When our first child was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (S.P.D) we had never heard of the sensory diet. We quickly learned that it would be very important in our son’s learning process and furthermore that that all children, at sometime in their development, will have sensory issues.

Sensory Diet

So just what is a sensory diet?  It is an activity schedule that provides the sensory input a person’s nervous system needs to stay focused and organized throughout the day.

Does your young toddler sit still during story time or do they fidget and look around not paying attention? Do you have a hard time incorporating new foods into your child’s food diet? Is your child sensitive to sound or touch? These might be indicators of Sensory Processing Disorder; check with a Occupational Therapist for correct diagnosis . If your child doesn’t have S.P.D they can still benefit from sensory diet activities.

Learning Process Help

As a child matures and grows most outgrow any sensory issues, but a sensory diet could help aid anyone’s learning process at any point. When our second child (who has no disability) came along the diet was incorporated into her life as well as we knew it would be helpful to her.

Some examples:

Try wrapping them up in a blanket like a hot dog, slather on some “ketchup” by giving them a quick rubdown, settle in and read your book. Giving tight deep pressure can help keep a child centered and focus their attention on the task at hand. In a way you are helping them release that energy in a positive way.

Another great activity is a sensory table, or large roasting pan, filled with beans, sand, water or any variety of objects. Allowing kids to touch, smell and use their imagination. Tactile activities are more then just touch, start by inviting new foods into these play based sensory sessions, allowing them to touch, smell and finally taste a new food. You might be surprised at what foods your kids will try.

There are so many more great activities to add to your families sensory diet. Go to Coping.com or check out The Out of Sync Kid Has Fun for more fun activities. You might see an improvement in your child’s behavior after these constructive play-based exercises, not only because of the activity but the positive time your family spends together.