What is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet consists of specifically designed activities meant to target different sensory systems based on your child’s sensory needs. The goal of a sensory diet is to provide sensory input that supports regulation and optimal arousal. These activities can be implemented at times throughout the day, as preventative or in response to sensory difficulties. The sensory schedule is referred to as “sensory diets.” A sensory diet is when you are provided a fixed schedule of “sensory activities” that you should follow. Often these activities are completed with a parent, teacher’s aide, or occupational therapist.
Below are some of the disadvantages of sensory diets:
- Seen as a list of tasks that must be completed.
- Activities are led by adults, can be seen as punitive and lead to resistance.
- Rigid schedules work well in the school setting but can be hard to maintain in the home setting.
The Sensory Lifestyle Approach
A sensory lifestyle is a flexible and empowering approach to meeting sensory needs. Instead of a schedule of specific activities at set times, a sensory lifestyle helps families to recognize the factors that impact sensory experiences throughout the day and develop activities to naturally meet sensory needs throughout the day.
This might involve going for a walk or jumping on a trampoline before school or adding a sensory component to other daily routines. A sensory lifestyle helps you to decipher everyday experiences and adjust them for success.
Differences Between Sensory Diet and Sensory Lifestyle
The main difference between a sensory diet and a sensory lifestyle is empowerment. A sensory lifestyle empowers you to build your lifestyle around your needs, rather than the other way around. It recognizes that every child is unique and that sensory needs can evolve.
Through a sensory lifestyle, you are encouraged to meet your sensory needs naturally through play, movement, and activities you enjoy. This not only makes meeting sensory needs more enjoyable but develops independence and self-regulation.
Occupational Therapy Can Help
It is important to understand and address sensory needs. While sensory diets can be helpful in some situations, such as a classroom, they often come across as rigid and do not evolve overtime, making them hard to maintain outside that setting. A sensory lifestyle empowers families to create a supportive home environment that recognizes and embraces the uniqueness of each child.
Need help developing a sensory lifestyle? Schedule a kid’s occupational therapy assessment by completing the intake form below. In doing so, we can help your child thrive, meeting their sensory needs naturally through a sensory rich lifestyle.