Sensory Diets: What They Are and How to Build One

Despite the name, a sensory diet has nothing to do with food. The term was coined by occupational therapist Patricia Wilbarger to describe a personalized, structured plan of sensory activities scheduled throughout the day to help the nervous system maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Why Sensory Regulation Matters

The nervous system is constantly processing sensory information from both the environment and the body. When it receives too much or too little sensory input, it can become dysregulated — leading to behaviors that look like meltdowns, shutdowns, hyperactivity, or emotional overwhelm.

A sensory diet works proactively to keep the nervous system in a regulated state, rather than waiting for dysregulation to occur and then trying to recover.

Components of a Sensory Diet

Heavy work — activities that provide deep pressure and proprioceptive input — is a cornerstone of most sensory diets. This includes carrying heavy objects, pushing and pulling, wall push-ups, and jumping. Movement activities, tactile experiences, oral motor input (crunchy or chewy foods), and calming sensory experiences also play a role.

Building Your Child's Sensory Diet

A sensory diet is always individualized — what regulates one child may dysregulate another. An occupational therapist will assess your child's specific sensory profile and design a menu of activities timed strategically throughout the day: before school, between classes, during homework time, and before bed.

Over time, many children internalize regulation strategies and rely less on the external structure of a sensory diet.