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  A sensory diet is a recipe of sensory activities designed and customized for a specific person to meet their sensory needs.  It is designed by an occupational therapist after undergoing an evaluation which usually includes sensory assessment, observations of movement in a sensory motor gym, and a family interview. 

Sensory diets often include a specified amount of exercises that help improve awareness of body and space such as wall push ups or functional activities such as carrying heavy items. Sometimes tools like a weighted blanket, weighted stuffed animal, or sensory sock are recommended to improve focus or calm sensory seekers during certain activities. 

Tactile activities like messy play with shaving cream, fidgets, or various textures can be recommended for kids with certain sensory patterns. Exploration of specialized toys or fidgets (stress balls, koosh balls, pop its, click toys, etc.) may also be recommended. 

Oral tools like blowing bubbles, sipping through a straw, or sensory snacks can be recommended for calming. 

Movement can also be used as a tool for regulation of senses; for instance, linear swinging or rocking may be used for calming while spinning may be used for organizing. OT clinics have specialized swings or equipments to promote certain movement patterns but OT’s may also suggest certain exercises to improve self regulation – such as specific yoga ball exercises before homework time. 

Deep pressure tactile exercises such as body work and reflex work may also be employed to calm the flight or fight response of the body to reduce anxiety and improve focus. 

Visual stimulation via lava lamps, bubbles or a tent area can be set up to produce a calming area to provide a sensory break during overly stimulating activities. 

Auditory tools such as headphones can provide noise cancellation or muffling. Rhythmic activities such as music or dance may promote client getting out of their head or rituals and engaging in their senses. 

Use of the environment through taking a break from certain situations and providing novel input can also create a calming or alerting effect. Your therapist may suggest going on a walk or spending time at the playground to provide a change of scenery when a client is becoming overly stimulated. 

Because sensory diets are so individualized, it is important that you receive recommendations that are customized for your child’s needs and sensory patterns. A sensory diet should have specific goals which can be modified based on the individual’s response.  A seasoned therapist will have knowledge of a wide variety of tools and be able to suggest exercises and tools which are a best fit for your child. Through working with your child, the therapist will be able to try strategies and determine which ones are most likely to work for your specific child. Sensory diets often need a “tune up” as children age and adapt to different environments and grow in their preferences, skills, and needs. 

Sensory assessment and strategies may also be part of an overall plan for reducing caregiver stress.  Caregivers can also benefit from occupational therapy to manage anxiety/burnout especially after undergoing a transition to a new role or other health event. OT can help adult caregivers manage their health by helping them develop a wellness plan which includes customized exercises and strategies; this plan helps people recognize their own body signs and problem solve solutions for when they feel stressed or overwhelmed.  Investing in self care for yourself can be a way to help your child; co-regulation is the science and study of babies and moms helping calm each other through biological rhythms. Sometimes, nature’s best calming methods are right in your arms and finding the right tools and time to harness those natural rhythms through environmental set up can nurture relationships and lead to overall health and wellbeing. It’s natural to go through ups and downs in energy levels; your body and your child’s body is strong and resilient- built to endure and recover from a wide variety of challenges.  We are all wired differently; that’s why it’s so important we find the right tools that work specifically for us and our children.