A Step-by-Step Guide to Sensory Diets: How to Support Sensory Processing for Children and Adults
Rachel Ann Melegrito Occupational Therapist
December 06, 2024
If you’re here, you may be familiar with sensory integration—the process by which the nervous system interprets and uses sensory input to function effectively. Jean Ayres, the pioneer of sensory integration theory, describes sensory input as “nourishment for the body.”
Expanding on this idea, her colleague Patricia Wilbarger introduced the concept of a sensory diet. Much like a nutritional diet, it offers a range of sensory experiences tailored to meet the unique needs of children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), helping them feel and function at their best.
Children with SPD can struggle with perceiving, processing, and responding to sensory input. Some may appear sluggish or disengaged, while others act impulsively, actively seeking intense sensory stimulation. A sensory diet gives them the right amount of sensory experiences needed to “calm” or “energize” them to improve their capacity to learn and engage [1].In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sensory diets—what they are, how they work, and sensory diet activities you can add to your arsenal, especially for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
What is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a blend of sensory-based activities designed by an occupational therapist (OT) as part of an intervention plan. These activities are integrated into the child’s daily routine and provided at regular intervals to promote regulation and function.
Sensory diet activities typically focus on sensory inputs like deep pressure (tactile), proprioception, movement, or a combination [2]. It also includes changes in the environment to reduce distractions and promote optimal functioning [2].
Soundsory® can be a valuable addition to your child’s sensory diet. This program utilizes auditory-motor integration to support and enhance sensory processing.
How to Create a Sensory Diet: Step-by-Step Guide
A child’s sensory diet is customized to a child’s unique needs. It considers not only the type, timing, duration, and intensity of the activities that match the child’s sensory needs but also the context and demands of the task at hand—this makes a sensory diet flexible and responsive, adapting to the child’s changing needs throughout the day [2,3].
This covers the child’s changing needs across a continuum of sensory underresponsiveness to overresponsiveness.
An occupational therapist plans and designs a sensory diet, using it as a tool to help children self-regulate. This helps them respond better to their environment and improves their ability to learn.
Step 1: Assess Sensory Needs
Sensory experts view sensory responsivity as a spectrum, with optimal alertness in the middle, hyporesponsivity (underresponsiveness) on one end, and hyperresponsivity (overresponsiveness) on the other[1].
Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing provides a helpful framework for understanding this [1]. Each child has a unique threshold for sensory input. A high threshold means a child needs more intense stimuli to notice and respond, while a low threshold means even small stimuli can feel overwhelming. However, how a child reacts depends on whether they respond actively or passively.
Here’s a breakdown of each self-regulation strategy and how to recognize them:
- Sensory Avoiding: Tries to avoid or escape sensory input, which may lead to withdrawal or resistance to certain activities. May also appear irritated or frustrated.
- Sensory Sensitive: Easily overwhelmed by sensory input and prone to quick, intense reactions.
- Sensory Seeking: Actively craves sensory experiences, such as jumping, spinning, or touching objects frequently.
- Low Registration: Often misses sensory cues and appears withdrawn or inattentive.
Here’s a table to help you better understand each type of responses:
| Threshold | Type | Examples |
| Low Threshold | Active (1. Sensory Avoiding) | Covers ears to block out sounds Leaves crowded or noisy places Refuses certain foods due to texture Avoids physical touch or hugs |
| Passive (2. Sensory Sensitive) | Easily startled but remains in noisy environments Complains about bright lights without leaving Wears uncomfortable clothing despite distress Gets upset but stays in chaotic situations | |
| High Threshold | Active (3. Sensory Seeking) | Loves spinning, swinging, or jumping Constantly fidgets with objects Craves tight hugs or heavy pressure Seeks loud environments like concerts or parties |
| Passive (4. Low Registration) | Doesn’t react to name being called Appears unbothered by loud noises or pain Often misses social cues or important details Shows little awareness of hunger or thirst |
The sensory needs of children with special needs can be more challenging to identify. For specific examples of how to assess sensory needs in these conditions and sensory diet examples, check out our articles on Sensory Diet for ADHD and Sensory Diet for Autism.
Aside from the behaviors, trying to identify patterns, like where and when your child behaves a certain way also helps. Do they happen after school? Does your child appear sluggish after spending time in a crowded environment? The timing and location are also important considerations.
“Every day, a child may need something different—more or less sensory input—depending on various factors like hunger, sleep, environment, task demands, or interpersonal interactions. I focus on teaching kids to recognize their body’s needs, so they can seek out what they need, when they need it.”
Julie, OT from Winnipeg
“When creating a sensory diet, I start by clearly understanding the client’s unique sensory needs. I use tools like the Sensory Profile or Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) to determine whether they seek out or avoid specific sensory inputs. I also consider the environments they spend the most time in—whether at home, school, or work—and how sensory challenges impact their daily life.”
Dr. Harold Hong, MD, MBA, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director at New Waters Recovery
Step 2: Choose Sensory Diet Activities
When creating a sensory diet, choose activities that target one or more of the following sensory inputs:
- Tactile: Involves sensations of light touch and deep pressure, detected by receptors in the skin
- Vestibular: Senses changes in body position and movement based on the position and motion of the head in relation to space
- Proprioceptive: Detects the body’s position and movement through receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints.
Some of the most common sensory diet activities include:
- Doing wall push-ups
- Carry books/toys from one room to another
- Sharpen pencils with a manual sharpener
- Do yoga poses or do some stretching
- Bounce on a bouncing ball
- Play with slime
- Wrap self with weighted blankets
Erica, an occupational therapist and consultant for daycares in Canada, finds that educators are more likely to follow through when sensory strategies are integrated into existing routines rather than requiring extra one-on-one time with clients.
“I often focus on things they can do during transitions, like carrying the teacher’s backpack or class binder when heading outdoors, wiping down tables after meals, helping stack or unstack chairs, and carrying or pushing a bin of toys during cleanup,” she explained.
An important part of this step is assessing the effectiveness of the activities and defining an ideal frequency for them. From all the effective treatments, you can create a sensory diet template that you can modify based on your schedule and needs.
“The sensory diet is a customized mix of activities targeting different sensory systems, like movement, touch, or sound. It is crucial to balance stimulating and calming activities, and I guide them on how often and how long to engage in these activities throughout the day. Flexibility is critical, as sensory needs can change, so the plan should be adaptable over time.”
Dr. Harold Hong, MD, MBA, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director at New Waters Recovery
Step 3: Using Soundsory® in a Sensory Diet
Soundsory® is an excellent addition to your sensory diet. It uses auditory and motor integration exercises to help the child regulate their responses to sensory input. The program consists of a combination of rhythmic music and body movement to support sensory processing. Here’s an example:
With the paid Soundsory® program, you can access a comprehensive solution for enhancing sensory processing that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine.
Sensory Diets for Children, Teens, and Adults
Sensory Diets for Children
Sensory diets help children stay regulated throughout the day so they can remain focused and engaged in their tasks or activities. Sensory diets can be in the form of activities that they do before activities or taken as “breaks” to help them self-regulate when they or their caregivers or teachers feel that they’re becoming under or over-aroused.
These also include modifications in their activities, such as reducing the source of sensory input in the task to reduce the distress, distraction, or discomfort that comes with the task.
For example, children with autism may benefit from playing with fidget toys or swinging before sitting down to complete a tabletop activity. Discover more tips in our Sensory Diet for Autism article.
Sensory Diets for Teens and Adults
While more popular with kids, sensory diets aren’t limited to them. Teens and adults can benefit from sensory diets as well. Even neurotypical individuals naturally incorporate similar strategies—though they may not label them as “sensory diets” but rather as “breaks” to manage stress and stay focused. After all, we all need the ability to self-regulate and support our sensory needs.
Think of things like taking a quick walk during a lunch break, listening to music to unwind, or bouncing their legs while sitting. These actions serve the same purpose of regulating sensory input and managing energy levels.
“When it comes to teens and adults, the sensory diet is usually integrated more naturally into their daily routine. For teens, it could involve using fidget tools during study time, taking regular movement breaks, or practicing yoga. For adults, it might include taking short walks during work breaks, using noise-canceling headphones in loud environments, or practicing mindfulness techniques. The goal is to help them develop self-awareness and recognize when they need sensory input, empowering them to use strategies that fit their lifestyle. The sensory diet should be practical and easily incorporated into their daily routine without being disruptive.”
Dr. Harold Hong, MD, MBA, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director at New Waters Recovery
For teens and adults with sensory processing challenges, these routines become even more vital, given the heightened demands they face. Teens, for example, must navigate social and academic pressures while adults juggle multiple responsibilities, including childcare, work, and community obligations.
Sensory processing disorders in adults can manifest differently, and some may not even realize they have SPD, having unknowingly developed coping strategies over time. For others, sensory challenges may be part of a broader condition—this is particularly common among individuals with ADHD.
A sensory diet for ADHD might differ from those designed for children. It can incorporate physical activities, such as heavy work tasks like lifting boxes, taking out the trash, or performing exercises like lunges and push-ups. Other sensory-regulating activities may include massages or enjoyable moments, such as spinning on an office chair or swinging at a nearby park.
Final Thoughts: How a Sensory Diet Can Improve Sensory Processing
Sensory diets promote self-regulation, focus, and well-being, helping individuals manage sensory input throughout the day. Whether for children or adults, these tailored activities provide effective ways to stay balanced and engaged.
Incorporating Soundsory® exercises into a sensory diet is a great way to enhance sensory processing using a holistic approach. Explore our related blogs for more tips—or try the Soundsory® program to experience the benefits firsthand.
FAQs : Sensory Diet
What is a sensory diet for?
Similar to a nutritional diet that provides essential nutrients to the body, a sensory diet offers sensory input to meet an individual’s sensory needs. This helps maintain an optimal level of alertness, enabling them to engage and function effectively in their environment.
Who benefits from a sensory diet?
Anyone with sensory processing challenges can benefit from a sensory diet. This strategy isn’t limited to individuals with sensory processing disorders (SPD). Even neurotypical people can experience sensory issues, which explains why we all have personal quirks that help us self-regulate or “soothe” ourselves.
Are sensory diets evidence-based?
No, sensory diets are not considered evidence-based treatments. However, this doesn’t mean they are ineffective. To say that it isn’t evidence-based simply means that there isn’t enough high-quality research to prove their effectiveness for specific groups.
There are several reasons for this: First, sensory processing disorder (SPD) is not currently recognized as a formal diagnosis in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5, which limits research funding and clinical studies. Second, while there is anecdotal evidence for recognized conditions such as autism and ADHD on the benefits of sensory diets, these interventions are highly individualized. Since people with ADHD or autism exhibit a wide variety of symptoms, it can be challenging to generalize results across studies.
References
- Case-Smith J. & O’Brien J. C. (2010). Occupational therapy for children (6th ed.). Mosby/Elsevier.
- Fisher, A., Murray, E., & Bundy, A. (2002). Sensory integration: Theory and practice. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.
- Holehan, K. & Zane, T. (n.d.). Sensory diets: Is there a science behind that? Retrieved from: https://asatonline.org/for-parents/becoming-a-savvy-consumer/is-there-science-behind-that-sensory-diets/. Last visited on October 15 2024.
Rachel Ann Melegrito
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