(Click here for What is a Sensory Diet?)

Sensory input can be powerful to children. It is important to monitor their responses and to respect their choices. It is never wise to impose sensory input on a child when he or she is not tolerant of it. In addition, some students can have a delayed response to sensory input. Keep in mind the following:

Swinging, especially spinning, is a potent form of sensory input. Watch for signs of distress such as flushing of the face, nausea, dilated or constricted pupils, flush or whitened face, sweating, increased respiratory rate. Tactile input, especially light touch, can be distracting or noxious to a child with tactile defensiveness. Do not impose tactile input on a child that is not tolerant.

Tactile input, especially light touch, can be distracting or noxious to a child with tactile defensiveness. Do not impose tactile input on a child that is not tolerant.

Certain sensory stimuli can last for several hours. As a general rule:

Proprioceptive input can have a lasting effect for up to two hours

Vestibular input (swinging, etc.) can have a lasting effect for up to six hours.

Tactile input (touch processing) can have a lasting effect for up to one hour

Follow these links for some basic concepts and activities for each of these categories:

Proprioception

Vestibular

Tactile Input

General Responses

Sensory input may have different effects on individual students. Being aware of the environment and how it may be affecting the child can be key to understanding their behavior. Below is list of general responses to various stimuli.

Alerting

Calming

Bright lights

Low lights

Loud Music

Soft Music

Fast Unpredictable Movements

Slow Rhythmic Movement

Light Touch

Deep Pressure

Spicy, Crunchy, Sour Foods

Chewy Foods

Jumping

Rocking

Fast respiration

Slow, Deep Breaths

Heavy Perfumes

Soothing smells