Caregivers Understanding and Implementation of the Sensory Diet

Background: Sensory diets are individualized plans that provide structured sensory input to help children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) regulate their behavior and emotions. Despite their benefits, caregiver understanding and implementation of sensory diets at home remains limited, highlighting the need for accessible educational interventions. Objective: To assess caregiver knowledge and interest in sensory diets, provide an educational handout, and evaluate changes in understanding, confidence, and implementation following the intervention. ACOTE Area: (a) Education, (b) Program Development and Evaluation- Primary. Methods: This study utilized a pre-test/post-test design with a sample of caregivers whose children receive outpatient occupational therapy. Participants completed a pre-survey, reviewed an educational handout on sensory diets, and then completed a post-survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Post-survey data indicated increased caregiver knowledge, confidence, and interest in implementing sensory diets. All participants reported actively using sensory-based strategies at home after the intervention. Qualitative responses highlighted the usefulness of categorized activities and clear explanations in the educational material, while also identifying minor technical challenges. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings support that even a brief, structured educational resource can improve caregiver understanding and implementation of sensory diets. The intervention is cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable to various clinical and home settings. It offers a promising strategy for occupational therapists seeking to enhance family-centered care through caregiver education. Further research is recommended to explore scalability and long-term impact in diverse populations.