Tips for Parents: Sensory Activities for Children on the Spectrum

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you may have noticed that your child can be especially sensitive to sensory input. They may be oversensitive to certain sounds, sights, and textures, or they may be under-sensitive and crave more sensory stimulation. Either way, engaging in sensory activities can be a great way to help your child regulate their sensory input and improve their overall well-being.

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to sensory activities is that every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another, so it's important to experiment and find out what activities your child enjoys and benefits from the most.

Sensory activities are an important part of any child's development, and they can be especially beneficial for children with disabilities. Sensory activities engage a child's senses and help them explore their environment, develop their cognitive and motor skills, and improve their overall well-being.

Here are some examples of sensory activities that can be modified or adapted for children with disabilities:

Start with simple activities

Sensory activities don't have to be complex or elaborate. In fact, simple activities can often be the most effective. For example, you could try blowing bubbles, playing with a softball, or running your child's hands through different textures (e.g. sand, grass, or feathers). Other modifiable activities include:

1. Playdough: Children can use their hands to manipulate the playdough, strengthening their fine motor skills and improving their hand-eye coordination. You can add different textures or fragrances to the playdough to enhance the sensory experience.
2. Sensory bins: Fill a bin with different materials such as rice, beans, or sand, and add in toys or objects for the child to explore. This activity allows the child to use their senses of touch, sight, and hearing to investigate their surroundings.
3. Painting: Children can use their hands, brushes, or other tools to create paintings or other artwork. This activity allows them to use their sense of touch and sight to create something unique and explore different textures and colors.
4. Music and movement: Children can explore different sounds and rhythms through music and movement activities. They can play with instruments, dance, or use their bodies to make different sounds. This activity can improve their coordination, gross motor skills, and overall physical development.
5. Gardening: Children can plant seeds, water plants, and care for them as they grow. This activity allows them to use their sense of touch, sight, and smell to explore the natural world and learn about the plants and flowers around them.

It's important to remember that each child is unique and may have different needs and preferences when it comes to sensory activities. It may be helpful to consult with a therapist or other professional to determine the best activities for your child.

Make it fun

The best way to get your child interested in sensory activities is to make them fun. Use their favorite colors, toys, and games to create a playful and engaging experience. You can also try incorporating music, lights, or other fun elements to add to the excitement. Sensory activities can be extremely beneficial for children's development, as they engage their senses and help them explore their environment, develop their cognitive and motor skills, and improve their overall well-being. To be of optimal benefit, these activities should be fun and engaging for children.

When children are having fun and are engaged in an activity, they are more likely to be motivated and focused on the task at hand. This can help to improve their attention and concentration skills, as well as their overall enjoyment of the activity. When children are enjoying themselves, they are also more likely to be relaxed and open to learning new things, which can help to facilitate the development of their cognitive and motor skills.

Additionally, when children are having fun, they are more likely to be motivated to participate in the activity and to want to do it again in the future. This can help to encourage a love of learning and exploration in children, which can have long-term benefits for their overall development.

Overall, sensory activities can be a great way for children to have fun and learn at the same time. By making these activities engaging and enjoyable, we can help to maximize their benefits for children's development.

Be consistent

Sensory activities can be most effective when they are part of a regular routine. Try to incorporate sensory activities into your child's daily routine, and be consistent about the time and place where you do them. This will help your child learn to expect and look forward to these activities.

Create a sensory-friendly environment inside and outside

The environment in which you do sensory activities can make a big difference in their effectiveness. Try to create a calm, quiet, and comfortable space where your child can fully engage in the activity without being distracted. This might mean turning off the TV, dimming the lights, or using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

Backyard Play

If you have a child with autism and are looking for ways to make your backyard a safe and enjoyable space for them, here are some tips you may find helpful:

1. Create a sensory-rich environment: Consider adding sensory elements to your backyard such as a water feature, a sand pit, or plants with different textures and fragrances. These elements can help to engage your child's senses and provide a more stimulating environment for them to explore.
2. Make the space predictable: Children with autism often thrive on routine and predictability. Consider setting up a designated play area with specific toys and equipment that your child can use consistently. This can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of familiarity.
3. Consider the lighting: Children with autism may be sensitive to bright or flashing lights. Consider adding shades or other types of light filters to your backyard to create a more comfortable environment for your child.
4. Provide a safe place to retreat: Children with autism may need a quiet, calm space to retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. Consider setting up a small tent or other enclosed space in your backyard that your child can use as a safe haven.
5. Offer plenty of opportunities for physical activity: Children with autism may benefit from activities that promote gross motor skills and physical activity. Consider adding equipment such as swings, climbing structures, or trampolines to your backyard to provide opportunities for your child to move and play.
6. Make the space accessible: Consider the needs of your child when designing your backyard. For example, if your child uses a wheelchair, make sure there are clear pathways and that all areas of the backyard are accessible.

By following these tips, you can create a backyard space that is safe and enjoyable for your child with autism.

Involve your child in the planning process

Sensory activities can be even more effective when your child is involved in the planning process. Ask them what activities they would like to try, and let them help you come up with ideas for new activities. This will help your child feel more invested in the process and more likely to engage with the activities.

Conclusion

Overall, sensory activities can be a great way to help your child on the autism spectrum regulate their sensory input and improve their overall well-being. By starting with simple activities, making them fun, being consistent, creating a sensory-friendly environment, and involving your child in the planning process, you can help your child get the most out of these activities.