What Are Sensory Diets?
Sensory diets are planned and personalised activities that are scheduled into your child’s daily routine to support their attention, regulation and arousal. At Bambini Health, our occupational therapists provide these personalised activities based on your child’s sensory needs, addressing their proprioceptive needs (deep pressure), tactile (touch), visual, auditory, vestibular (movement) and oral motor needs.
Why Are Sensory Diets Beneficial?
To start, sensory diets offer personalised support, recognising each child's unique sensory needs. At Bambini Health, we create sensory diets tailored to address your child's specific requirements. Implementing a sensory diet not only caters to their needs but also improves your child's regulation. This, in turn, will help in maintaining attention and managing emotions during classroom activities and social events.
For instance, depending on your child's sensory needs, their diet may involve activities like wall push-ups and animal walks, while another child's sensory diet might include the use of chewable jewellery to minimise mouthing.
Who Would Benefit from Sensory Diets?
Sensory diets play a big role in supporting children with:
Sensory Processing Disorder,
Autism Spectrum Disorder,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
Developmental Delays, and
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or Cerebral Palsy.
Where Can We Implement Sensory Diets?
Anywhere! The beauty of sensory diets is that we can use them anywhere and everywhere we go. For example:
Classrooms,
Playgrounds,
Home environments,
Therapy sessions,
Recreational centers, and
School events.
When Do We Apply Sensory Diets? / When Should I Ask My OT For a Sensory Diet for My Child?
Your child may benefit from a sensory diet if they experience any of the following:
Poor attention and concentration in class,
Over- and under-reactivity to their surroundings,
Motor coordination difficulties,
Avoiding certain activities, and
Difficulties with self-regulation.
Please reach out to us if you would like more information!
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