Sensory Diet & Regulation Matrix
Audit sensory triggers and match your child with rapid, evidence-based calming interventions.
Sensory Profile Audit & Co-Regulation Matrix
Framework: Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) Principles & Polyvagal Co-Regulation Science
| Sensory System | Over-Responsive (Avoidant Signs) | Under-Responsive (Seeking Signs) | Calming / Regulatory Intervention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive (Body Position & Muscle) | Avoids physical contact, dislikes wearing clothes with tags or seams. | Crashes into furniture, stomps feet, hugs too tightly, constantly jumps. | Heavy Work: Carrying weighted laundry basket, wall push-ups, bear hugs, crawling through obstacle courses. |
| Vestibular (Balance & Movement) | Fearful of feet leaving ground, swings, elevators, or tipping head back. | Constantly spins, rocks in chair, hangs upside down without dizziness. | Linear Rhythmic Motion: Gentle back-and-forth hammock or rocking chair (avoid erratic spinning). |
| Auditory (Hearing & Volume) | Covers ears with hand dryers, vacuum cleaners, crowds, or echoey halls. | Makes repetitive loud vocal noises, turns TV volume to maximum. | Sound Dampening: Over-ear headphones; calming brown-noise audio tracks; quiet acoustic corners. |
| Tactile (Touch & Texture) | Distressed by messy play (slime, glue), hair washing, nail trimming, wet socks. | Touches every surface and person; rubs face on specific blankets or fabrics. | Deep Touch Pressure: Firm massage, seamless sensory socks, compression vests, predictable dry textures. |
| Visual (Light & Patterns) | Squints in sunlight; gets agitated under flickering fluorescent classroom tubes. | Stares intently at spinning wheels, bright screen lights, or optical patterns. | Visual Resting: Warm dim lamplight; sunglasses outdoors; reducing visual clutter in study spaces. |
Psychologist's Meltdown De-escalation Protocol:
Lower your vocal volume and pitch. Sit below their eye level. Silence talking; the auditory center is overloaded.
Suspend homework, shoes, or lectures immediately. The only goal is restoring nervous system equilibrium.
Offer a firm blanket wrap or cold drink of water with a straw (sucking provides instant oral motor calming).
Clinical Notice: Sensory diet strategies are supportive developmental aids. If your child exhibits severe sensory defensiveness impacting nutrition or mobility, consult an Occupational Therapist specializing in sensory integration.
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