Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with sensory integration, which affects their processing, organization, and engagement with sensory information from their environment. As parents and caregivers, you can foster your child’s development by providing everyday sensory activities to help them regulate and interact with their environment.
Circle City ABA passionately nurtures progress through play with ABA therapy. We understand that caring for children with autism also means caring about their families – so we provide full-family education and support from day one. You’re an active and involved part of the process. That means we’re here to walk you through what we’re doing and why. We share in your child’s wins and are always available to answer questions, discuss concerns, or workshop solutions to problems together.
Boosting Developmental Needs with Sensory Activities for Children
This blog showcases sensory activities you can incorporate into your child’s routine at home, outside of ABA therapy, to support their developmental needs.
Sensory Activities for Children with Autism
- Playdough and Sensory Bins
Playing with playdough and sensory bins can encourage children to touch, mold, and create, allowing them to develop fine motor skills in grasping, squeezing, pinching, and more. Sensory bins, such as rice or sand, can provide different tactile experiences and help children explore their sense of touch. You can also add other toys or objects to the bins and let your child sort and categorize them. - Sensory Walks
A sensory walk is a structured walk that encourages children to engage their senses in the environment. Depending on your child’s preferences and sensitivity to external stimuli, you can organize sensory walks inside or outside the house. For example, let your child walk barefoot on different textures such as grass, sand, or tiles. In addition, please encourage your child to touch, smell, and listen to objects in their surroundings. - Music and Movement
Music and movement are great activities for children with autism as they can help them improve their motor coordination, body awareness, and self-expression. You can play different kinds of music and let your child move their body to the beat or create a dance routine. You can also offer your child small percussion instruments, such as tambourines, maracas, or drums, so they can feel the rhythm and produce sound. - Sensory-Friendly Art Activities
Art activities can be an excellent way for children to express their feelings and thoughts. With some modifications, most children with autism can participate in sensory-friendly art activities. For example, you can use different materials, such as finger paint, clay, or markers, to provide different sensory experiences. You can also offer different textures of paper or cardboard for your child to explore. - Deep Pressure Activities
Children with autism can benefit from deep-pressure activities, such as compressions or tight hugs, to help them regulate their sensory processing. Deep-pressure activities can provide a calming sensory experience, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve body awareness. You can incorporate deep-pressure activities during everyday routines, such as wrapping your child in a blanket, using a weighted vest, or giving them deep-pressure massages.
Sensory activities can significantly improve the lives of children with autism. They can provide a fun and engaging way to explore their senses, improve their social communication skills, and help them regulate their sensory input and output. Parents or caregivers must identify their child’s sensory preferences, sensitivities, and challenges and tailor the sensory activities accordingly. You can easily incorporate sensory activities into your child’s daily routine, which may provide benefits that could positively impact your child’s developmental journey.
About Circle City ABA
Circle City ABA is here to join you on your Autism journey. If you’re considering ABA therapy for your child, it’s worth exploring Circle City ABA’s programs and services to see if we fit your child’s needs well. We have state-of-the-art autism centers in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. Contact us for more information about Circle City ABA and to inquire about starting ABA Therapy services.
