Sensory Diet
Creating a Sensory Routine That Works for Your Child
A good sensory diet can be a coping mechanism for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). It has nothing to do with food and refers to a set of physical activities that a child can do in a home or school environment. It is a tailored treatment generally designed by an occupational therapist to meet the child's needs. A sensory diet will include a list of sensory activities that help children feel calm, allowing them to be more attentive, learn, and behave to the best of their ability.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
SPD is a neurological condition that affects how the sensory system collects information through receptors that respond to the surrounding environment. These receptors collect the vital information, including vision, smell, touch, sound, taste, movement, and balance. For an individual with SPD, sensory information is distorted, affecting their ability to manage daily activities.
It's also common for sensory processing differences to occur alongside other developmental or emotional challenges. Many children with sensory sensitivities may also experience Autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or coordination difficulties. When these needs overlap, sensory challenges can make everyday situations feel more overwhelming.
SPD is different for everyone. A child whose nervous system is over-aroused needs more calming input, while a child who is under-aroused needs more alerting input. A sensory diet tailored to a child's specific needs can provide the sensory input necessary to stay more focused and organized throughout the day.
Sensory diets help children to:
- Regulate emotions, alertness, and increase attention span
- Reduce sensory seeking and sensory avoidance behaviour
- Tolerate sensations and situations that are challenging
- Handle transitions with less stress
- Develop social skills
- Improve Gross and fine motor skills
Because every child's sensory profile is different, it is best to see an occupational therapist to assess individual needs and develop a personalized support plan. An Occupational Therapist may gather information from carers, track the child's emotions at different times of the day, organize activities, and note how the child responds. Over time, this information helps carers and therapists identify patterns, understand which types of sensory input are most supportive, and determine when they are needed most, allowing tailored supports to suit the child's needs best.
Supporting the Senses
Visual (Sight)
The Visual System processes visual information and enables us to respond to what we see. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with visual sensitivities include allowing time in a calming corner. A calming corner is a place with minimal visual stimuli that could cause discomfort, for example, a quiet area with a moon lamp, cushions, and non-stimulating sensory toys, where your child can decompress when visually overwhelmed. Additionally, consider having your child wear quality tinted glasses if they are sensitive to glare. Playing games and activities that develop visual skills, such as dot-to-dots, drawing, and puzzles, can also be beneficial.
Auditory (Sound)
The Auditory System processes sounds through the ear, such as language, to communicate. For a child with SPD, sudden sounds may seem very loud and overwhelming. Additionally, constant noise, as found in classrooms, can be overwhelming and limit their ability to cope. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with auditory sensitivities include listening to music (music therapy), banging on pots and pans, playing musical instruments, singing, humming, whispering, and using therapeutic listening programs and noise-cancelling headphones.
Olfactory System (Smell)
The Olfactory System processes our sense of smell and odours. A child with SPD may have challenges detecting smells or be easily overwhelmed by them. Linked to our olfactory system is our recall of emotions and memories, so even mild smells can trigger reactions in those with SPD. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with olfactory sensitivities include having access to scented products, such as smelling flowers and sniffing spices; discussing how certain smells make them feel; or playing smell-guessing games.
Gustatory System (Taste)
The Gustatory system processes our sense of taste through surface cells in the mouth, tongue and throat that react to food and beverages. Children who struggle with this can display limited or restrictive diets, affecting their eating habits. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with gustatory sensitivities include exploring and discussing taste: is it sweet, sour, savoury, spicy, bitter, or hot, cold, or frozen? Chewing tools, sucking thick liquid through a straw or blowing bubbles can also help.
Vestibular System (Balance and Movement)
The Vestibular System involves our sense of balance (equilibrioception) and spatial orientation, helping coordinate movement with balance. A child struggling with this system may regularly fall over, slouch, or have difficulty holding still while focusing. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with vestibular sensitivities include swimming, running, jumping, dancing or walking, playing on a merry-go-round or trampoline, swinging on a swing, and bouncing on a pogo stick.
Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness):
Proprioception is the process by which the body utilises receptors in muscles to track the positions of joints and muscles, allowing us to know where our body is in space (body awareness) and to manoeuvre safely through the environment. A child who struggles to know how much pressure to apply or who regularly bumps into things may be struggling with this system. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with proprioception sensitivities include giving them a hug, playing catch and other ball games such as soccer. Set up obstacle courses for them to go under, over, through and around objects. Having them participate in heavy work activities, such as carrying groceries, taking out the trash, and moving furniture, can also be beneficial.
Tactile System (Touch)
The Tactile System includes multiple types of sensations the body receives through interaction with the environment, including touch (touch, pressure, and vibration perception), pain and temperature, and proprioception (muscle tension and joint position). A child with tactile sensitivities may hate having their hair brushed and washed, have difficulty with the feel of clothing or socks, or may have an exceptionally high or low pain threshold. Sensory diet activities that may help a child with tactile sensitivities include compression clothing, bear hugs, therapeutic brushing, warm baths, and water play. Other activities include feeling different fabrics, exploring textures, finger painting, playing with shaving cream, whipped cream, and Play-Doh. If a child resists touching something, try a paintbrush or another item to help them cautiously explore and gain confidence.
Supporting Sensory Needs in Everyday Life
A sensory diet works best when it feels achievable, flexible, and tailored to the child in front of you. Small, consistent activities woven into daily routines can make a meaningful difference in helping children feel more regulated, confident, and able to participate in everyday life. What’s most important is observing how each child responds, adjusting strategies as needed, and working alongside trusted professionals to build supports that genuinely reflect their needs.
Alongside sensory activities, some families choose to include sensory-supportive clothing as part of their child’s routine. JettProof products are designed to provide gentle, consistent input that may help some children feel more settled in their bodies, particularly during busy days, transitions, or moments of overwhelm. Worn discreetly under everyday clothing, they can complement a sensory diet without adding extra steps or demands.
Every child’s sensory journey is different, and there’s no single right approach. With the right mix of understanding, professional guidance, and supportive tools, families can create environments that help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to engage — one day at a time.
References
North Shore Paediatric Therapy
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. While we aim to provide accurate information and personal insights to support our valued customers and community, we strongly advise consulting with a Doctor, Psychologist or other qualified medical professionals.