When discussing strategies for children with sensory processing disorders and ADD or ADHD, one helpful approach which is often new to parents is considering which foods are beneficial to increase attention and provide proprioceptive, or heavy work input to the mouth.
There are a number of foods which may have a calming affect, because of the sensory input provided to the mouth. Some of these foods include:
- Sucking (ice, milk shakes, noodles, hard candy)
- Using a sports bottle with a straw for increased heavy work
- Thick foods like peanut butter, milk shakes, or smoothies
- Chewy foods like gum, fruit roll-ups, dried fruit, bagels, gummy candy, chicken strips, cheese, taffy, caramels, Starburst, or cooked vegetables
It can also be beneficial to include these foods & techniques in your child's lunch, at snack time during school, and provide a water bottle with a straw throughout the day.
If you and your child are looking for more guidance in the areas of sensory processing or ADHD in Charlotte, consult an Occupational Therapist at Child and Family Development!
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