Exploring the Three Key Activity Categories in a Sensory Diet Plan

A sensory diet typically includes which three types of activities

A sensory diet, also known as a sensory integration diet, is a personalized plan designed to help individuals with sensory processing disorders manage their sensory input. It involves a variety of activities that cater to different sensory systems, aiming to improve overall sensory processing abilities. This article will discuss the three main types of activities that are commonly included in a sensory diet.

The first type of activity in a sensory diet is those that focus on the tactile system. Tactile activities are designed to stimulate the skin’s receptors, which can help individuals with tactile sensitivities or insensitivities. Examples of tactile activities include:

1. Desensitization: This involves gradually exposing individuals to tactile sensations they find aversive, such as wearing a compression vest or using a weighted blanket. The goal is to reduce their sensitivity to these stimuli over time.
2. Touch activities: Engaging in activities that involve different textures, such as playing with sand, water, or playdough, can help individuals become more comfortable with various tactile inputs.
3. Resistance activities: Activities that require pushing, pulling, or squeezing can provide proprioceptive input, which helps improve body awareness and coordination.

The second type of activity in a sensory diet is those that focus on the vestibular system. Vestibular activities are designed to stimulate the inner ear and help regulate balance and spatial orientation. Examples of vestibular activities include:

1. Swinging: Swinging in a hammock or on a swing can provide a gentle rocking motion that stimulates the vestibular system.
2. Rocking: Activities that involve rocking or bouncing, such as sitting on a trampoline or using a rocking chair, can also be beneficial.
3. Balance activities: Engaging in activities that require balance, such as standing on one foot or walking on a balance beam, can help improve vestibular processing.

The third type of activity in a sensory diet is those that focus on the visual system. Visual activities are designed to enhance an individual’s ability to process visual information, which can be particularly helpful for those with visual processing difficulties. Examples of visual activities include:

1. Gazing: Encouraging individuals to focus on various objects or patterns, such as geometric shapes or colorful designs, can help improve their visual processing abilities.
2. Tracking: Activities that require following moving objects, such as a ball or a finger, can help enhance visual tracking skills.
3. Contrast activities: Engaging in activities that involve high-contrast objects or environments, such as playing with a black and white board game or looking at black and white pictures, can help improve visual discrimination.

In conclusion, a sensory diet typically includes three main types of activities: tactile, vestibular, and visual. By incorporating these activities into an individual’s daily routine, it is possible to improve their sensory processing abilities and enhance their overall quality of life. It is important to note that a sensory diet should be personalized and tailored to the specific needs of each individual, and it is recommended to work with a sensory integration therapist to develop an effective plan.