Sensory diets are programs of sensory activities children can perform during the day to give them an appropriate amount of sensory input. Some experts think this can help improve attention and behavior.

Do you ever chew gum or fidget with a pen during a work meeting? Do you take a walk to stay alert during the afternoon lull?

When you do these things, you’re providing the sensory input your body needs to remain focused and attentive throughout the day.

For kids with sensory processing issues, these needs are even more intense. Without exposure to the input they need, they can have difficulties demonstrating appropriate behavior, remaining alert, and keeping themselves organized and in control.

A sensory diet is a program of sensory activities kids perform during the day to ensure they’re getting the input their bodies need. An occupational therapist usually designs it.

Whether you’re new to the concept of sensory diets or looking for more specific information for your child, the following guide can help.

Studies show that kids with sensory processing issues respond to sensory input differently than other children. Their sensory responses affect their behavior.

Research on treatments for sensory processing issues has been inconsistent for several reasons, including:

  • Homogenized study groups: It’s difficult for researchers to find study groups of children who all have the same sensory needs. Children with sensory processing issues all have unique presentations.
  • Intervention techniques: Not all occupational therapists follow one single set of sensory interventions. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to study their effectiveness.

Still, research suggests that children can benefit from sensory integration techniques. A 2024 study of Korean children found that sensory integration techniques guided by an occupational therapist improved:

  • social skills
  • adaptive behavior
  • sensory processing
  • gross and fine motor skills

The term “sensory input” refers to experiences that stimulate the various sensory systems of our bodies. Some people with sensory processing issues demonstrate behaviors indicating they need more input to their sensory systems.

Sensory systems include the following:

Proprioceptive system

Kids who seek out rough play and jumping or crashing may need more input into this system. Proprioception is one of our movement senses. It contributes to coordination and body awareness.

Input to the proprioceptive system may include:

  • stomping
  • jumping
  • deep pressure
  • working against resistance

Vestibular system

This is our other movement sense. It’s related to balance and how we perceive our body’s orientation in space.

Some kids need constant movement and can’t sit still. Others appear sluggish or lethargic. In these cases, the following vestibular input can help meet the child’s needs:

  • swinging
  • rocking
  • swaying
  • bouncing

Tactile input

Tactile input involves the sense of touch. Kids who constantly touch and fidget with objects or who are always touching others may need more tactile input. These children may benefit from the following:

Auditory input

Sensory experiences that involve sound refer to auditory input. Kids constantly humming, yelling, and making other noises may need more auditory input than other children.

Good auditory experiences for kids who seek out this kind of input include:

  • listening to music with headphones
  • playing with toys that make noise
  • playing instruments

Visual input

Kids who require more visual input may look closely at objects or seek out moving or spinning objects. They may have difficulty focusing on information presented visually.

Activities that provide visual stimulation may incorporate light or moving objects, such as:

  • flashlight play
  • toys that light up
  • toys with moving parts

Olfactory and oral sensory systems

These two systems are how we process smell and taste. When kids seek input into these systems, they may lick or smell objects like crayons or toys. Chewing also provides proprioceptive input, so kids may bite or chew on objects (think pencils or shirt collars).

These kids may benefit from exploring smells through play with the following:

  • chewy toys
  • chewing gum
  • chewy or crunchy snacks
  • scented markers
  • essential oils

Keep in mind that while some kids with sensory processing issues need more sensory input in one or more of these areas, other kids may be hypersensitive to certain types of sensory experiences and may require less input. They may also require strategies to prevent negative reactions to these experiences.

Effective sensory diets are tailored to a child’s needs and have elements that can be easily incorporated into a child’s routine.

Below are two examples of sensory diets:

For a child who seeks out rough play, has trouble calming themselves, and chews on objects

  • 8 a.m.: Have a chewy breakfast or snack, like a bagel or granola bar
  • 9 a.m.: Carry a crate of books to the school library
  • 10 a.m.: Hold the heavy library door open for the class
  • 11 a.m: Squish with a beanbag chair
  • 12 noon: Lunchtime with chewy options and water bottle with bite valve
  • 1 p.m.: Do wall pushes
  • 2 p.m.: Play with crash pad
  • 3 p.m.: Walk with weighted backpack

For a child who can’t sit still and constantly touches and fidgets with objects

  • 8 a.m.: Use fidget toy on the bus
  • 9 a.m.: Jump on trampoline
  • 10 a.m.: Play with tactile sensory bin
  • 11 a.m.: Sit in rocking chair for reading time
  • 12 noon: Bounce on a yoga ball
  • 1 p.m.: Swing at recess
  • 2 p.m.: Play-Doh time
  • 3 p.m.: Sit on a yoga ball while doing homework

These sample sensory diets can help explore different types of sensory input with kids while noting their responses.

An occupational therapist may recommend several sensory products to help kids meet their sensory needs. Some of these items include:

  • Sensory sock: This is a stretchy sack a child can fit inside. It provides calming, deep pressure and movement against resistance.
  • Seamless socks: These socks have no bumps or seams inside. They can be a nice option for kids who are sensitive to the feeling of their clothes.
  • Weighted yoga balls: These are good tools for kids who seek out movement. They can sit on it or use it to bounce or roll on during sensory breaks.
  • Balance board: Kids who seek out movement input can use a balance board to rock from side to side and play with balance.
  • Weighted vest: Subtle deep pressure and resistive input to a child’s torso can be calming for them. A weighted vest can accomplish this.
  • Weighted blanket: Weighted blankets can provide deep pressure to the entire body. Like weighted vests, kids can use them as a calming sensory strategy.
  • Crash pad: Jumping, rolling, or crawling on a crash pad can provide tactile and proprioceptive input for kids who seek out rough play.

Several popular retailers offer a range of sensory toys and tools and other therapeutic products.

You can also find several books on sensory processing that help promote a deeper understanding of the sensory systems and how they apply to your child.

Children with sensory processing issues may need strategies throughout the day to help them stay on track with appropriate behaviors and interactions. A sensory diet may be an effective way to structure a child’s routine while providing the sensory input they need.

Claire Heffron, MS, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist with 12 years of experience in school-based settings. She’s one of the founders of The Inspired Treehouse, a blog and online business that provides child development information and products for parents, teachers, and therapists. Claire and her partner, Lauren Drobnjak, are also the executive directors of The Treehouse Ohio, a nonprofit organization that provides free and low-cost developmental playgroups for kids and continuing education for child development professionals.