How to use items you already have at home for your child’s sensory diet

One of our very favorite ways of addressing hot clinical topics is through a Q&A format. Learn from Occupational Therapist, Ellen Snyder, as she uncovers some of the most commonly asked questions from our parents and caregivers when it comes to establishing a sensory diet. Most, if not all of these items, can be found already laying around your house or can be purchased locally. You may also decide to conveniently take items on the go!

A: A sensory diet is a set or sequence of activities that engage multiple sensory systems. This can calm the child and help focus attention. 

Q: What sensory systems do sensory diets target?

A: The focus of the sensory diet will depend on your child's momentary needs. We have seven sensory systems (I know school only teaches us we have five, but there are two very important invisible ones). 

A: Everyone has a sensory system and can benefit from specific sensory input, however certain children may need a little extra support to get their sensory needs met. One way to think about this is with a cup analogy. If you think of each system as having an individual cup, the cup needs to be filled to meet his/her sensory needs. Until these sensory needs are met, it can be difficult for your child to attend to activities, listen to and follow directions, and keep his/her body safe. As each child and his/her sensory system is unique, the “size of the cup” will vary.  For example, a child sensitive to sound has a “small auditory system cup” and it doesn’t take much sound to fill his cup. Another child might have a “large tactile system cup” and needs a lot of tactile play to fill his cup before his sensory system is satisfied.  A few of the diagnoses that benefit from a sensory diet include:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Q: Can I give too much sensory input to my child?

A: The only system that doesn’t become over-sensitive is the Proprioceptive system (deep pressure). All other systems can become overwhelmed and lead to increased dysfunction. Think, of becoming dizzy after spinning, or over-sensitive to loud sounds or bright lights when in a busy place. 

Q: What can I do to help regulate my child after too much sensory stimulation?

A: Input to the proprioceptive system can help the nervous system become regulated after too much of another type of sensory input. Deep squeezes on arms, hands, legs, feet, and gentle deep pressure on the head, pushing, pulling, or lifting an item with weight or resistance. 

Decreasing as much other sensory stimulation as possible, such as moving to a quiet room or smaller space, dimming lights, and reducing sound can help your child become calmer and allow his/her nervous system to not have to work as hard to filter out the external sensory stimulation. 

Q: What is a time-effective way to provide the sensory stimulation my child needs during the day? 

A: The best way to help your child get the sensory stimulation his/her body and nervous system need is to work it into their daily routine. When a child wakes up, provide deep squeezes to the head, arms, trunk, and legs

 Moving to different areas in the house, encourage your child to move like an animal 

(vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual systems)

. Use of visual picture schedules for daily routine 

. Depending on your child’s needs allow for quiet or preferred music during breakfast 

. Carrying a backpack to the car and riding with it on their lap 

work with your child’s therapist to help solve how to integrate these activities into daily life. 

Q: Why does my child not become calm after 10 minutes of jumping on the trampoline? 

A: For some children, although they appear to crave constant movement, such as jumping, swinging, being upside down, and running around, their nervous system has a hard time knowing what to do with certain types of sensory stimulation. Think of a filing cabinet with no organizational system (their brain/nervous system) and the file (sensory input) doesn’t have a clear place to be filed. 

Structured sensory-based activities will be the most effective and help organize your child’s nervous system.

 Movement with a purpose or a goal will help your child from becoming dysregulated from the type of input he/she is wanting. Some examples are jumping to a song and doing a freeze dance, running to gather specific items and bringing them to a specific location, swinging and giving high fives or reaching for a puzzle piece, crawling over pillows with a straw to blow a pom-pom on the floor, or locating hidden objects in a bean bin. 

however as we exist in the world we are constantly experiencing sensory input

 from the clothes on our body, to the smells and sights, and sounds we experience. Because of this fact, it is so important to encourage our kids to play using many different sensory systems. This will naturally help them integrate their sensory systems and get the input they need. 

Q: What are some typical household items to use for a sensory diet?

Learn more about Occupational Therapy services at Marshall Pediatric Therapy and how your family can benefit, 

Creating a Sensory Diet at Home 

Young children learn about the world around them using their entire bodies. Using multiple senses to experience something new or participate in an activity isn't only educational for toddlers but can also be a form of relaxation or entertainment. Because of this, the more opportunities toddlers have to learn, play, and grow through sensory activities, the better. 

Here is what you should know about incorporating more sensory activities into your toddler's routine. 

A sensory activity, or sensory play, is any type of activity that involves one's senses. This could encompass any activity that encourages them to move their bodies, listen carefully to the noises around them, or pay attention to how an object feels, smells, looks, or tastes. This hands-on learning approach is a fun way to pass the time. It can also play a critical role in helping your child's brain develop.

The Benefits of Sensory Activities for Toddlers

While sensory play can be an effective way for children of all ages to learn, it's especially beneficial for toddlers. Along with teaching them to engage with their surroundings, participating in sensory activities can help children as young as one improve their fine motor skills, verbal communication, and ability to focus. This can pave the way for them to be better students, using investigative, creative, and critical thinking skills.

Sensory Play That Two-Year-Olds Need to Experience

If the idea of coming up with activities that will stimulate your toddler's senses while engaging their senses sounds like a daunting task, don't worry. Creating simple yet effective sensory activities are more accessible than you might think. 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind when facilitating sensory play for your two-year-old:

-Fill a bin with an assortment of colorful pieces, such as buttons, pipe cleaners, and plastic eggs. This will capture their attention visually and allow them to practice using their fine motor skills as they pick up pieces of different sizes, shapes, and textures.

-Create a sensory bag using a plastic bag, hair gel, and small items, such as toys, balls, sequins, and coins. Duct tape it shut after sealing it, and encourage your child to look for hidden pieces. 

Never Force Sensory Activities on Toddlers

In most cases, your toddlers are excited to participate in any activity that allows them to use their bodies, make a mess, or have fun in a surprising way. While this is true, it's essential to keep in mind that every person experiences sensations differently. If your child is hesitant to engage in a specific form of sensory play, it's best not to make them. Doing so can harm their sensory systems rather than benefit them.

Can Your Toddler Benefit From Sensory Play and Other Therapies? Contact Marshall Pediatric Therapy

Engaging your child's senses through play is a great way to help them learn, keep them entertained, and create new memories. For some toddlers, using certain senses is easier said than done, even when the activity is meant to be fun. If your child could use extra help in engaging their senses or could benefit from other therapies, the trusted team at Marshall Pediatric Therapy is here to help. 

We are proud to assist children of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive through therapeutic and evidence-based practices, including sensory play. 

 today to learn more about how sensory activities could benefit your toddler, contact us today. We look forward to helping your child live their healthiest, happiest life!

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

Giving the Gift of Language Expansion & Making gift-giving fun and resourceful! 

Moms, we know the feeling of panic when grandparents, aunts, and friends ask you for Christmas gift ideas for your little ones!  I can help give you some suggestions that will not only be great for gift-giving but also help your child develop speech and language skills too!! As a Speech Therapist (also known as SLP), I look at toys from a language perspective.  I 

toys that increase the opportunities for using words, and sounds and that let parents guide the learning and development of building language skills!  Here are a few of my favorites!!

Remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive or come in a big box to be an amazing gift!  Use your imagination to create new fun ways to play!  Expanding your child’s language skills should be fun and interesting to your child.  Ask your child’s therapist or teacher for some fun developmentally appropriate ideas for your child!  You can also search many toy sites online by age and interest levels!  This is super helpful! 

Learn more about Speech-Language Therapy 

Helpful Speech-Language and other various resourceful links found 

Kids Gifts Ideas 

When it comes to receiving professional behavior therapy services, there are many components and individuals involved to ensure both the child and family are able to thrive. Marshall Pediatric Therapy offers a focused-based model behavior program (Building Blocks Program), a collaborative and individualized approach to a child’s specific needs and challenges. Most are familiar with the term Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and most are familiar with a rather demanding structure when it comes to how these services are introduced. We help to advocate what program suits one's lifestyle best and are glad that there are options. 

Read more about Marshall's behavior program, Building Blocks, 

is defined as an application of the science of behavior that systematically works to increase skills that aid in the reduction of challenging behaviors and improves the lives of children and families. This is done through reinforcement and teaching strategies based on functional analysis and data collection.

What exactly is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)?

An RBT is defined as a paraprofessional certification in behavior analysis. RBTs help to assist in delivering behavior analysis services and practice under the direction and supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

is to primarily help to collect data in order to best carry out a treatment plan. The treatment plan is formatted by the BCBA and is made up of goals and target behaviors that need to be worked on. The data that is collected helps to track progress and re-access goals.

An RBT’s day starts and ends with both fun and “pairing”. Pairing is the ability to build rapport with someone. RBTS spend time ensuring fun is being had to make sure that the kids are HRE (happy, relaxed, engaged). Similarly to adults, kids learn much better and are much more engaged when in this state. When following a treatment plan, it’s so important that the RBT is engaged with the child.

It is the RBT’s responsibility to provide positive reinforcement to clients. What is positive reinforcement? 

an introduction of a desirable stimulus after a behavior that ultimately makes that behavior likely reoccur. The RBT does this by providing a child with praise and giving them preferred items for functionally appropriate play. This encourages the child to continue doing the desired action and to continue to grow that relationship.

One of the most important jobs of the RBT is to always pair. By pairing, you’re telling the child that you’re always there for them and that you are becoming their safe place.

What education/certification is required to become a Registered Behavior Technician?

You must at minimum have a high school diploma or your GED. At Marshall, it is preferred you have at least a Bachelor’s Degree. In most cases, you must have a minimum of 40 hours of observation/specialty training, as well as have passed the RBT competency assessment/exam. To learn more about the requirements of competency, you can visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s page 

Top suggested reads for a Registered Behavior Technician:

To view all of Marshall’s current career openings including that of a Registered Behavior Technician, you can check 

The role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 

So you may be wondering...what exactly is Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy?

Speech-Language Therapy is described as a treatment that helps to support and care for children who have difficulties with communication, feeding, eating, drinking, and swallowing. Our expert clinicians at Marshall Pediatric Therapy want to help answer some of the most FAQs when it comes to this discipline. 

What specific conditions does Speech-Language Therapy help to support?

Examples of when you might need to express your concerns:

What age should a child receive Speech Therapy?

Realistically, there is no specific age a child should receive any particular therapy discipline. it is never too early to start therapy and get an evaluation with a licensed professional as soon as you notice and or experience concerns. It is not abnormal for a child with a disability to show signs of developmental delays as early as 3 months old, if not sooner.

We always advocate for our families to ask plenty of questions to their pediatrician, after all, that’s why they are there for! At Marshall, we see newborn babies, all the way to age twenty-one with a wide array of conditions and concerns. Early intervention is so very important!

If you and your child receive a referral to receive Speech-Language Therapy, we highly suggest that you contact us first to see if you’re in the network for insurance to help offset the cost of therapy visits. Our helpful referral team and clinical support can guide you through all of your financial options and answer absolutely any questions you might have regarding billing/insurance.

At Marshall, we do our very best to always advocate for our families and to help break down the financial barriers that might keep someone from receiving the services they not only need but that they deserve.

For a list of our current insurance providers that cover Speech Therapy visits, you can click 

How we address Speech-Language Therapy at Marshall Pediatric Therapy:

From Our Experts

Creating a Sensory Diet at Home

Sensory Activities for Toddlers

Kids Gifts Ideas

The role of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

What is Speech Therapy?