At Providence Community ABA, we understand the unique sensory needs of children with autism. Creating a sensory-friendly environment can significantly enhance their comfort and engagement. Today, we're sharing a list of sensory-friendly activities and DIY projects that you can easily do at home to support your child's sensory needs. These activities not only help in sensory integration but also provide a fun way for you to bond with your child.
On this page:
1. DIY Sensory Bins
What You Need:
Plastic bin or container
Rice, beans, or sand
Small toys, spoons, cups
Fill the bin with your chosen base material (rice, beans, or sand) and add small toys and tools. This allows children to explore different textures, which can be incredibly soothing and engaging. Sensory bins can be themed around seasons, holidays, or your child's favorite characters to keep things exciting.
2. Homemade Playdough
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tbsp cream of tartar
1 tbsp oil
1 cup water
Food coloring
Mix all ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a dough. Allow it to cool, then knead until smooth. You can add food coloring and even a few drops of essential oil for a calming scent. Playdough offers a wonderful tactile experience and helps with fine motor skills.
3. Sensory Bottles
Materials:
Empty plastic bottles
Water, glitter, beads, or small toys
Glue
Fill the bottles with water and add glitter, beads, or small toys. Seal the cap tightly with glue to prevent leaks. Sensory bottles are perfect for visual stimulation and can help children calm down when they feel overwhelmed.
4. DIY Weighted Blankets
Materials:
Fleece fabric
Poly-pellets
Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which can be very calming for children with autism. Simply sew pockets into the blanket and fill them with poly-pellets. Ensure the weight is appropriate for your child’s size and needs.
5. Bubble Wrap Stomp
Materials:
Bubble wrap
Tape
Tape a large piece of bubble wrap to the floor and let your child walk, jump, and stomp on it. The popping sounds and sensation underfoot can be both fun and therapeutic, providing auditory and tactile stimulation.
6. Sensory Swing
Materials:
Strong fabric or hammock
Secure hooks
Set up a sensory swing in your home. The gentle rocking motion can be incredibly soothing for children with autism, helping them to regulate their sensory input and emotions.
7. Calm Down Jars
Materials:
Mason jar or plastic bottle
Water
Glitter glue
Food coloring
Fill the jar with water, add glitter glue and a few drops of food coloring, then seal it tightly. Shake the jar and watch as the glitter slowly settles. This visual stimulation can help children relax and refocus.
8. Tactile Paths
Materials:
Various textured materials (carpet squares, rubber mats, etc.)
Tape or adhesive
Create a tactile path on the floor using different textured materials. This can help your child explore different sensations underfoot, improving their sensory processing abilities.
9. DIY Fidget Toys
Materials:
Balloons
Flour or rice
Funnel
Fill balloons with flour or rice using a funnel, then tie them off. These DIY fidget toys are great for keeping little hands busy and helping children focus.
10. Sensory Gardens
Materials:
Various plants (lavender, mint, etc.)
Garden space or pots
Create a small garden with a variety of plants that offer different scents, textures, and colors. Gardening can be a multi-sensory activity that helps children connect with nature and calm their minds.
At Providence Community ABA, we're committed to supporting families with children on the autism spectrum. These sensory-friendly activities are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your child's unique preferences and needs. By incorporating sensory-friendly activities into your daily routine, you can create a more comfortable and engaging environment for your child.
For more tips and resources, visit Providence Community ABA.
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Every journey with ASD is unique, and every step towards understanding makes a world of difference.