Enhancing Well-Being through Sensory Input

Understanding Movement and Sensory Regulation

Movements such as pacing, spinning, swinging, or hanging upside down can provide significant comfort and self-regulation. Many individuals incorporate movement into their daily routines, whether through walking or swimming, to maintain balance. This principle is reflected in therapy practices where clients may be offered options like sitting on a swing or a spinning chair during sessions. The preference for working in natural light, as opposed to fluorescent lighting that can trigger headaches, and keeping the TV off to minimize distracting background noise, are small adjustments that can significantly enhance overall well-being.

The Role of Sensory Input

According to polyvagal theory, proposed by Porges (2022), movement is crucial for processing challenging experiences that may trigger a fight-flight-freeze response. Sensory input plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their surroundings. For neurodivergent individuals, who often experience sensory information more intensely, finding balance is especially important. Self-soothing behaviours are common ways to manage stress—a child might hug a stuffed animal, while another might tap their foot. Sensory prompts, such as sipping chai tea or listening to birds chirping, are often sought to induce calmness. Conversely, bright lights can be overwhelming on certain days, prompting a teenager to use headphones to block out sounds. While everyone engages with sensory input, neurodivergent individuals often have heightened needs. Unfortunately, stimming, fidgeting, or repeating words can be misunderstood or pathologized. What might be a mere preference for one person—like a lower TV volume—could mean the difference between focusing or feeling comfortable for someone else.

Crafting a Sensory Diet

A sensory diet involves recognizing sensory triggers that lead to dysregulation and identifying those that help individuals feel grounded. This approach creates a personalized plan to meet sensory needs. Occupational therapists can assist by suggesting activities that manage sensory overload and promote comfort. Simple strategies can significantly enhance a sensory diet. For instance, avoiding fluorescent lights, using ear defenders, or wearing shoes without socks can improve comfort. Incorporating calming activities—like swinging in a hammock, humming, or lighting a scented candle—can also offer relief. Although it seems intuitive, many underestimate the impact of sensory triggers and the relief comforting activities can bring. Neurodivergent children might struggle to articulate sensory experiences, often expressing discomfort through behaviour or emotion. Developing awareness of sensory needs and implementing supportive systems can be transformative.

Sensory Processing Disorder: Research and Insights

Research on sensory diets is evolving, with studies varying due to different protocols and outcome measures. Many focus on adult observations of children’s behaviour rather than neurodivergent individuals’ self-reported experiences. Nonetheless, initial results are encouraging. For instance, a study using a smartphone app to deliver a sensory diet for children with ADHD showed significant improvements in concentration, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (Khanahmadi et al., 2023).

Beyond Childhood: Sensory Diets for Adults

Adults, too, can benefit from incorporating elements of a sensory diet to manage overwhelm and enhance focus. Even small adjustments, like carrying sunglasses or using ear defenders, can make a noticeable difference. With about 94% of autistic individuals reporting sensory differences, advocating for sensory-friendly spaces has become a significant goal within the neurodiversity movement (Morgan, 2019). Simple adaptations, such as quieter hours at theatres or allowing fidgeting in lectures, can make environments more accessible. Ultimately, everyone has a unique sensory experience, regardless of neurodiversity. Being intentional about structuring environments and managing exposure to sensory inputs can offer benefits for all.

References

• Khanahmadi, S., Sourtiji, H., Khanahmadi, Z., & Sheikhtaheri, A. (2023). Effect of a sensory diet smartphone application on the symptoms of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A feasibility study. Heliyon, 9(8).
• Morgan, H. (2019). Connections Between Sensory Sensitivities in Autism: The Importance of Sensory-Friendly Environments for Accessibility and Increased Quality of Life for the Neurodivergent Autistic Minority. PSU McNair Scholars Online Journal, 13(1), 11.
• Porges, S. W. (2022). Polyvagal theory: A science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 16, 871227.