Common questions from BCBAs and RBTs
A sensory diet is a planned schedule of sensory activities. Research shows it did not reduce automatically maintained stereotypy in controlled studies with preschoolers. Physical exercise appears more effective for that specific target.
Use validated sensory assessments and interview caregivers about responses to specific sensory inputs across home, school, and community. Research identifies distinct sensory subtypes, so look for patterns across modalities rather than treating sensory processing as one issue.
Research shows it is the distress that follows routine disruption — not the preference for sameness itself — that most strongly predicts self-injury. Targeting that distress with predictability supports and emotion-regulation strategies is more effective than just avoiding changes.
Research suggests autistic girls show more severe auditory and vestibular sensory difficulties than boys, and these differences may be part of why girls are diagnosed later. Screening for these specific sensory patterns in girls who seem to be masking can help.
Research shows that children with autism and ADHD who have a balanced lifestyle — moderate exercise, limited screens, good diet, and enough sleep — show the lowest irritability and best mental health profiles. These are practical targets for family coaching.