This guide provides information on underlying sensory and motor factors which may impact a child’s ability to eat and participate successfully in mealtimes. It provides strategies to support mealtime success and introduces the FOCUS Program for Mealtime Success intervention program.

A Sensory Diet is a controlled program of interaction with sensory input throughout the day, that help us to be alert and adaptable, so we are able to function to the best of our abilities in our environment.

Sensory diets may be developed independently or with the help of an occupational therapist, and may be used in conjunction with other programs, as a transition to or from other programs, or as a primary maintenance and accommodation program.

We all have sensory activities we perform to help keep us regulated and focused. You may be able to think of a few already: drinking your morning coffee or going for your evening run. Sensory diets are just another way of structuring many of the things you already do.

Includes  worksheets and tips on how to identify your own sensory needs and build your own sensory diet!

Simple sensory regulation activities for home, school, or work, broken down by sensory system, details on how to complete these activities plus additional resources.

These fact sheets detail some of the most common signs and symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) to be recognized by parents and caregivers, educators, and physicians. They include definitions of different subtypes of SPD and related challenges, brief sections on research and statistics related to SPD, and reference and resource lists.

Sensory Processing Disorder, and other sensory-related challenges, can present in all sorts of different ways that vary by age and individual. These ‘How Do I Know?’ checklists are tailored to different age groups and offer a quick and easy way to determine if sensory integration-based therapies may be helpful for an individual. They are not exhaustive and cannot, and should never, replace a proper evaluation, but they can be a good place to start.  

Includes checklists for: Infants and Toddlers, Preschool, School Age Children and Adults.

This 20-minute PowerPoint presentation, provides an introduction to Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), including an introduction to the concept of sensory diets and supportive sensory strategies. 

This presentation may be effectively used to introduce teachers to SPD or may be an appropriate presentation for a parent advocacy group. The presentation is available as a video with voice over narration, and PDF handouts and as an audio only podcast.

This three minute video, part of the longer When Our Senses Don’t Make Sense, features several short interviews with therapists, caregivers, and clients. It offers a brief but poignant glimpse into the world of sensory integration and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Este webinar tem por objetivo abordar a Integração Sensorial, proporcionando à audiência um conhecimento básico sobre a história da Integração Sensorial, sobre os transtornos relacionados, como identificar estes transtornos em suas crianças e se familiarizar com a terapia ocupacional como forma de tratamento para os devidos transtornos.

Este webinar tem por objetivo abordar as formas de tratamento para transtornos de processamento sensorial, aprender sobre esta intervenção em integração sensorial e a importância da terapia ocupacional nesta e conhecer a função de alguns equipamentos utilizados na realização desta intervenção.

A. Jean Ayres, PhD

A classic book by the ‘mother’ of sensory integration, updated and parent-friendly. It remains a valuable work on the subject, both practically and historically.

Carol Stock Kranowitz

Learn how sensory challenges affect individuals of all ages, and how fun and functional sensory-motor activities can improve life at home and school. 

Jennifer McIlwee Myers

Part memoir, part educational guide to sensory processing and sensory processing challenges, Growing Up with Sensory Issues provides a much-needed and often missing perspective of SPD: That of the individual living with it.

Sharon Heller, PhD

Written by a psychologist with sensory defensiveness this book offers adults practical information and tools for everyday living with sensory defensiveness.

Nancy Mucklow

Geared towards adolescents and teenagers. The Sensory Team Handbook takes a humorous approach in providing tips and strategies to help adolescents identify and manage their own sensory needs.

Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Though geared towards professionals, this first of two articles, originally published in OT Practice, provide and accessible introduction to the understanding of sensory processing and Sensory Processing Disorder in adults.

Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Though geared towards professionals, this second of two articles, originally published in OT Practice, provide and accessible introduction to the understanding of sensory processing and Sensory Processing Disorder in adults.