What is a Sensory Diet?

Felicia Sexton, Occupational Therapist, Change for Life

As we go about our daily life, we are continually surrounded by a buffet of sensory input. Whether working in a brightly-lit office or simply walking down a crowed street, our lives are filled with sensations. The different types of sensory input can the broken down into seven senses: auditory (sound), visual (sight), taste (oral), touch (tactile), smell (olfactory), proprioceptive (body awareness), and vestibular (balance and movement). The first five are the most common senses that we know and use. Proprioceptive input is any activity that provides pressure to joints and muscles. Anytime we squeeze through a tight space, hold something heavy, hug someone or jump up and down we are receiving proprioceptive input.

The way our brain processes the sensory information we receive from the world around us, can impact how we go about our day. Even though we may experience each of the senses throughout the day, just like with food, everyone has unique preferences for certain types of sensory input. We may start the day with a cold shower to wake us up, or perhaps position our desk to be in bright light or a quieter spot, maybe even go out of our way to avoid certain strong smells. These preferences can be referred to as a sensory profile and can be used to create a sensory diet. A sensory diet refers to the type and amount of sensory input a person needs in order to function throughout their day at an optimal level. Sometimes without even knowing it, we all have ways of meeting out our individual sensory needs. For example, after sitting for a long time, we may find ourselves tapping a leg or flicking a pen (increasing tactile or movement input). Some people may chew on a pencil when feeling stressed or drink a cup of tea to help them relax. There are countless sensory strategies that can be used to help us stay alert when feeling tired, or alternatively, calm us down when feeling agitated, stressed or just needing to relax.

One thing that is important to note, is that there is no right or wrong sensory profile or diet. Similar to one person preferring sweet foods and another person preferring savoury; a sensory profile is just a part of what makes us individuals. Knowing our own personal sensory preferences can help us pick strategies that keep us working at our best.

For children, it can sometimes be challenging knowing what sort of sensory inputs match their sensory needs. This is especially the case when it comes to sensory information they have never experienced before. Some sensory information can be overwhelming; bright lights, loud noises, strong tastes or even certain smells might become distressing if they fill up a child’s sensory needs too quickly. Alternatively, a child might actively seek out colourful toys, things that make fun sounds, certain food or smells they find appealing. Helping a child explore their sensory needs can help them develop good sensory strategies and allow them to better engage with daily activities, both at home and in the community.

Knowing what type of sensory input a child might find alerting, exciting, calming or relaxing, means that those sensory inputs can be used to create effective sensory strategies. Potentially decluttering a visually stimulating desk or listening to calming music, might help a child concentrate. Some children may prefer more active sensory inputs, such as taking a break from tasks to bounce on a trampoline or do star jumps. The key to a beneficial sensory diet is to find that “optimum sensorimotor input” a child needs before, during, or after an activity to keep them going. Remembering, that for each child this is going to be different. Each sensory diet should be based on an individual child’s needs and preferences.

A sensory diet can include sensory input from any of the senses and often includes a list of activities that can help your child meet their own personal sensory needs. These activities can include sensory inputs that their body is craving/seeking or ones that help to keep their body calm (activities that helps them settle, focus and self regulate. Sensory strategies can also be used to address a child’s sensory tolerance or sensory sensitivities. For example, when a child becomes upset during grooming, picky eating and other sensory behaviour. By using sensory strategies and a sensory diet, it can help your child to function at their highest potential and participate more fully in their daily life activities.

If you are interested in finding out more about your child’s individual sensory profile and sensory diet, you can contact an occupational therapist for help with developing strategies and supports for both you and your child.