Sensory Regulation · Toddler through school age
What is a sensory diet—and does my child need one?
A sensory diet is not a generic list or food plan. It is an individualized pattern of sensory and movement opportunities selected for a functional purpose and adjusted from the child’s response.
Why this task is more layered than it looks
A visible outcome is built from several smaller demands. These are useful places to look—not a list of diagnoses:
- Child-specific response
- Timing and intensity
- Functional goal
- Safety and choice
What to notice first
Choose a calm, familiar version of the task. Change as little as possible and notice:
- What participation goal should change?
- What happens after the activity?
- Is the child more available or less organized?
Before creating a schedule, identify one routine and one observable goal, then track how a familiar safe activity affects it.
Grade the task from the child’s response
Make it easier: Use a brief familiar activity at modest intensity.
Build from success: Build self-selection only after a helpful pattern is clear.
The goal is not to force completion. It is to find the level where the child can participate, learn, and begin using a strategy that supports greater independence.