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