A sensory diet is a personalized plan of physical and sensory activities designed to help an individual with autism maintain optimal arousal and regulation throughout the day. Unlike a food diet, a sensory diet prescribes specific types of sensory input at strategic times.

How Sensory Diets Work

The nervous system needs a balance of stimulating and calming input to function well. Autistic individuals often have difficulty self-regulating, leading to either overstimulation (meltdowns, anxiety, avoidance) or understimulation (seeking intense sensory input, difficulty attending). A sensory diet provides the right type and amount of input proactively to prevent dysregulation.

Common Sensory Diet Activities

Heavy work activities like pushing, pulling, carrying, and climbing provide proprioceptive input that is calming for many individuals. Vestibular activities like swinging, spinning, and rocking provide movement input. Tactile activities like playing with textured materials, using a vibrating pen, or finger painting address touch needs. Deep pressure through weighted blankets, compression clothing, or firm hugs is calming for many autistic individuals.

Who Creates a Sensory Diet

Occupational therapists with sensory integration training are the primary professionals who design sensory diets. They assess the individual’s specific sensory profile, identifying which senses are over-responsive, under-responsive, or seeking, then design activities to address each area.

Integrating with ABA Therapy

Sensory diets complement ABA therapy by helping children maintain a regulated state that supports learning and behavior change. ABA therapists at Treetop work with occupational therapists to incorporate sensory strategies into treatment sessions and teach families to implement them consistently at home.