Sensory Diet Activities for Calming Overstimulated Children in Phnom Penh

For children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, everyday environments can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bright lights, sudden noises, or unexpected changes can lead to sensory overload, making it hard to focus, stay calm, or communicate effectively. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we create personalized sensory diets to help children self-regulate and return to a calm, organized state.

What Is Sensory Overstimulation?

Sensory overstimulation happens when the brain receives more input than it can process. Children who are overstimulated may:

• Cover their ears or eyes

• Cry or have meltdowns

• Show aggressive or avoidant behavior

• Struggle to follow directions or sit still

Sensory overload isn’t about bad behavior—it’s about a child’s nervous system asking for help.

How a Sensory Diet Helps

A sensory diet is a planned set of sensory activities designed to help children stay regulated throughout the day. These activities provide the type of input a child needs—whether calming, alerting, or organizing.

At OrbRom Center, our occupational therapists create individualized sensory diets that fit into daily routines at home, in school, and during therapy. In the image above, a child receives proprioceptive input from a large peanut ball—a common tool used to calm the body and mind.

Calming Sensory Diet Activities We Use at OrbRom Center

1. Proprioceptive Input

These “heavy work” activities activate joints and muscles to calm the nervous system:

• Pushing or pulling weighted objects

• Wall pushes or animal walks (e.g., bear crawl, crab walk)

• Rolling over therapy balls, as shown in the image

2. Deep Pressure

Firm, even pressure can soothe an overstimulated child:

• Weighted blankets or lap pads

• Body socks or compression clothing

• Firm hugs or joint compressions from a therapist

3. Vestibular Input

Gentle, rhythmic movement helps with balance and emotional regulation:

• Rocking in a chair or swing

• Slow bouncing on a therapy ball

• Lying across a peanut ball for deep core engagement

4. Tactile Activities

Engaging with calming textures can ground the senses:

• Playing with soft fabrics, playdough, or sand

• Brushing skin with sensory brushes

• Using fidget tools or textured balls

Why Sensory Support Matters in Phnom Penh

In Phnom Penh, awareness of sensory integration is still growing. Many children go undiagnosed or unsupported. At OrbRom Center, we provide early identification, developmental assessments, and therapy plans rooted in international best practices—right here in Cambodia.

We support parents with take-home sensory strategies and ongoing guidance, helping children thrive both in therapy and in everyday life.

If your child experiences frequent sensory overload, OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh can help. With customized sensory diets and expert occupational therapy, we empower children to stay calm, focused, and connected.

Start now with:

• A developmental assessment

• A tailored occupational therapy program

• A structured special needs intensive intervention plan if your child needs comprehensive support