How To - Sensory Diet

A sensory diet can benefit neurodivergent people. I would always recommend developing a sensory diet with an occupational therapist. But I'm aware that it's not always easy to access OT so I've made this guide for you to start working on your sensory diet.
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A little bit about me:
Hi I'm Purple Ella and my family is an autism family with three out of five of us on the autistic spectrum. I also have a connective tissue disorder (hypermobile Ehlers-danlos syndrome). So life can be a challenge but also a lot of fun.
Helpful links
The National Autistic Society - autism.org.uk
Hypermobility Syndromes Association - hypermobility.org

[@MrPhilipn]

When I was younger I would sleep at my parents friends house. They lived by the sea. The sound of waves in the morning was so soothing.

[@michelleheadley2911]

I have never heard of this. My mom though read every thing she could about adhd. She did so wonderfully with me and my sister. Then found out my dad had it too. 3 people in one household.

[@1215Xiahny]

Thank you for this video, I've never thought about my sensory needs this way. It's the first time I've heard about a sensory diet to help me throughout my day. Usually, I just fulfill my sensory needs when I desperately need to calm/wind down. But I do recognize that some things help me to get ready to do things as well.

[@avery-brown]

Hi Ella! Great topic. I have been thinking about incorporating a sensory regimen into my lifestyle and your video was just the prompt I needed! I definitely like more of the stimulating stim ideas, as I have chronic low-energy. I’ll try the tea. Dancing sounds fun but I’d be a lump for the rest of the day! 😆

[@WriterPal]

I could certainly use a properly made out sensory diet. I have Down Syndrome and struggle with sensory overload and processing disorder.

[@tiiaj7589]

I do have a pretty good bedtime routine going on right now, bath, lighting, book (vs tablet), diffuser, etc. It definitely helps towards being able to get to sleep and stay calmer. Where I have a problem is when certain things make my quite anxious but they are necessary or very important to do anyway. I always feel very stressed and overwhelmed not only whilst doing them, but often for a long while after, second guessing, over analyzing, etc. I’m quite agitated. I’m not entirely sure what I can do to help get out of that state. To just be glad I tried my best to do the right thing, and not be terrified of potential reactions. Logically I know this, but my emotions don’t want to follow suit. Doing calming things helps, but not quite enough.

[@theyxaj]

My mental health therapist taught me about mindfulness meditation and how it is known to treat anxiety. I've found that it's been a really useful tool for me. She recommended an app called Insight Timer, so that's what I use, but I understand that there are many other ways to access guided mindfulness practices. I use it when I start to get anxious, or when I know something will make me anxious later on in the day, like a meeting. It really helps me access/remember a feeling of calm and peace later in the day once I've done it. Happy to answer if anyone reading this has questions!

[@burlapandlacebookworm]

I'm going to try setting up pre-planned morning/afternoon/evening activities. I've only tried an ad hoc list, which hasn't been enough for me since I've only used it once there's an overload of my senses, rather than something proactive. Thanks for the suggestion. 🌸

[@bethanythatsme]

so well timed & helpful. Can't wait to recieve my cheerful purple people sweatshirt for cozy time 💜

[@Eyeolair]

Just learned about the sensory diet. I have found that my VR-headset helps a lot. I can put it on, not play anything... just be in the "home environment" and not have to deal with things, pets and loved ones for a while really helps. Pair the headset with some over ear headphones and you're set :-)

[@mazingworldofmegan8906]

This is why I need a doctor closer to me so I can start learning these things... Thank you so much!!

[@katherineseager3363]

Thank you ☺️ This was a great video and very well-timed for me!

[@sativamae5743]

Wow thank you for this ❤️ I learn so much from you!

[@jiffy-jef]

Thanks for the video! I have been wanting to develop a sensory diet, and this is very useful info, especially the idea of a sensory diary.

[@itoshiibaka8267]

Thanks for the overview! I think one would help me get started in the morning. I also have a 1 pm slump and struggle with staying engaged during certain tasks. I don't currently have many sensory tools or even use the ones I have consistently. I know my toddler loves sensory tactile activities and struggles in the afternoons, too, so maybe we both need some!!

[@Sky-Child]

I totally thought this was to do with food textures. Thanks PurpleElla! Will be trying this with my very sensory kids and myself

[@mazingworldofmegan8906]

I asked my doctor if I have nerve damage in my back because I can stand in scolding hot water and not be bothered, my skin will redden but no pain no temperature. But when my husband stands in the same water he jumps out right away because it's really hot. I wonder if maybe this is part of what you mentioned in the video. My doctor says I do not have nerve damage

[@emmahedgesparrow6170]

I have that problem too, I've scolded my hands and feet because I can't gauge water temperature instanteously, I think it may well be a sensory processing issue.

[@tiiaj7589]

I think I’m a bit like this too. I like water on my sore muscles quite a lot hotter than my husband. But when I put my foot in the tub and it’s too hot, it takes a few second before the temperature soaks through the skin and hurts. Oddly enough it also takes a few seconds after taking it out before I feel the heat leave my skin, and it’s a strange sensation, like it’s being pulled out of my skin painfully and then suddenly it stops. Hard to explain.

[@elladoggy9946]

great video Ella. is it possible to 'mask' sensory difficulties? when i was much younger no one knew anything until i was about 10. I don't know if i just 'got' sensory issues or masked them before

[@PurpleElla]

Hi doggy, yes I think it is possible to mask them - I didn't recognise my sensory issues in childhood or young adulthood. I just found that I tended to freak out regularly and didn't know why.

[@elladoggy9946]

@@PurpleElla Yes me too, i would always feel sick and dizzy and basically sensory overload except i thought places made me ill so i just avoided doing anything. Thank you for being you and you are amazing Ella!

[@BABYGIRL4U1]

My fourteen year old daughter and son talk to themselves a lot which affects them hearing you but I am struggling to find the triggers. It is so hard not knowing.

[@Kutta307]

Hi I am doctor from India my son has autism and too much clenching of teeth and mouthing I tried chew tubes brush oral massage everything. It has helped little can you guide me please. I will be indebted.

[@MithMathy]

Maybe you can keep a log of what happens before and after that starts? That way you could see if it's a response to something (like to cope with stress or over stimulation, and seems calmer after) or is a way to add stimulation into the system (if it has an energizing effect to be able to do things). Once you know how it functions, you could see if doing other calming or energizing stims throughout the day might help? Also, unless it's damaging his teeth, it might be okay to let that chosen stim be. Trying to stop a stim might feel like taking away a comfort blanket and cause them to want to hold on to it even more! It's better to let people find more things they enjoy and then they can choose other things for themselves.

[@smilyemmy]

I hope you are doing well with wearing a mask

[@garyfrancis5015]

I can't join purple People with version of my phone. My you tube app out of date. But I still be subscribe to you. I been subscribed even longer than Samdy channel. And your channel was first time I saw a video on masking. I'm upset you said a special hello to Purple people and not just all your original subscribers also. I really like you Ella. But you are turning into a you tube professional monster. But your not turning into The Aspie World thank goodness. That is positive.

[@kezbritten]

She needs to strip it back a bit. Shes becoming almost unrelatable.