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VOL. 7, ISSUE 4 (2025)
Sensory diet interventions for children with autism: A structured approach to enhancing self-regulation and participation
Authors
Qi Wang, Kok Hwee Chia
Abstract
Within the context of sensory health, the
term sensory diet - first coined by two American occupational therapists, P. Wilbarger
and J. L. Wilbager, in 1991 - refers to an individualized program of
sensory-based activities designed to support regulation, attention, and
adaptive behavior in children with sensory processing differences. For children
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
sensory diets play an especially crucial
role because atypical sensory responsivity, whether hyper- or hypo-responsive,
is highly prevalent and significantly affects daily functioning, transitions,
learning, and emotional well-being. Current research demonstrates that
structured sensory diets, when grounded in thorough assessment and implemented
consistently across routines, improve sensory modulation, reduce behavioral dysregulation, and enhance participation at
home, in school, as well as in community
environments. These benefits are strongest when sensory strategies are
personalized, developmentally appropriate, and coordinated collaboratively
among allied health professionals, parents, and educators. The aim of this paper is to synthesize contemporary findings and highlight the practical steps to be taken in identifying sensory needs, designing a sensory diet plan, selecting appropriate sensory activities that
target varied sensory needs, and monitoring the
child’s sensory responsiveness.
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Pages:94-98
How to cite this article:
Qi Wang, Kok Hwee Chia "Sensory diet interventions for children with autism: A structured approach to enhancing self-regulation and participation". International Journal of Nursing and Health Research, Vol 7, Issue 4, 2025, Pages 94-98
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