Sensory Activities for Autism: A Great Way to Learn Through Play
Children with autism often explore the world through their senses. Lights, sounds, textures, and smells can seem extra intense or muted. This is why sensory activities for autism are so helpful.
They don’t just provide fun. They can also help a child calm down, focus, or better understand their environment. Whether your child needs help staying regulated or enjoys certain textures, sensory play can support growth and development.
At Circle City ABA, we incorporate sensory-based activities into our daily ABA therapy sessions. Keep reading for simple sensory activities to try at home—and learn how you can partner with us to support your child’s progress.
Why Sensory Play Matters for Children with Autism
Sensory play offers children safe opportunities to explore various sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.
For kids with autism, these types of activities can help:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve attention and focus
- Boost communication and social skills
- Build fine motor and gross motor skills
When a child plays in a sensory-rich environment, their brain forms new connections. Over time, this helps them feel more comfortable and confident in everyday settings, such as school, stores, and social gatherings like playdates.
Simple Sensory Activities for Autism to Try at Home
Here are a few fun and easy ideas you can do today with items around your home.
1. Create a Sensory Bin
Fill a plastic bin with dry rice, beans, or pasta. Add spoons, cups, and small toys. Let your child dig, pour, and scoop.
Why it works: It offers a safe space to explore textures and practice fine motor skills. You can also hide letters, shapes, or animals inside for a learning twist.
2. Try a Water Play Station
Fill a tub or bowl with warm or cool water. Add fun items like measuring cups, sponges, or plastic animals.
Why it works: Water play is soothing and fun. It can help your child stay focused and build hand-eye coordination.
3. Make Homemade Playdough
Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring to create your dough. Let your child squeeze, roll, and stretch it.
Why it works: The texture is soothing. Your child can also practice hand strength, finger movements, and even color recognition.
4. Explore with a Sensory Walk
Lay out different textures on the floor, such as bubble wrap, soft towels, foam mats, and foil. Have your child walk barefoot across them.
Why it works: This helps children become more aware of how different surfaces feel, improving balance and body awareness.
5. Use a Calming Bottle
Fill a clear bottle with glitter, water, and a bit of glue. Let your child shake it and watch the glitter slowly fall to the ground.
Why it works: It provides your child with a visual break that can aid in emotional regulation and help them calm down during a meltdown.
Sensory-Friendly Routines Make a Big Difference
It’s not just about playtime. You can also bring sensory activities into daily routines.
Try letting your child squeeze a stress ball before school. Give them a chewy necklace during homework. Or use a weighted blanket at bedtime.
These small steps can help your child feel more secure and ready to learn throughout the day.
How ABA Therapy Uses Sensory Activities
At Circle City ABA, our therapy centers use sensory activities in personalized treatment plans.
Each child has different needs. Some individuals may require assistance in reducing their sensitivity to certain sounds. Others may seek out touch or movement. Our team utilizes fun and safe activities to support each child’s goals and comfort level.
By incorporating sensory play into therapy, we help children develop their communication, behavioral, and independence skills—all while having fun.
Want to Learn More? Contact Circle City ABA Today
If you’re looking for professional support, Circle City ABA is here to help.
Our team provides play-based ABA therapy that includes sensory activities for autism in every plan. We serve children from 18 months to 17 years old.
We have no waitlist at many of our locations and accept a variety of insurance plans.
Call us today or visit www.circlecityaba.com to speak with our admissions team. We’ll help you get started with a tour or answer any questions you may have about ABA therapy.
Sensory activities for autism are more than fun. They’re a powerful tool for helping your child learn, grow, and feel at ease. With support from Circle City ABA, you don’t have to do it alone.
