Community Corner
Help for Parents - Sensory Diet
Parenting program, especially helpful to parents of children affected by ASD, on Thursday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to noon.
This program is about the “sensory diet” but don’t get fooled by the name. It doesn’t involve discovering foods that will help your child overcome sensory processing disorder (SPD). A sensory diet is a series of exercises and activities designed specifically for your child to help manage SPD symptoms.
Just as your child needs food throughout the course of the day, his need for sensory input must also be met. A “sensory diet” (coined by OT Patricia Wilbarger) is a carefully designed, personalized activity plan that provides the sensory input a person needs to stay focused and organized throughout the day. Just as you may jiggle your knee or chew gum to stay awake or soak in a hot tub to unwind, children need to engage in stabilizing, focusing activities too. Infants, young children, teens, and adults with mild to severe sensory issues can all benefit from a personalized sensory diet.
Occupational therapy student Urmila Mane will share information about the "sensory diet," how and why it works and how you can get assistance in creating a plan for your child.