What is the SPD Diet, and How Does It Work?

Occupational therapists and parents commonly use sensory diets, often misunderstood as a food regimen, to help individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) regulate their sensory systems. This tailored approach involves a series of physical activities and sensory inputs rather than controlling specific food intake, though diet can support overall neurological function.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the SPD diet as a collection of sensory-based activities, not a food diet, designed to help manage Sensory Processing Disorder. It covers how a sensory diet is created by an occupational therapist, its potential benefits for regulation, and how incorporating specific sensory activities and nutrient-dense foods can aid in managing sensory challenges for both children and adults.

Key Points

• Sensory vs. Food Diet: The 'SPD diet' for Sensory Processing Disorder is an activity-based sensory plan, not a restrictive food diet.

• Occupational Therapist-Led: An occupational therapist designs the sensory diet based on an individual's specific sensory needs.

• Supports Regulation: The plan aims to help individuals regulate their nervous system through a series of sensory activities.

• Activities Included: Sensory diets incorporate activities like heavy work, movement, and tactile play to provide necessary sensory input.

• Dietary Support: While not the core focus, a healthy diet rich in nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants can support overall brain health.

• Customized Plan: Sensory diets are highly individualized and flexible, adapting to a person's changing needs.

What is a Sensory Diet (the 'SPD' Diet)?

Despite the name, a 'sensory diet' associated with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is not a restrictive food regimen but a carefully crafted plan of sensory-based activities designed by an occupational therapist. The term was coined by Patricia Wilbarger, drawing a parallel between a balanced nutritional diet and the need for a balanced amount of sensory input for the body to function well. For individuals with SPD, who may either overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli, a sensory diet provides the necessary sensory nutrients to help them stay organized and regulated throughout the day.

The purpose is to help the individual maintain an optimal level of arousal, attention, and engagement. A sensory diet includes activities that provide specific types of sensory input, such as proprioceptive (deep pressure) and vestibular (movement), integrated into a daily routine at specific intervals.

How an SPD Diet Is Developed and Implemented

Creating an effective sensory diet requires a collaborative and individualized approach involving an occupational therapist, the individual, and their caregivers or teachers. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the individual's sensory needs, often using standardized tools like the Sensory Profile.

Assessment

1. Identify Sensory Challenges: The occupational therapist determines if the individual is a sensory seeker (craving more input), a sensor or avoider (sensitive to input), or a bystander (under-responsive) across different sensory systems.
2. Analyze Context: The therapist considers the environments where sensory challenges occur—at home, school, or work—and the specific tasks that are demanding for the individual.
3. Establish Goals: Based on the assessment, goals are set to help the individual achieve and maintain a regulated state, improving their ability to focus, learn, and socialize.

Intervention Plan

The sensory diet intervention plan includes a mix of activities tailored to the individual's needs. Activities can be stimulating or calming, depending on the desired outcome. For a child, this might involve incorporating activities during transitions between classes or before a challenging task. For adults, it might include taking short walks, using noise-canceling headphones, or practicing mindfulness.

Common sensory diet activities include:

• Proprioceptive Input (Heavy Work): Activities like pushing chairs, carrying heavy books, or doing wall push-ups.
• Vestibular Input (Movement): Swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or yoga poses.
• Tactile Input (Touch): Playing with textured materials like sand, playdough, or slime.
• Oral-Motor Activities: Blowing bubbles, chewing gum, or eating crunchy foods.

Can a Food Diet Help with Sensory Processing?

While the official SPD diet is activity-based, diet can play a supporting role by providing nutrients that aid brain health and function. Research suggests that certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins, can positively influence neurological function and may help manage some sensory symptoms.

Recommended Foods

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts, these support brain health.
• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, leafy vegetables, and bell peppers help reduce inflammation.
• Protein-Rich Foods: Eggs, poultry, lean meats, and legumes support neurotransmitter production.
• Whole Grains: Oats and quinoa provide steady energy, which can aid focus and attention.

Foods to Consider Avoiding

It is important to note that sensitivities vary greatly, but some individuals with SPD may benefit from limiting certain items:

• Artificial Additives: Processed foods high in preservatives, colors, and artificial sweeteners may aggravate sensory issues.
• Foods with Strong Textures/Flavors: For those with oral sensitivities, strong-flavored or strongly textured foods can be overwhelming.

Comparison of SPD Diet (Sensory Activities) with Elimination Diets (Food-Based)

Feature	Sensory Diet for SPD	Elimination Diet (Food-Based)
Core Purpose	To regulate the body's response to sensory input through activities.	To identify and remove specific foods causing allergic or inflammatory reactions.
Primary Intervention	A tailored program of sensory-based activities like heavy work, movement, and tactile play.	Removing common allergens (e.g., dairy, gluten, soy) from the diet for a trial period.
Key Outcome	Improved self-regulation, attention, focus, and behavioral control.	Reduction or elimination of physical symptoms like digestive upset, skin issues, or inflammation.
Professional Guidance	Designed and overseen by an occupational therapist.	Often guided by a medical doctor, allergist, or registered dietitian.
Focus of the 'Diet'	Sensory 'nutrients' (activities) to calm or stimulate the nervous system.	Nutritional 'nutrients' (foods) to support physical health and reduce inflammation.
Applicable for	Individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).	Individuals with suspected food allergies, intolerances, or inflammatory digestive disorders.

The Role of Diet in Context for SPD

The connection between a healthy diet and managing SPD symptoms is a supportive one, rather than a primary treatment. A balanced diet provides the foundation for overall brain health, which can, in turn, help with sensory regulation. For instance, maintaining stable blood sugar through balanced meals can prevent energy dips and help with focus. Likewise, some individuals may find that eliminating highly processed foods reduces inflammation that could exacerbate sensory sensitivities. However, these dietary strategies are not a substitute for the core, activity-based sensory diet prescribed by an occupational therapist. They are complementary tools that can contribute to an individual's overall well-being and ability to manage their sensory challenges.

Conclusion

The SPD diet is a term that refers to a sensory diet, an activity-based plan developed by an occupational therapist to help individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder regulate their nervous systems. It is not a food-restrictive regimen, but rather a structured approach that uses specific sensory inputs to help individuals stay calm, focused, and organized. While a healthy, balanced diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole grains can support overall brain health and potentially aid in managing symptoms, it serves as a supportive tool rather than the central treatment. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective management of SPD.

It is important to work with a qualified occupational therapist and healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that addresses the individual's unique needs, incorporating both sensory activities and sound nutritional choices.

Authoritative Source

For further information on Sensory Processing Disorder and dietary strategies, consult resources from reputable institutions. The STAR Institute for Sensory Processing is a leading organization dedicated to research, education, and advocacy related to SPD (https://sensoryhealth.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'SPD' stand for in the context of this diet?

In this context, 'SPD' stands for Sensory Processing Disorder. The associated 'diet' is a sensory diet, a structured plan of sensory activities, not a nutritional diet.

Is the SPD diet used for weight loss?

No, the SPD diet (sensory diet) is not used for weight loss. It is a therapeutic plan focused on regulating sensory input for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Who benefits from a sensory diet for SPD?

A sensory diet benefits individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), including both children and adults, who struggle with processing and responding appropriately to sensory information.

Can I design a sensory diet on my own?

It is not recommended to design a sensory diet on your own. It should be created and overseen by a trained occupational therapist who can accurately assess specific sensory needs.

What is 'heavy work' in a sensory diet?

'Heavy work' refers to activities that provide proprioceptive input, or deep pressure, to the joints and muscles, such as pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects.

How can food impact SPD?

While not the central treatment, a nutrient-dense diet can support overall brain health and function. Some individuals may find that avoiding highly processed foods or managing specific textures can help reduce sensory sensitivities.

What is the difference between a sensory diet and an elimination diet?

A sensory diet for SPD is an activity-based plan to regulate sensory input, while a food-based elimination diet removes certain foods to identify and manage allergies or intolerances.