Is a sensory diet an evidenced based Intervention?
A sensory diet is a structured activity plan that is designed to meet the sensory needs of an individual, typically a child with a sensory processing disorder or other developmental disabilities. It involves incorporating a variety of activities into the individual's daily routine that provide sensory input in a structured and purposeful way.
Research is mixed on the effectiveness of sensory diets. There is some evidence to suggest that sensory diets may be effective in improving behaviors and overall functioning for individuals with sensory processing disorder or other developmental disabilities. However, the evidence base for sensory diets is not as strong as it is for other interventions, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA). In ABA terms, a sensory diet may be considered a schedule of non-contingent reinforcement (NCR). Studies show that NCR is not nearly as effective as differential reinforcement.
Sensory diets are typically developed by occupational therapists, who work with the individual, their family/caregiver, and school staff to identify the specific sensory needs of the individual and to develop a customized sensory diet plan. Sensory diets may include a variety of activities, such as swinging, jumping, or playing with tactile toys, that provide the individual with sensory input that they may enjoy.
It is important to note that sensory diets are not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not be appropriate for all individuals or situations. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of any intervention carefully and to seek the guidance of a trained professional. Although sensory diets may have a positive effect, behavior analysts cannot recommend sensory diets because they do not adhere to the BCBA ethics code, specifically 2.01 and 2.14, because it is not conceptually consistent with behavioral principles, is not based on scientific evidence and does not maximize desired outcomes when other ABA interventions are more effective.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board® • BACB®
Board Certified Behavior Analyst® • BCBA®
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://bacb.com/wp-content/ethics-code-for-behavior-analysts/
2.01 Providing Effective Treatment
Behavior analysts prioritize clients’ rights and needs in service delivery. They provide services that are conceptually consistent with behavioral principles, based on scientific evidence, and designed to maximize desired outcomes for and protect all clients, stakeholders, supervisees, trainees, and research participants from harm. Behavior analysts implement nonbehavioral services with clients only if they have the required education, formal training, and professional credentials to deliver such services.
2.14 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Behavior-Change Interventions
Behavior analysts select, design, and implement behavior-change interventions that: (1) are conceptually consistent with behavioral principles; (2) are based on scientific evidence; (3) are based on assessment results; (4) prioritize positive reinforcement procedures; and (5) best meet the diverse needs, context, and resources of the client and stakeholders. Behavior analysts also consider relevant factors (e.g., risks, benefits, and side effects; client and stakeholder preference; implementation efficiency; cost effectiveness) and design and implement behavior-change interventions to produce outcomes likely to maintain under naturalistic conditions. They summarize the behavior-change intervention procedures in writing (e.g., a behavior plan).