Sensory Diet
What does Sensory Diet mean?
A sensory diet is a personalized set of sensory activities and supports — like movement breaks, deep pressure, or quiet spaces — designed to help a child feel calm, focused, and regulated throughout the day. Just like a food diet is tailored to a person's needs, a sensory diet is built around what a specific child's nervous system finds helpful. It is usually developed with the guidance of an occupational therapist who knows the child well.
Why this term matters
A well-matched sensory diet can reduce meltdowns, improve focus, and help a child participate more fully at home and school. Sharing a child's sensory diet with teachers and caregivers helps everyone provide consistent support across different settings.
Canadian context
Occupational therapists in Canada can help design and adjust a sensory diet; families may access OT through school boards, publicly funded children's treatment centres, or private practice, depending on the province or territory and the programs available to their child.
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