What’s the Difference??
Imagine for a moment that you’re in a bustling grocery store, surrounded by bright lights, the hum of conversations, and the aroma of fresh produce. For most of us, this scene is just a part of daily life, hardly registering beyond the routine of shopping. But for some children, this environment can be overwhelming, even distressing. These are the unique children we see every day at our pediatric therapy clinic—children with sensory processing disorder, learning disorders, and other neurodevelopmental challenges.
As parents, you’re no stranger to the complexities of helping your child navigate a world that may not always cater to their specific needs. Among the array of therapeutic approaches available, two terms you may have encountered are “sensory diets” and “sensory integration therapy.” These concepts can sound daunting at first, but understanding them is crucial in determining what might benefit your child the most.
What is a Sensory Diet?
A Sensory Diet is a personalized plan of environmental modifications and sensory input designed to help regulate and organize a child’s nervous system so they can meet the demands of the moment. A Sensory Diet aims to provide the right kinds of sensory input at the right times to help your child adapt to the changing needs of their daily lives. It’s tailored to your child’s specific sensory needs and preferences.
What is Sensory Integration Therapy?
On the other hand, Sensory Integration Therapy is a structured therapy approach that aims to improve how the brain processes and responds to sensory information. Through guided activities in a controlled environment, our therapists help children engage with sensory stimuli with a sense of trust and security to reach the “just right challenge” that promotes more functional responses to sensory input. This is a progressive approach in which the goal is for the child to become more and more successful at navigating daily demands with decreased Sensory Diet supports. This therapy is particularly beneficial for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder, where the brain may have difficulty organizing and making sense of sensory information from the environment.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
While both sensory diets and sensory integration therapy share the common goal of supporting your child’s sensory needs, they approach it from different angles. A sensory diet focuses on providing external support to help a child engage in daily routines with greater regulation and comfort. Sensory integration therapy, on the other hand, involves making internal changes to the brain so that less external support from Sensory Diets are necessary.
Finding What Works Best for Your Child
As you navigate this journey with your child, it’s essential to remember that every child is unique. What works well for one may not necessarily work for another. That’s why our clinic emphasizes a holistic approach, combining expert assessment with personalized care plans tailored to your child’s specific needs and strengths.
Here is an example of a sensory diet for a child with sensory processing disorder.
Morning Routine:
- Wake-Up Activities
- Deep pressure activities like snug hugs or using a weighted blanket to provide calming sensory input.
- Brushing with a sensory brush to help regulate tactile sensitivity.
- Jumping on a mini trampoline or doing animal walks (like bear crawls) to stimulate proprioceptive input.
- Breakfast Time:
- Encourage chewing crunchy foods (like toast or apple slices) to provide oral sensory input.
- Offer a variety of textures (smooth yogurt, crunchy cereal) to help desensitize oral sensitivities.
- School Day:
- Provide a fidget toy or stress ball for discreet sensory input during seated tasks.
- Allow short movement breaks between tasks, such as stretching or a few minutes of jumping jacks.
- Provide a packed lunch with a variety of textures and flavors to support oral motor skills and sensory exploration.
- Encourage your child to try the swings or spinning equipment during recess to provide vestibular input.
Afternoon Routine:
- Homework Time:
- Use a weighted lap pad or cushion to help maintain focus during seated activities.
- Provide breaks for jumping, swinging, or other gross motor activities to regulate energy levels.
- Wind-Down Activities:
- Create a calm sensory corner with soft lighting and comforting textures for relaxation.
- Use calming music or nature sounds to facilitate relaxation before bedtime.
Evening Routine:
- Dinner Time:
- Continue to offer a variety of textures and flavors to support sensory exploration and dietary variety.
- Encourage family meals to promote social interaction and comfort.
- Bedtime Rituals:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine involving calming activities such as gentle massage, quiet reading, or deep breathing exercises.
- Use a weighted blanket or cozy pajamas to provide deep pressure input for relaxation and better sleep.
Note: This sensory diet is just an example and should be tailored to meet the specific sensory needs and preferences of each child. It’s important to work closely with an Occupational Therapist who is trained and experienced in Sensory Processing.
By understanding the distinctions between Sensory Diets and Sensory Integration Therapy, you can make more informed decisions about what interventions may benefit your child the most. The team at Sense Able Brain is here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance, expertise, and a relational approach to therapy that centers on your child’s neuro-developmental progress.
We invite you to reach out to us by clicking on the red button above or calling us at 813-803-3470 to learn more about how we can help support your child’s journey towards sensory regulation, improved communication, and greater independence.
Together, we can create a roadmap for success that empowers your child to thrive!