Some of our children who have a diagnosis of Autism or have complex sensory needs struggle to regulate and interpret sensory inputs. This can often lead to withdrawal, distress or a display of challenging behaviours. These can create a barrier to learning for these children.

Addressing these sensory issues often results in increased engagement with the curriculum and improves learning experiences; along with greater opportunities in school and at home.

Children who have sensory difficulties benefit from a sensory diet programme, which is carefully planned to match the personal needs of each individual child throughout the school day.

A sensory diet can include activities linked with the following sensory inputs:

• Proprioception - the sense though which we perceive the position and movement of our body, including our sense of equilibrium and balance
• Vestibular - the sensory system that provides the leading contribution to the sense of balance and spatial orientation
• Tactile                                                           
• Auditory
• VIsual
• Smell
• Taste

Activities included in sensory diets     

• Deep Pressure
• Trampolining
• Swimming
• Walking
• Sensory Processing
• Squeeze Machine
• Chewy Chews
• Weighted Blankets/Rucksacks
• Fun With Food (fussy eaters)
• Tactile Desensitisation
• Fun With Food (food sensitivity)