Creating a sensory diet is one of the most effective ways to support children with sensory processing challenges. Whether your child is hypersensitive to sound, constantly seeking movement, or struggles with self-regulation, a personalized sensory diet can help meet their unique sensory needs. For families in Phnom Penh looking for practical solutions, understanding how to build a sensory diet can improve your child’s focus, behavior, and participation in everyday life.
At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we specialize in supporting children with sensory processing differences through personalized intervention plans, including sensory integration strategies. This blog will help you understand what a sensory diet is, why it’s important, and how to build one that works for your child.
What is a Sensory Diet?
A sensory diet is a carefully designed set of sensory-based activities scheduled throughout the day to help a child stay regulated and attentive. Just like a balanced food diet nourishes the body, a sensory diet nourishes the brain by providing the right type and amount of sensory input the child needs to feel organized and function well.
Children with Autism, ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) often need additional sensory input—like swinging, deep pressure, or tactile play—to stay calm and focused. A sensory diet helps prevent meltdowns, improves transitions, and enhances participation at school and home.
Why Is a Sensory Diet Important?
In Phnom Penh, many families struggle to find tailored support for children with sensory needs. Without adequate sensory input, children can become dysregulated—either overly active or withdrawn. This can impact learning, social skills, and daily routines.
By providing the right sensory input at the right time, a sensory diet can:
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Improve attention and focus
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Reduce behavioral outbursts
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Support emotional regulation
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Enhance motor coordination
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Increase participation in learning activities
At OrbRom Center’s occupational therapy program, therapists assess a child’s sensory profile and create an individualized sensory diet based on their needs and environment.
Steps to Build a Sensory Diet for Your Child
1. Observe and Understand Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Every child is different. Some are sensory seekers—they love jumping, crashing, and loud sounds. Others are sensory avoiders—easily overwhelmed by textures, noises, or touch. Watch for patterns in your child’s behavior. When do they seem calm? When do they become dysregulated?
Use tools like sensory profiles or consult a professional at OrbRom Center to understand your child’s sensory preferences.
2. Identify Daily Challenges
Make a list of times your child struggles during the day—getting dressed, eating, transitioning between tasks, or during homework. These are the moments where sensory input can help prepare or calm the nervous system.
3. Choose Sensory Activities That Match Your Child’s Needs
Here are examples of sensory diet activities organized by type of sensory input:
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Proprioceptive (body awareness): Pushing heavy objects, wall pushes, bear crawls, jumping on a trampoline
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Vestibular (movement): Swinging, rocking, spinning on a sit-and-spin, balance beam walking
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Tactile (touch): Playing with slime, kinetic sand, or water beads; brushing therapy
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Auditory (sound): Using noise-canceling headphones, listening to calming music
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Oral (mouth input): Chewing crunchy foods, blowing bubbles, sucking through straws
These activities can be woven into the child’s daily routine—in the morning, after school, and before bedtime.
4. Create a Daily Schedule
Sensory activities are most effective when consistently incorporated into the day. For example:
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Morning: Wall pushes and jumping jacks before school
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Midday: Swing time and crunchy snacks
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Evening: Warm bath and calming music
Make it visual using charts or picture schedules to help your child understand and follow the routine.
5. Adjust and Monitor
As your child grows or circumstances change, so will their sensory needs. Keep notes on what works and what doesn’t. Consult an occupational therapist regularly to fine-tune the sensory diet and ensure continued progress.
How OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh Can Help
Families in Phnom Penh don’t have to figure this out alone. At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapy services include comprehensive sensory assessments and the creation of individualized sensory diets. We also train parents and teachers to implement these strategies effectively across settings.
If you suspect your child may have sensory processing challenges, our team is here to help with practical, evidence-based interventions that support long-term development and well-being.
A sensory diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a personalized plan tailored to your child’s sensory profile and daily routine. With consistency, creativity, and support from professionals like the team at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, a sensory diet can greatly improve your child’s ability to learn, connect, and thrive.
Whether you’re at home, school, or out in the community, a well-structured sensory diet equips your child with the tools they need to feel safe, focused, and regulated.
