Sensory Diet Activities to Boost Focus and Attention in Young Children – Phnom Penh Guide

Many parents notice their child struggles to focus, stay seated, or follow through on tasks. These challenges can be especially common in children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences. But what if there were daily activities that could train your child’s brain to focus better? That’s the goal of a sensory diet—a powerful tool used in occupational therapy at OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh.

What Is a Sensory Diet?

A sensory diet is a structured plan of physical and sensory activities that help regulate a child’s nervous system. When done consistently, these activities can improve focus, attention span, and behavior throughout the day.

Unlike medication, sensory diets are natural, movement-based, and tailored to each child’s needs and preferences.

How Sensory Activities Support Focus

Children who struggle to pay attention may be under-responsive (low energy and sleepy) or over-responsive (easily distracted and reactive). Sensory diets help “wake up” or “calm down” the body and brain depending on what’s needed.

In the image above, the child engages with large foam blocks—a great example of an activity that builds:

• Proprioception (body awareness through lifting and stacking)

• Problem-solving and sequencing

• Motor planning and visual focus

Focus-Boosting Sensory Diet Activities Used at OrbRom Center

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we design custom sensory diets for children with focus challenges. Here are some common activities we recommend:

1. Heavy Work (Proprioceptive Input)

• Pushing/pulling weighted boxes or laundry baskets

• Carrying large foam blocks like in the photo

• Wall pushes or crawling through tunnels

2. Movement Breaks (Vestibular Input)

• Jumping on a mini trampoline

• Spinning in a chair (in moderation)

• Rocking or swinging in a therapy swing

3. Fine Motor + Focus Games

• Building with LEGOs or blocks

• Sorting beads or buttons

• Lacing, threading, or squeezing therapy putty

4. Oral and Auditory Focus Tools

• Blowing bubbles

• Drinking thick liquids through a straw

• Listening to rhythmic or instrumental music during tasks

Why Phnom Penh Families Choose OrbRom Center

Our occupational therapists are trained to assess your child’s sensory profile and create practical, daily plans that promote focus at home, in school, and during therapy. We also offer:

• Developmental Assessments to identify attention-related delays

• Speech Therapy for children with language and communication barriers

• Special Needs Intensive Intervention for those needing full, multidisciplinary support

We believe every child can learn—when their brain and body are given the right tools.

If your child in Phnom Penh struggles to stay focused, a personalized sensory diet at OrbRom Center may be the key to unlocking their full potential.

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