Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Capstone Project
Project Type
Quantitative Study
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Program
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG
Faculty Advisor
Julia Wilbarger, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of individualized sensory diets on children’s occupational performance in daily life. Sensory diets are structured, child-specific interventions designed to facilitate improved sensory processing by integrating activities into established routines. They involve a tailored home program plan, consistent application, and interventions aligned with the child’s specific sensory needs (Wilbarger, 1995).Using a multiple single-case study design, this research examined the outcomes of sensory diets prescribed alongside direct occupational therapy (OT) services for four white male children aged 3 years, 11 months to 5 years, and 8 months with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Participants were recruited through Developmental FX (DFX) in Denver, CO, and their progress was assessed from January to October 2024 using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). COPM performance ratings, measured at three-time points (T0, T1, T2), tracked changes in body awareness, emotional regulation, fine motor skills, and social engagement. Results indicated improvements in some areas, particularly in fine motor skills and self-care routines, for participants with higher compliance (75-100%), while those with low compliance (0-25%) demonstrated limited progress. Key factors influencing outcomes included alignment between the sensory diet activities and therapeutic goals, compliance, and the duration of intervention.
These findings highlight sensory diets as a valuable intervention for addressing sensory processing challenges and enhancing occupational performance in children. This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting sensory diets as a key component of pediatric OT, fostering collaboration between therapists and families to promote meaningful improvements in children’s daily lives.