[Source: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital]
Recommendation(s):

1. It is recommended that the occupational therapist collaborate with the caregivers regarding the child’s daily routine prior to creating an individualized sensory diet (see handout: Schedule of My Child’s Day) (Local Consensus [5]).
2. It is recommended that, in addition to direct occupational therapy services, a planned sensory diet be individualized for the child’s unique sensory processing needs, and include:
   a) consideration of timing, duration and intensity of the activities when choosing appropriate sensory activities (Wilbarger 2002 [5]),
   b) planned, scheduled activities implemented throughout the day (Wilbarger 2008 [5], Cronin 2007 [5], Nackely 2001 [5], Parham 2001 [5], Local Consensus [5]), and
   c) alerting, calming, and organizing activities based on the arousal level of the child (Cronin 2007 [5], Wilbarger 2002 [5], Yack 2002 [5], Parham 2001 [5]).

Note: Implement a sensory diet prior to considering a deep pressure proprioceptive protocol1 (Wilbarger 2008 [5]).