Sensory processing and associated terms, like sensory diet, have become “buzzwords” in schools recently! But what exactly does someone mean when they say “sensory diet”? Hint – it doesn’t have to do with food that you eat! This blog aims to clear up confusion with that term! I hope to also provide additional resources to better understand sensory processing and regulation!
Sensory Processing 101
We have many sensory systems including:
- auditory (sound)
- gustatory (taste)
- olfactory (smell)
- visual (sight)
- tactile (touch)
- proprioception (body awareness)
- vestibular (movement)
- interoception (noticing and connecting body signals to emotions)
Our body’s ability to register, process, interpret and react to these sensation is called “sensory processing”. Student who process input [coming from all of those different places!] differently than the majority of us may experience some dysfunction in the classroom setting.
I often use the analogy/visual of “cups” when discussing sensory processing. Students with larger cups, need more input in that system to be “full” or at a “just right level”. This state of regulation is required to be ready to learn. Do you have “sensory seekers” in your classroom? They potentially have large cups in the systems for which they seek additional input. Other students may have smaller cups that easily overflow. These students may be what we sometimes call tactile defensive, noise sensitive or gravitationally insecure. If the input naturally occurring in the environment is too much or not enough for a student, they may need accommodations/adaptations to the environment in order to be able to learn optimally.
Students may also need support in modulating and interpreting the sensory input they need to process. This is a complex process, and all students who have concerns/needs in this area should be evaluated by your school’s occupational therapist (OT). Sensory strategies should not be utilized arbitrarily without being informed by an evaluation. These types of evaluations and the expertise of your OT will guide the decision-making process for the team.
What is a Sensory Diet?
Once a student has an evaluation, and the team knows the specifics about their individualized strengths and needs, your OT can help with the “sensory diet”. Typically, we use this term if the student is going to have a structured, daily routine with specific tools/strategies consistently used at specific times throughout the day. For example, a student with oral sensory seeking behaviors may eat crunchy food and drink a smoothie through a straw for breakfast. At school, they may have a heavy work exercise routine upon arrival. Later, a break with a weighted blanket and beanbag chair may be utilized midday. This daily routine that regulates the student and reduces unsafe chewing behaviors would be considered that student’s “sensory diet”. Tools or activities can be included in a child’s “diet”.
Something as simple as the FREE Simply Special Ed Movement Break Cards can be a great place to start when looking to incorporate Heavy Work into a student’s day. Get these movement break cards for FREE HERE!
Creation & Implementation of Sensory Diets in Schools
The Sensory Self Regulation Toolkit is a great resource to support student choice when creating a sensory diet for a student. Check out my blog called What is a Sensory Menu? To see how I use this resource in the development of my students’s sensory programs/diets.
Additional Resources
- Does your school or classroom have a sensory room/space?
- Check out my room tour blogs here to see what sensory supports I like to utilize in my sensory spaces!
- Thinking of starting your own sensory room/space?
- Check out my blog on 15 “must haves” for a sensory room!
- Our OT/PT department wrote a grant for sensory paths for each of our buildings as well. Check out these blogs for information on what our sensory paths include!
- Check out my blog on how to build a sensory room on a budget if you are working with limited funds or just getting started!
- Looking to add sensory bins as part of a student’s sensory diet?
- Check out my blog on sensory bin fillers
- Get a FREE download for safe sensory bin fillers here!
- Are you looking for ways to support a student with sensory processing needs in your classroom?
- My blog on how to support sensory seekers in general education may give you some helpful tips!
- Learn how to prep the Sensory Self Regulation Toolkit for a student!
