not in response to a behavior targeted for decrease, provide sensory input in a controlled and therapeutic way.
As a result, these activities support sensory regulation in autistic individuals, helping them to develop emotional stability, learn to enhance focus, and reduce anxiety.
Common Misconceptions About Sensory Diets
Sensory Diets Are Only For Children With Autism
While sensory diets are frequently used for children with ASD, they are also beneficial for individuals with a variety of sensory processing disorders, ADHD, anxiety, and even for typically developing children who need sensory regulation.
Sensory Diets Provide Immediate Results
Many people think that once you start a sensory diet, you'll see immediate improvements in your child's behavior or sensory processing.
The truth is, sensory diets are more like a marathon than a sprint. They require patience and consistency. Over time, with regular practice and adjustments, you’ll start to notice gradual improvements. Think of it as planting a garden; you need to nurture and care for it before you can enjoy the full bloom.
Sensory Diets Fit All Children
Each child is unique, with their own set of sensory preferences and challenges. What works wonders for one child might not work at all for another. Crafting a sensory diet is a personalized journey. It's about discovering the right combination of activities that suit your child's individual needs. This is why it is necessary to work with an Occupational Therapist.
Sensory Diets Replace The Need For Professional Therapy
Sensory diets are fantastic tools, but they work best when combined with professional guidance. Occupational therapists and other specialists bring invaluable expertise. They can help tailor the sensory diet to be more effective and aligned with your child's developmental goals.
Strategies for Incorporating Sensory Activities into Daily Routines
Understanding Sensory Needs
- Identifying Sensory Preferences: Figure out which sensory inputs your child enjoys and which they avoid ast the first step to help you choose activities suitable for their specific needs.
- Common Sensory Challenges: Identify typical sensory processing issues, like hypersensitivity to noise or touch, help you plan activities that either desensitize or avoid these triggers.
Morning Routine
- Wake-Up Activities: Start the day with gentle activities to help your child transition from sleep to wakefulness. Gentle stretching or using a weighted blanket can provide the deep pressure input that many children find calming and grounding.
- Getting Dressed: Make dressing a comfortable experience by choosing sensory-friendly clothing. Allow your child to participate in selecting their outfit to give them a sense of control and reduce resistance.
- Breakfast Time: Offer foods with different textures, like crunchy granola or chewy apple slices, to provide oral sensory input. These types of foods can help wake up your child’s senses and prepare them for the day ahead.
School or Work Preparation
- Sensory Breaks: Before diving into school or work tasks, include short sensory breaks. Activities like jumping jacks or squeezing a stress ball can help your child release energy and improve their focus.
- Focus and Concentration Aids: Use tools such as noise-canceling headphones to reduce auditory distractions or a fidget spinner to provide a subtle sensory input that can enhance concentration during study or work times.
Bedtime Routine
- Preparing for Sleep: Create a soothing bedtime routine to help your child wind down. Activities such as a warm bath, gentle massage, or quiet story time can signal to their body that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.
- Calming Activities: Set up a calming environment with dim lighting and white noise machines. These can help create a peaceful atmosphere that makes the transition to bedtime smoother and more comforting.
Tools and Resources for Sensory Activities
- Sensory Tools and Equipment: Consider investing in items like sensory swings, trampolines, or tactile play mats. These can provide a variety of sensory experiences and help meet your child’s sensory needs in fun and engaging ways.
- Books and Guides: Look for sensory activity books and online guides that offer additional ideas and strategies for your child. These resources can provide new insights and methods tailored to your child’s needs.
- Online Resources: Join online communities and forums where you can connect with other parents and caregivers. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly supportive and offer new perspectives on managing sensory needs.
Tips for Success
- Consistency and Routine: Establish a predictable daily routine that includes regular sensory activities. Consistency helps your child feel secure and regulated, knowing what to expect each day.
- Flexibility and Adaptation: Be open to adapting activities based on your child’s changing needs and responses. Flexibility ensures that the activities remain effective and enjoyable, rather than stressful or overwhelming.
- Collaborating with Therapists: Work closely with occupational therapists to develop and refine sensory activities. Their expertise can help ensure that the activities are beneficial and aligned with your child’s developmental goals and sensory needs.
- Avoiding Challenging Behavior: Be sure to incorporate a sensory diet throughout the day and not offer a sensory break contingent on a behavior you want to decrease (such as aggression or self-injury). You do not want to reinforce a maladaptive behavior by incorporating good strategies in an ill-conceived manner. Consult professionals such as a Board Certified Behavior AnalystⓇ and your Occupational Therapist to achieve the best effectiveness.
Conclusion
Incorporating a sensory diet in occupational therapy sessions is an effective way of improving sensory regulation in autistic individuals. A sensory diet is a balanced mix of activities that indulge the various sensory systems in our bodies so individuals learn to process incoming signals for each system. This helps them develop control over their reactions, achieve better emotional stability, and tackle challenging behaviors such as tantrums, meltdowns, or anxiety.
