Sensory Diet/SEN-sor-ee DYE-it/
A planned set of activities and inputs designed to give the nervous system the right amount of stimulation across the day.
Andy says:
Like snacks for your senses—enough and at the right times keeps you steady.
Detailed Explanation
A sensory diet is an individualized plan created by the person (and often with OT input) to provide sensory input that supports regulation. It balances seeking and avoidance, uses safe outlets, and fits real routines.
Community Context
Common in OT and neurodivergent communities. Works best when user‑led, consent‑based, and flexible.
Quick Tips
- Schedule short movement/pressure breaks between tasks
- Pack a small kit (earplugs, sunglasses, fidget, chew)
- Create low‑sensory zones and "opt‑out" plans
Do / Don't
- Do: personalize; review and adapt regularly
- Don't: force inputs; avoid rigid schedules without feedback
Scientific Context
Linked to sensory modulation frameworks; individualized programs show functional benefits when integrated into routines.
Language Notes
Some prefer "sensory plan" to avoid diet connotations.
Related Terms
Sensory Processing Disorder
A condition where the nervous system has trouble receiving and responding to sensory information. People may be over-sensitive, under-sensitive, or both to different sensory inputs.
Sensory Seeking
Preferring or seeking extra sensory input (movement, pressure, sound, texture) to feel regulated.
Sensory Avoidance
Reducing or avoiding certain inputs (noise, light, textures, smells) to prevent overload and stay regulated.
Accommodations
Changes to environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so people can participate equally. Not special treatment or lowered standards—just different paths to the same destination.
Co-regulation
When one nervous system helps stabilize another through presence and connection. Not talking someone through their emotions—literally sharing your calm until their system remembers how to regulate. Like emotional jumper cables: you can't charge a dead battery by yelling at it, but you can share power from a working one.
Sources
Community Contributions
Your contributions help make definitions more accurate and accessible.