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20 Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children With Autism

When parents think about educating their young children with autism, they often imagine flashcards, alphabet memorization, and reading stories about daily activities. While these traditional learning methods have their place, nothing is as beneficial as sensory play for young children, especially those with autism.

Understanding Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children with Autism

Sensory play has been around since the beginning of time and naturally occurs for many young children with autism. However, many parents are often confused about what exactly sensory play is and how it can benefit their child. Sensory play is a type of play that activates and stimulates a child’s senses, focusing primarily on touch, sight, and hearing, as these are the most accessible senses.

For children with autism, who often experience sensory processing challenges, sensory play provides a structured way to explore and become comfortable with sensory inputs that might otherwise be overwhelming. Through sensory play, children learn about the world around them and develop important skills as they engage with their environment.

The Benefits of Sensory Play

The first three years of a child’s life are critical for development, as the brain rapidly grows and forms connections. Sensory play offers a unique opportunity for children with autism to engage with their surroundings, helping them grow and thrive. By stimulating different senses, sensory play can:

Enhance cognitive development by helping the brain form and strengthen connections.
Improve fine motor skills as children manipulate small objects and learn to coordinate their movements.
Foster language development as children describe their sensory experiences.
Encourage social interaction and cooperation when playing with peers.
Support emotional regulation, helping children manage anxiety or frustration through calming sensory activities.

Given the myriad of benefits sensory play offers, it’s no wonder that parents and educators are keen to incorporate it into daily routines. But where should you start?

20 Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children with autism

Sensory Bins

Materials Needed:
Plastic bins or trays, filler materials (rice, beans, sand, water beads), small toys (animals, cars, figurines), scoops, spoons, tongs.
Instructions:
Fill a bin with the chosen filler material. Add small toys, scoops, spoons, and tongs to the bin. Let the child explore the bin using their hands or tools, encouraging them to scoop, pour, and search for hidden toys. You can also theme the sensory bin (e.g., beach, farm, treasure hunt) to keep the activity engaging and educational.

2. Weighted Blankets

Materials Needed:
Weighted blanket (appropriate weight for the child’s size, typically 5-10% of body weight).

Instructions:
Use the weighted blanket during quiet time, while reading, or during transitions to help the child calm down. The deep pressure input from the blanket can help regulate sensory processing and promote relaxation. Ensure the blanket is used under supervision and that the weight is suitable for the child’s comfort and safety.

3. Calming Bottles

Materials Needed:
Plastic bottles, warm water, glitter, food coloring, glycerin or clear glue, small objects (beads, sequins).
Instructions:
Fill the bottle with warm water, leaving some space at the top. Add glitter, a few drops of food coloring, and a tablespoon of glycerin or clear glue to slow down the movement of the contents. Seal the bottle tightly and secure the lid with glue or tape. Shake the bottle and watch as the contents settle; this can be a soothing activity to help calm down during stressful moments.

4. Music Therapy

Materials Needed:
Music player, a selection of calming music or favorite songs, simple instruments (drums, maracas, keyboard).
Instructions:
Play calming music or the child’s favorite songs during activities or as a background during playtime. Allow the child to experiment with simple instruments, encouraging them to make their own music. This can help with mood regulation, expression, and focus.

5. Sensory Swings

Materials Needed:
Sensory swing (hammock swing, pod swing, or platform swing), secure installation hardware.
Instructions:
Install the sensory swing in a safe space, ensuring it’s securely mounted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the child to sit or lie in the swing, gently pushing them back and forth. The swinging motion can be very calming and provide vestibular input, helping the child self-regulate.

6. Bubble Wrap Stomp

Materials Needed:
Sheets of bubble wrap, open floor space.
Instructions:
Lay down the bubble wrap on a flat surface. Encourage the child to walk, stomp, or jump on the bubble wrap, creating popping sounds. This activity provides tactile and auditory feedback, which can be both stimulating and calming. Supervise to ensure safety during play.

7. Finger Painting

Materials Needed:
Non-toxic, washable paints, large paper or canvas, aprons or old clothes.
Instructions:
Set up a space where the child can freely explore finger painting. Provide a large sheet of paper or canvas and let the child use their fingers to create. Encourage them to mix colors, draw shapes, or simply explore the texture of the paint. This activity supports tactile exploration and creative expression.

8.Water Play

Materials Needed:
Plastic tubs, cups, water, waterproof toys, sponges.
Instructions:
Fill a tub with water and add cups, sponges, and waterproof toys. Let the child explore pouring, squeezing, and splashing in the water. Water play can be very calming and is great for developing motor skills. Adjust the temperature and setting to make sure the child is comfortable during play.

9. Light Projectors

Materials Needed:
Aura Sensory Light Projector, power supply, effect wheels.
Instructions:
Set up the Aura Sensory Light Projector in a dim room. Choose a calming effect wheel and attach it to the projector. Adjust the brightness and patterns to suit the child’s preferences. The soothing visuals and gentle movement help reduce anxiety and create a calming atmosphere perfect for relaxation or bedtime routines.

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10. Chewable Jewelry

Materials Needed:
Chewable necklaces or bracelets in various textures and firmness levels.
Instructions:
Provide the child with chewable jewelry to wear as needed. This can help with oral sensory needs and provide a safe alternative to chewing on non-food items. Ensure the jewelry is clean and replace it regularly to maintain hygiene and safety.

Playdough and Slime

Materials Needed:
Homemade or store-bought playdough or slime, small tools (cookie cutters, rolling pins).
Instructions:
Set up a play area with playdough or slime and allow the child to explore by stretching, squishing, and molding the materials. Provide tools like cookie cutters or rolling pins to enhance the experience. This activity helps with fine motor skills and can be particularly soothing for tactile exploration.

Obstacle Courses

Materials Needed:
Pillows, cones, tunnels, balance beams, hula hoops.
Instructions:
Design an obstacle course tailored to your child’s abilities using household items. Encourage them to crawl through tunnels, jump over pillows, and balance on beams. Obstacle courses provide proprioceptive and vestibular input, promoting coordination, motor skills, and confidence.

13. Visual Timers

Materials Needed:
Visual timer or app.
Instructions:
Use a visual timer to help the child understand how much time is left for an activity. Set the timer for short intervals to help with transitions or to provide a clear countdown for ending playtime. This can reduce anxiety and make the concept of time more tangible for the child.

Puzzle Play

Materials Needed:
Puzzles of varying difficulty, textured or sound puzzles for added sensory input.
Instructions:
Choose puzzles that are appropriate for the child’s developmental level. Allow them to explore the pieces and fit them together at their own pace. Puzzles can help with problem-solving, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning, making them a valuable sensory-friendly activity.

Storytime with Sensory Books

Materials Needed:
Sensory books with textures, flaps, sound buttons, or lights.

Instructions:
Engage the child in storytime with books that have tactile elements, sounds, or interactive features. Encourage them to touch, lift, and explore the different textures and features as you read. This can make reading more engaging and help develop literacy skills in a multisensory way.

16. Fidget Toys

Materials Needed:
Fidget spinners, cubes, stretchy bands, stress balls.
Instructions:
Provide a selection of fidget toys for the child to explore. These toys can help keep their hands busy and focus their attention, particularly in situations where sitting still is required. Fidget toys can be used discreetly in classrooms, during travel, or in waiting rooms.

Nature Walks

Materials Needed:
Comfortable shoes, outdoor clothing, a small bag for collecting natural items.
Instructions:
Take the child on a nature walk, allowing them to explore their environment at their own pace. Encourage them to observe different textures, sounds, and smells. Collect natural items like leaves or rocks to discuss later. This activity connects children with nature and provides a calming sensory experience.

Yoga and Movement Games

Materials Needed:
Yoga mat, yoga cards or video guide for kids.
Instructions:
Guide the child through simple yoga poses or movement games that encourage body awareness and relaxation. Use visual aids like cards or videos designed for children to demonstrate poses. This can help improve flexibility, coordination, and self-regulation skills.

Sensory Scavenger Hunt

Materials Needed:
Checklist or picture guide, items with different textures, shapes, and colors.
Instructions:
Set up a scavenger hunt with items that vary in texture, shape, and color. Provide a checklist or picture guide for the child to use during the hunt. This activity encourages exploration, problem-solving, and sensory processing in a fun and structured way.

Breathing Exercises

Materials Needed:
Quiet space, visual aids or guided breathing apps (optional).
Instructions:
Teach the child simple breathing exercises like deep belly breathing or guided imagery. Use visual aids or apps that can guide them through the exercises. Practice these exercises regularly to help the child develop a tool for self-calming during moments of stress or sensory overload.

Incorporating sensory games into the daily routine of a child with autism can significantly enhance their development and well-being. These activities not only provide sensory stimulation but also promote learning, creativity, and social interaction. By engaging in these games, children with autism can better navigate their sensory sensitivities and build important life skills.

Aura sensory room projector

“The Aura room projector is easy to use and is very effective in calming a child with Autism.”

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20 Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children With Autism

Understanding Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children with Autism

The Benefits of Sensory Play

20 Sensory-Friendly Activities for Children with autism

Aura sensory room projector

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