Sensory Diet Documents
Sensory Diet Documents
Sensory Diet Documents
“Sensory systems are not only our means for perceiving the external world, but
are also essential to maintaining arousal, forming our body image and regulating
movement.”
The How Does Your Engine Run? Program (Williams & Shellenberger, 1994) is a
step-by-step curriculum that teaches children simple changes to their daily
routine (such as a brisk walk, jumping on a trampoline prior to doing their
homework, listening to calming music) that will help them self-regulate or keep
their engine running "just right." Through the use of charts, worksheets, and
activities, the child is guided in improving awareness and using self-regulation
strategies. The use of this program greatly enhances the overall structure and
effectiveness of the sensory diet.
We know that difficulties with sensory integration can have a profound effect on a
child's participation in everyday childhood "occupations" - play, school and family
activities. Collaboration between the therapist, teacher and parents is the most
efficient way to understand the child's behavior and unique sensory needs. The
“therapist, teacher, parent” team must work together to successfully implement a
sensory diet, to support the child's performance in roles and occupations across
multiple environments.
Typically, a sensory diet is best designed by the family and therapist together.
The therapist utilizes the direct treatment time to learn the individual child’s
“formula” for attaining and maintaining appropriate sensory reactivity and arousal
modulation.
Smith Roley, S., Blanche, E., & Schaaf, R. (2001). Understanding Sensory
Integration with Diverse Populations. Houston: Therapy Skill Builders--A
Harcourt Health Sciences Company.
Shellenberger & Williams (1994). How does Your Engine Run: The Alert
Program for Self-Regulation. Albuquerque: Therapyworks.
Pressure input:
Deep pressure input through the muscles, joints and skin are some of the safest and most
effective organizing inputs.
swaddling or wrapping in blankets
pillows to nestle, wrestle and cuddle in, use a variety of sizes and textures, weighted
blankets, weighted or inflatable vests or cuffs at wrists/ankles
wearing ace wraps on arms, legs, trunk; wearing spandex under garments or
neoprene gloves, shorts, headbands
wedged into a barrel with pillows
Use of a gymnastic ball to roll over a person with careful pressure
Heavy work is active pressure type input to the muscles and joints through pushing,
pulling, lifting, carrying, and “working"!
vacuuming, carrying the laundry, carrying any load, mowing the lawn
pushing the grocery cart, pulling a wagon, riding a bike
stacking chairs, scrubbing tables
push-ups or pushing against a wall
climbing, resistance play
feet on bungee cord at a desk
carrying a weighted back pack
Heavy work in the hands is an effective technique that can be used easily in multiple
environments. This is characterized as "fidget and focus".
having access to one or preferable more small manipulative toys with which to
simply "fidget"
playdough/therapy putty work
attaching a rubber tubing to back pack strap to pull on as needed
attaching a telephone cord type key chain to belt loop to pull on or "fidget"
Oral motor inputs can be organizing when the engage the oral proprioceptors.
chewing on fruit leather, licorice, pretzels, gum, or non food items such as aquarium
tubing
sucking through resistive, long, or "silly" straws for liquids or other play
blowing blow toys, bubbles, or cotton balls in play
Breath work
facilitating breath through sucking and blowing activities
Teaching how to take a deep breath as a means of stopping and calming
Movement that is rhythmic and in a linear manner is typically calming
porch or park swings
rocking chair, or rocking in a lap
use of a therapy swing or therapy ball as directed by therapist
Quiet time in a small place needs to be taught, valued and practiced as a life skill in every
environment
create a hide out or comfy place for each environment
make fidget and oral inputs and music available in this space
books for reading /music to listen to
Community based activities incorporated into daily life facilitates a balanced, calm
life style.
hippo therapy (horse back riding with a therapeutic emphasis)
recreation centers for swimming, yoga classes and other leisure opportunities
martial arts (carefully selected)
domestic duties, baking, laundry, stacking wood, yard work
Compiled by Lois Hickman, MS OTR and Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, OTR and Sarah K. Scharfenaker, MA, CCC-SLP
from numerous sources.
Bedtime Bedtime routine; pressure rhythm and weighted Use social story
blanket
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Bedtime Routine:
Bedtime
After Wilbarger & Wilbarger
Description of Activities:
Interaction Accommodations: