Sensory Diets: What Are They and How Do They Complement Therapy?

Parents of autistic children often search for ways to support their child’s sensory needs

effectively. Sensory integration therapy is a well-known intervention that helps children

process sensory information better. However, another critical tool that complements therapy

is a “sensory diet.” This blog will explore the concept of sensory diets, their benefits, and

how parents can incorporate them into daily routines. We’ll also discuss how Jewel Autism

Center provides expert guidance and tailored sensory interventions for children with autism.

Understanding Sensory Diets

A sensory diet is a personalized set of activities designed to meet the sensory needs of an

individual. Coined by occupational therapist Patricia Wilbarger, a sensory diet is not about

food but rather "feeding" the sensory system with appropriate input to help children achieve

an optimal level of arousal and functioning.

For autistic children, sensory diets can:

● Improve Focus: Help them stay attentive during tasks.

● Regulate Emotions: Reduce sensory overload or meltdowns.

● Enhance Motor Skills: Build coordination and physical abilities.

● Support Therapy Goals: Complement structured sensory integration therapy

sessions

The Importance of Sensory Input

Every individual processes sensory information differently. For children with autism, sensory

processing challenges may include hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity

(under-responsiveness) to stimuli like sounds, textures, lights, or movement.

A sensory diet addresses these challenges by providing the right type and amount of

sensory input throughout the day. This helps the child feel calm, focused, and ready to

engage in everyday activities.

Key Components of a Sensory Diet

A well-crafted sensory diet includes activities tailored to a child’s unique sensory profile.

These activities target the following sensory systems:

1. Proprioceptive System: Activities like jumping, pushing, or pulling provide deep

pressure input to the joints and muscles.

2. Vestibular System: Swinging, spinning, or balancing activities stimulate the inner

ear and improve spatial awareness.

3. Tactile System: Sensory bins, playdough, or brushing activities offer varied touch

experiences.

4. Auditory System: Listening to calming music or white noise can help regulate

auditory sensitivities.

5. Visual System: Using visual timers or engaging with colorful objects can assist with

visual stimulation needs.

6. Oral-Motor System: Chewing gum, sucking on a straw, or blowing bubbles provides

oral sensory input.

Creating a Sensory Diet: Steps for Parents

Developing a sensory diet requires collaboration with professionals like occupational

therapists. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Assess Sensory Needs: Identify your child’s sensory preferences and challenges.

For example, does your child seek or avoid certain types of input?

2. Set Goals: Determine what you aim to achieve, such as improved focus during

schoolwork or reduced meltdowns in noisy environments.

3. Design Activities: Include a mix of calming, alerting, and organizing activities

tailored to your child’s needs.

4. Integrate into Routine: Incorporate these activities into daily schedules, such as

morning wake-up routines, school breaks, or bedtime wind-downs.

5. Monitor and Adjust: Observe how your child responds and tweak the sensory diet

as needed.

Examples of Sensory Diet Activities

Here are some examples of activities that can be included in a sensory diet:

● Morning: Heavy work activities like pushing a laundry basket or carrying a backpack

with weights to prepare for the day.

● Midday: A quick trampoline session or swinging to recharge energy.

● Evening: A calming activity like a warm bath, deep-pressure massage, or reading in

a quiet space.

Examples of Sensory Diet Activities

Here are some examples of activities that can be included in a sensory diet:

● Morning: Heavy work activities like pushing a laundry basket or carrying a backpack

with weights to prepare for the day.

● Midday: A quick trampoline session or swinging to recharge energy.

● Evening: A calming activity like a warm bath, deep-pressure massage, or reading in

a quiet space.

How Sensory Diets Complement Therapy

Sensory diets are not a replacement for therapy but a complement to it. They bridge the gap

between therapy sessions by reinforcing sensory regulation techniques at home. For

example, if a child is learning to manage tactile sensitivities in therapy, activities like

exploring sensory bins at home can provide additional practice.

At Jewel Autism Center, our expert occupational therapists work closely with parents to

design sensory diets tailored to each child’s needs. These diets align with the therapy goals

to ensure consistent progress.

The Role of Parents in Implementing Sensory Diets

Parents play a vital role in making sensory diets effective. Here’s how you can actively

contribute:

● Consistency: Regularly incorporate activities into your child’s routine.

● Creativity: Use household items like pillows, blankets, or water bottles for sensory

play.

● Patience: Understand that every child’s response varies, and progress takes time.

● Communication: Share observations with your child’s therapist to refine the sensory

diet.

How Jewel Autism Center Supports Parents and Children

At

, we specialize in providing holistic care for children with autism. Our

sensory integration therapy program is designed to address sensory processing challenges

and help children thrive in their environments. We also empower parents by offering:

● Tailored Sensory Diet Plans: Customized activities based on each child’s sensory

profile.

● Parent Training Sessions: Practical guidance on implementing sensory diets at

home.

● Comprehensive Support: Collaboration between therapists, parents, and educators

for seamless integration.

● State-of-the-Art Facilities: A sensory-friendly environment equipped with tools and

resources for effective therapy.

Conclusion

Sensory diets are a powerful tool to support sensory integration therapy and help autistic

children navigate their sensory worlds with greater ease. By understanding and addressing

your child’s sensory needs, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling daily routine.

At Jewel Autism Center, we are committed to providing expert care and personalized

solutions for children with autism. Our team of experienced therapists is here to guide you

every step of the way. To learn more about our sensory integration therapy and sensory diet

plans, visit our website or contact us today