The term “sensory diet” was introduced by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger. Individuals with sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a subtype of sensory processing disorder (SPD), often use sensory diets to achieve emotional regulation, maintain energy levels, and improve overall organization. Sensory diets address sensory challenges in various domains, including auditory (sound), visual (sight), tactile (touch), and olfactory (smell). The term SPD is frequently used interchangeably with SOR, particularly when referring to auditory over-responsivity. For the purposes of this text, SPD will be used, unless a more specific term, such as SOR or auditory responsivity, is required for clarification.
The effectiveness of sensory diets in managing misophonia remains uncertain. Since sensory diets were originally designed for SOR, their relevance to misophonia depends on whether the underlying mechanisms of the two conditions are similar. Some researchers hypothesize that both conditions have a neurological basis, potentially involving the same brain structures. Additionally, it has been suggested that the limbic system, which regulates emotional responses and the fight-flight-freeze mechanism, may play a role in both SOR and misophonia. The amygdala, part of the limbic system, functions as a filter by blocking irrelevant sensory information from triggering emotional reactions. Techniques involving deep pressure and slow movement are believed to support this filtering process. If the amygdala influences misophonia, it is possible that sensory diets may reduce the impact of auditory triggers, thereby mitigating adverse reactions. However, further research is necessary to explore the connections and distinctions between auditory over-responsivity and misophonia.
The goal of a sensory diet is to implement structured sensory activities to prevent meltdowns (such as yelling or snapping) and shutdowns (withdrawing or becoming unresponsive). Similar to the way the body requires food at regular intervals, sensory input must be replenished periodically. Sensory diets may need to be practiced every one to two hours and can be scheduled at set times or used as needed. A session lasting 5 to 15 minutes may offer short-term benefits, while longer sessions of 30 minutes tend to produce more sustained effects. Users are encouraged to select one or more sensory activities based on their specific needs.
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE SENSORY DIET GUIDE BY SUSAN NESBIT FOR TEENAGERS AND ADULTS.
Table of contents:
- Misophonia coping skills homepage
- What is misophonia?
- What is misokinesia, or visual triggers?
- Calming the nervous system
- Exercise: 4-7-8 breathing
- CBT for misophonia
- Exercise: negotiating boundaries
- Exercise: reframing misophonia
- What is a sensory diet?
- Exercise: planning your sensory space
- Misophonia Matters