Pediatric Sensory Integration Presentation: Sensory Diets
Siham Sherif
December 6, 2022
Integrative Touch Pediatric Occupational Therapy
The topic that I have chosen for my sensory integration presentation is sensory diets as a
treatment method for individuals who have difficulty with sensory processing. A sensory diet is a
phrase first used by Patricia Wilbarger, an occupational therapist, and it is an intervention
strategy that was created to facilitate an optimal level of arousal in individuals to promote
occupational performance. More specifically, sensory diets are a curated set of multi-sensory
activities and environmental modifications that are scheduled and implemented based on each
child’s needs as determined during the evaluation process (Bundy et al., 2002). The Sensory
Profile 2-Caregiver Questionnaire allows for caregivers to report their observations of a child’s
sensory processing patterns in daily activities and situations, and give the occupational therapist
the data required to ascertain the effects on functional performance. (Sensory Profile 2, n.d.)
Based on the data received, occupational therapists determine under which sensory processing
pattern an individual falls and the corresponding specific sensory input they may require as a
result.
According to Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing, there are four patterns an individual
may be categorized in: low registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory
avoiding. (Dunn, 2007). However, it is important to note every individual has more than one
pattern of sensory processing varying by the specific sensory input. If someone is categorized as
low registration, they often miss sensory input due to their high sensory thresholds. Sensory
seekers have high sensory thresholds, but actively look for and create sensory experiences for
themselves. Those who demonstrate sensory sensitivity have a low threshold and detect sensory
input at a higher rate while remaining more passive. Finally, if someone is categorized as sensory
avoiding, they also have a low threshold, but actively limit the input they deal with. Depending
on which pattern a child aligns with in conjunction to the various sensory inputs, an
individualized sensory diet can be created and implemented to assist with modulation and
regulation.
A key component to creating a successful sensory diet is to incorporate an individual’s
interests and preferences alongside their needs determined by the evaluation process. The first
step to creating a sensory diet is to identify challenges the individual is experiencing as a result
of their sensory needs. (How to Create a Sensory Diet, 2022). Next, explore the reasoning behind
why they are experiencing such challenges. Then, create a sensory diet template with a schedule
and allow for a trial period to assess the effectiveness of the sensory strategies incorporated.
Finally, the effectiveness of the strategies should continue to be monitored as well as the carry
over into the other areas of a child’s life such as home and school. The process of developing a
sensory diet should be flexible and adaptable as a child’s needs change. Additionally, sensory
diets should be curated with specific frequency, duration, and intensity in mind to meet an
individual's specific needs (Sensational Development Occupational Therapy, 2020).
Recently, there have been three studies that show the effectiveness of sensory diets.
According to two separate Pingale et al. studies, sensory diets may play a role in managing
Sensory Processing Disorder as well as improving classroom engagement and psychosocial skills
(Pingale et al., 2021a; Pingale et al., 2021b). Although not related to pediatrics, another study
was conducted that supported the use of sensory diets with adults who have been diagnosed with
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The results show adults with IDD who
experience sensory processing difficulties in this particular study demonstrated improved sensory
modulation with a decrease of maladaptive responses which in turn leads to increased
engagement in occupations related to socialization and community participation (Gawlas &
Blaskowitz, 2020). Despite the recent growing research, overall, the current evidence
surrounding sensory diets is limited. There is a gap in current literature examining the use of
sensory diets and further research is needed to explore larger sample sizes and long term
follow-up.
References
Bundy, A.C., Lane, S. J., & Murray, E. A. (2002). Sensory integration: Theory and practice. F.A.
Davis.
Dunn, W. (2007). Supporting children to participate successfully in everyday life by using
sensory processing knowledge. Infants & Young Children, 20(2), 84-101.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.IYC.0000264477.05076.5d
Gawlas, C., & Blaskowitz, M. (2020). The impact of sensory diets on adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
74(4_Supplement_1), 7411515429p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S1-PO6801
How to Create a Sensory Diet. (2022, April 28). The OT Toolbox.
https://www.theottoolbox.com/how-to-create-sensory-diet/
Pingale, V., Fletcher, T., & Candler, C. (2021a). Effect of sensory diets on children’s classroom
behaviors. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Supplement_2),
7512520398p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.75S2-RP398
Pingale, V., Fletcher, T., Candler, C., & Dunlap, K. (2021b). Sensory diets: Do they work? The
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(Supplement_2), 7512520373p1.
https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2021.75S2-RP373
Sensational Development Occupational Therapy. [sensationaldevelopmentoccu3213]. (2020,
December 15). What is a sensory diet [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3knB_5yCI
Sensory Profile 2. ( n.d.) Pearson Assessments.
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/Professional-Assessm
ents/Motor-Sensory/Sensory-Profile-2/p/100000822.html
