*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
incorporates
various 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
• Lethargic
• Appears
disinterested
• Minimal
physical
activity
• Limited facial
expression
• Difficult to
wake
• Slow to
respond.
Just Right
• Able to focus
and explore a
task
• Able to
concentrate
• Meaningful
interaction
with people
and
environment
• Eye contact
• Adaptable
• Self control
High Arousal
•
•
•
•
•
•
‘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
Disorder
Sensory
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 AROUSAL
A child with an over aroused sensory system
tends to respond quickly and negatively to
small amounts of sensory input
UNDER AROUSAL
A 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
(proprioceptive)
Movement
and Balance
(Vestibular)
Tactile
Visual
Olfactory
Auditory
Deep pressure
Chewy foods
Mostly prepatory
activities
Give yourself a
hug
Heavy work
Chewing on mouth
fidgets
*rocking chair
Steam roller
Uncluttered
rooms
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
ups
Wheelbarrow
walking
Push/pull something
heavy
Environmental Modifications
Lavender and
vanilla scents
Listen to slow
and rhythmic
music
Changing arousal levels….
The Under-aroused child…
Movement and
Resistance
(Proprioception
Oral Motor
(Proprioception
Movement
and Balance
(Vestibular)
Tactile
Visual
*bouncing on an
exercise ball
*straw games
*net, glider,
playground
swing
*Fidget
bracelets
*turn on
more lights
in room
*pillow crash
*crunchy food
items
*roll
*discriminatin
g between
touch using
alerting
textures
*high
contrast
*wheelbarrow
walk
*sour food items
*scooter board
*bright and
bold colors
*animal walk
*Cold foods
*trampoline
Highly
decorated
rooms
*spicy foods
*somersaults
Olfactory
Auditory
Peppermi
nt and
lime
scents
Loud, fast
music with
frequent
changes in
tempo,
rhythm and
noise
( should still be
able to have
a
conversation
with child)
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.
is the ultimate goal
of a sensory diet.