Sensory Diets What, Where,Why,

Who, When and How.

*disclaimer*The term ‘Sensory Diet’ was originated by Patricia Wilbarger (the designer of

the brushing protocol) in order to address the needs of young children

who were originally identified as having difficulties with sensory processing

(Sensory Processing Disorder…SPD) and …it continues to be used with children who have been diagnosed with SPD.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ALSO…..

It is important to note that problems in the area of sensory processing is

typically part of a larger picture and is often associated with, or embedded in other diagnosis…such as Autism and

ADHD.

Important to remember….All young children can benefit from an

environment designed with an awareness of the role that the senses

play in their development.

Sensory integration is the neurological process of organizing sensory inputs for function in daily

life.

What is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration occurs in the central nervous system (brain, spinal

cord, nerves). The process occurs automatically as the body gathers

information through the skin, muscles, joints, inner ear, eyes, nose and

mouth. As you watch this presentation, your brain works to integrate the many

sensory inputs from your body.

What are Sensory Diets?A sensory diet is an activity plan designed for an individual child to help modulate his ‘arousal’ level. Its a daily routine that incorporatesvarious calming and organizing activities.

The Sensory Diet concept is based on the idea that every individual’s nervous system uses activity and sensation in order to regulate alertness, or arousal in our environment.

‘just right’With the ‘just right’ amount of

alertness, we can function in a more adaptable, skillful, efficient and self

confident way.

Much like a nutritional diet, the effects of some activities on our nervous

system are like snacks….they might change our mood, “wake” us up, or

help us concentrate.

Think about the subtle things that you might do to maintain your

optimum arousal level. Do you put something in your mouth (oral motor

input)-chew gum, eat something crunchy? Do you need to move (vestibular input)-bounce

your leg, tap your toes, or exercise? Perhaps fidgeting with something in your hands

or touching different textures (tactile input) helps you stay focused?

Can you think of different noises (auditory input) or sights (visual input) that affect your concentration or mood?

Incorporating leisure activities into a sensory diet may provide additional

opportunities for movement, heavy work, deep touch pressure and proprioceptive

inputs.

Ideally, these recommendations become adopted into lifestyle changes.

What does ‘just right’ AROUSAL look like?

Our arousal levels may fluctuate throughout the day, based on the demands of our

environment, our mood, or our activity level. In general, low, high and

‘just right’ arousal states can be characterized as follows:

Low Arousal Just Right High Arousal

• Lethargic• Appears

disinterested

• Minimal physical activity

• Limited facial expression

• Difficult to wake

• Slow to respond.

• Able to focus and explore a task

• Able to concentrate

• Meaningful interaction with people and environment

• Eye contact• Adaptable• Self control

• ‘hyper’ or ‘antsy’

• Little attention

• ‘motor mouth’

• Hard to recover from stressful events or changes in routine.

• Difficult transition to bedtime

• Shut down with little interaction or avoidance

Proprioceptive System

Vestibular System

Tactile System

Visual System

Olfactory (smell)/Gustatory(taste) System

Auditory System

As the child’s central nervous system matures…..

…so does the child’s sensory system. Each of the seven senses develop at its own rate. Each child will develop sensory skills at his own

pace, but there is a wide range of ‘typical’ sensory development and skills.

Genetics and environmental influences play a role in sensory development.

Additionally, most children on the Autism Spectrum also have sensory concerns. There is

often a comorbidity with autism.

Sensory Processing…Refers to how our different sensory systems work together to organize and process incoming information from the world around us.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder? (SPD)

The current term used to describe the body’s inability to take in and use sensory information efficiently.

Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory Modulation

Disorder

Sensory Discrimination

DisorderSensory Based Motor Disorder

Sensory Modulation…Sensory modulation occurs when the senses work together to help us respond appropriately to the world around us.

A child whose brain system is not working efficiently may be demonstrating a Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD).

When does an SMD occur?A Sensory Modulation Disorder can occur in any combination of the senses: hearing, taste, smell, sight, touch or movement.

Over arousal & Under arousal

OVER AROUSALA child with an over aroused sensory system tends to respond quickly and negatively to small amounts of sensory input

UNDER AROUSALA child with under-aroused sensory system may have problems registering sensory information or seek excessive amounts of sensory input. A sensory seeking child typically requires more sensory input to help him/her stay calm and focused.

Changing arousal levels….

• The OVER-aroused child…..

Movement and

Resistance(Proprioception)

Oral Motor(proprioceptiv

e)

Movement and Balance(Vestibular)

Tactile Visual Olfactory Auditory

Deep pressure Chewy foods Mostly prepatory activities

Give yourself a hug

Environmental Modifications

Heavy work Chewing on mouth fidgets

*rocking chair Steam roller Uncluttered rooms

Lavender and vanilla scents

Listen to slow and rhythmic music

Joint compressions Drinking from a water bottle

*rocking egg Pressure brushes

Dim lighting Use headphones with classical music

Deep pressure/weighted items

*T-stool Pressing/pulling/pinching resistive materials like clay

Use natural lighting when possible

Create a quiet space for the child to retreat if needed

*weighted blanket *Ball rock Squeezing activities (putty, balloons filled with sand/flour, stress balls

Use of a highlighter strip

Prepare the child for sudden noises

*weighted neck wrap

*head stand Use a slant board

*weighted lap pad *blanket swing Positioning child near instructor or board

*weighted glove *ball chair

*wrist and ankle weights

Wall or chair push upsWheelbarrow walking Changing arousal levels…………The Over Aroused childPush/pull something heavy

Changing arousal levels….The Under-aroused child…

Movement and

Resistance(Propriocepti

on

Oral Motor(Propriocepti

on

Movement and Balance(Vestibular)

Tactile Visual Olfactory

Auditory

*bouncing on an exercise ball

*straw games *net, glider, playground swing

*Fidget bracelets

*turn on more lights in room

Peppermint and lime scents

Loud, fast music with frequent changes in tempo, rhythm and noise

*pillow crash *crunchy food items

*roll *discriminating between touch using alerting textures

*high contrast

( should still be able to have a conversation with child)

*wheelbarrow walk

*sour food items *scooter board *bright and bold colors

*animal walk *Cold foods *trampoline Highly decorated rooms

*spicy foods *somersaults

Changing arousal levels….the Under Aroused child

What is a Sensory Diet?A Sensory Diet is a personalized

daily schedule of specific sensory activities and environmental

modifications to help a child stay calm, focused and organized

throughout the day.

What is the GOAL of a Sensory Diet?

Self-Regulation is the ultimate goal of a sensory diet.