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Creating and Implementing Sensory Diet Routines to Improve Daily Activities
In today’s episode ofAll Things Sensory, we dive into the world of sensory avoiders—children (and even adults) who may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory input and react with avoidance or distress. We'll explore key signs that your child might be a sensory avoider and share 5 practical tips for helping them manage sensory overload, whether at home, in the clinic, or in everyday situations.
Some signs that your child may be a sensory avoider:
The fight or flight response when entering new or familiar situations
Avoiding certain movements
Sensitivity to sounds (like vacuums or blenders) that lead to meltdowns
Extreme picky eating habits
Struggling to focus in busy environments, or avoiding them altogether
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Create a Sensory/Calm Down Corner
Sensory avoidance is a common challenge for children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism, ADHD, or heightened sensitivities. Everyday experiences—such as loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or unexpected touch—can feel overwhelming and even distressing.
To cope, these children often withdraw from certain activities, covering their ears to block out sound, refusing certain textures in food, avoiding crowded spaces, or steering clear of playgrounds. While this avoidance is a natural response to discomfort, it can limit their experiences and participation in everyday life.
Sensory avoidance often stems from sensory defensiveness, where the brain perceives certain stimuli as threatening or intolerable. If left unaddressed, it can impact daily functioning, social participation, and emotional well-being.
Understanding the difference between a sensory quirk and a true sensory processing disorder is essential in determining the right interventions. If your child (or a child you work with as an OT) is avoiding sensory input to the point where it impacts daily life, it's time to implement sensory-friendly strategies to help them feel safe and regulated.
Proprioception (deep pressure and heavy work activities) helps calm the nervous system by grounding the body and reducing sensitivity to sensory triggers.
Before a stressful event (e.g., grocery store trips, school, parties), engage in deep pressure activities like hugs, wall pushes, or carrying a weighted backpack.
During exposure to an overwhelming situation, offer a small weighted lap pad, fidget, or compression vest.
After exposure, help the child reset with movement-based proprioceptive activities like jumping on a crash pad or crawling through a sensory tunnel.
A low-stimulation retreat allows the child to regulate emotions and avoid meltdowns.
Choose a quiet corner in the home or classroom.
Add soft lighting, noise-reducing headphones, and calming textures.
Include deep pressure tools like weighted blankets, stuffed animals, or a compression swing.
Teach the child that this is their "calm zone" for when they feel overwhelmed.
Instead of avoiding sensory input, gentle exposure in a safe, playful way can help build tolerance over time.
Use fun, low-pressure activities that expose the child to challenging textures, sounds, or movements.
If they avoid certain fabrics or textures, try sensory bins with rice, beans, or kinetic sand to engage them.
If loud noises are overwhelming, use noise-reducing headphones and play soothing music before gradually introducing louder environments.
Make it a game! For example, let them touch new textures with a paintbrush first before trying with their hands.
Sensory avoiders thrive when they know what to expect, reducing anxiety about new experiences.
Use a visual schedule with pictures to outline the day’s activities.
Offer warnings before transitions (e.g., "In five minutes, we’ll go outside").
If they struggle with unexpected sounds (toilets flushing, blenders), use social stories or a countdown method before exposure.
Specialized music programs can help the brain process sensory input more effectively and improve self-regulation.
Try listening to therapeutic auditory programs such as Advanced Brain Technologies or the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Use these programs daily for short periods (e.g., 15-30 minutes) in a calm environment.
Over time, this can help the child reduce sensory defensiveness and increase tolerance to everyday sounds.
Supporting sensory avoiders isn’t about forcing them to tolerate overwhelming input—it’s about helping them regulate and build comfort at their own pace.
Use deep pressure (proprioceptive) activities to ground their nervous system.
Create a sensory-friendly safe space for decompression.
Introduce sensory input gradually through play.
Use visual schedules and predictability to reduce anxiety.
Try therapeutic listening programs to improve sensory processing.
Every child is different, so experiment with these strategies and see what works best!
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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