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Sensory Diet Activities for Children

Touch/Deep Pressure

SwaddleBear hugsBackscratchMassage with/without lotionoint compressionsTherapy brushingWarm bathScrub with washcloth/scrubbyWater playWear certain fabricsExplore various texturesSit in the sunshine/shadeump on crash pad

Log rollingUse hand fidgetsPlay with stuffed toysMake mudpiesUse fingerpaint or other paintsUse glitter glue

Arts & craftsUse foamy soap/shaving creamPlay with whipped creamPet a dog, cat, or other animalMix cookie dough, cake batterWeighted blanket, vest, lap padRoll up in a burrito blanketSandwich between pillowsClimb under sofa cushionsPlay in sandboxUse Play-doh, Gak, Floam, Sculpey, Silly Putty, claySensory bin with dry rice &

beans or other materialsHelp with gardeningVibrating toys - pens, balls, stuffed toysUse vibrating toothbrushVibramat/Tender Vibes mattress

Others:

Note:Never force a child to touchsomething he finds gross. Let himuse a paintbrush, stick, gloves, or evena toy for cautious exploration. Themouth is also lined with skin - seeoral comforts.

Movement/Proprioception

Rocking (in your arms, hobbyhorse, or rocking chair)Playing horsie on your kneeCrawling on hands and kneesCommando crawling with full bodyWalkRunumpMarchDanceBunny hopWheelbarrow walkAnimal walksumping jacksFloor push upsWall push upsSit ups

Use swingsPlayground slidesUse monkey barsClimb stairs

Climb laddersJump on mini-trampolineUse Sit n Spin, Dizzy Disc Jr., or other spinning toyHop-It ballsInflatable seat cushionsBounce on a therapy ballRide a tricycle/bicycleRide a scooter/skateboardAmusement park ridesSwimmingPush a grocery cart or strollerBrain Gym and yoga exercisesRoll down a hillHokey PokeyPlay catchBalloon tennis

Play hopscotchCartwheels and somersaultsIce skating/sledding/skiingPogo Stick/Bungee Jumper

Others:

Notes:Generally, rhythmic movement iscalming while erratic movement isarousing. Never force movement. Lookout for physiological responses such asincreased distractibility, disorientation,nausea, breathing changes, unexpectedtiredness, suddenly pale or flushedskin.

2008 Lindsey Biel, OTR/L

8/22/2019 Sensory Diet rkrlekeknlnrrnkl

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More Sensory Diet Activities for Children

Listening/Auditory

Listen to favorite musicDiscover calming vs. arousing musicBang on pots and pansPlay musical instrumentsListen to sounds of nature outdoorsSingingHummingWhisperingBlow whistlesTherapeutic Listening programsSound Eaze/School Eaze CDsWhite noise machine or CD

Observe silenceIdentify and label soundsUse earplugs or sound-canceling headphonesExplore the stereo volume control knobSafe space with quiet and low light

Others:

Looking/VisionLook at mobiles, lava lamps, bubble lampsColored lightbulbsAvoid fluorescent bulbs (visual flicker, noise, and mercury content in compact fluorescents)Safe space with minimal visualsRespect color preference in clothing, objects, and interior decoratingReconsider complicated prints and patterns on clothing, walls, and floorsToys in opaque containersLeave out 5-10 toys at a time to avoid visual overloadLook at photos

Look at picture booksLook at nature - fish tanks, farm, zoo, ocean

Watch cartoons and moviesHigh-quality sunglasses outdoorsTinted lenses indoors if sensitive to glareWide brim hat or visor outdoorsGames and activities that develop visual skills- mazes, dot-to-dots, I Spy, drawing, flashlight tag, etc.Others:

Smell/Taste/Oral Comforts

Essential oils and scented candles Explore personal preference and discover invigorating (typically lemon and peppermint) vs. calming (typically vanilla, rose, and sweet orange)Smell flowersSniff spices and herbsBlindfold smelling gameExplore tastes: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter

Eat frozen/cool/warm foodsExplore textures: crunchy, creamy, chewy, lumpyChew gum/suck on lollipopBlow bubblesSuck thick liquid through strawUse age appropriate chewy

Others:

Note: Avoid lavender and tea tree oil as studies show theymay cause hormonal imbalances in young boys.

2008 Lindsey Biel, OTR/L