Top 17 Best Sensory Activities for Autism Development

Sensory activities are an essential part of therapy for children and adults with autism. Sensory processing issues are commonly experienced by individuals on the autism spectrum, and engaging in appropriate sensory activities can help address these challenges. By stimulating the senses in a controlled and therapeutic way, sensory activities can support development, enhance focus, and provide comfort. These activities are especially beneficial for managing sensory overload, which can often lead to distress or difficulty in coping with everyday environments.

That said, let’s explore the best sensory activities for autism, each designed to target different sensory needs and promote well-being.

3 Sensory Activities for Visual Stimulation

Visual stimulation activities can be beneficial for children who seek visual input or need help regulating visual overstimulation. These activities can enhance focus, improve eye-hand coordination, and provide a calming effect.

Here are some notable examples:

Light-Up Sensory Toys

Light-up toys can captivate children’s attention with their changing colors and soft, glowing lights. Toys that feature slow-moving lights or color-changing bulbs are perfect for children who benefit from visual input. These toys are often used to soothe children with sensory issues by providing a gentle, rhythmic visual stimulus that doesn’t overwhelm them.

Sensory Bins with Colored Items

Create a sensory bin filled with colorful materials such as rice, beads, or pom-poms. Use food coloring to dye the rice or water beads in different vibrant hues. Children can explore the textures, shapes, and colors, while also enjoying the visual stimulation. 

Sensory bins promote fine motor skills and can be tailored to meet specific sensory needs.

Bubble Machines

Bubbles offer a fun and calming visual experience. A bubble machine or even just blowing bubbles can captivate a child’s attention and help them focus. The movement of the bubbles and the glimmering lights they reflect provide a soothing effect while improving visual tracking.

best sensory activities for autism

3 Sensory Activities for Tactile (Touch) Stimulation

Children with autism often experience tactile sensitivities, making touch-based sensory activities particularly valuable. These activities can either be calming or stimulating, depending on the materials used.

Some good examples include:

Playdough or Slime Making

Creating and playing with playdough or slime can provide excellent tactile stimulation. The squishy, stretchy texture allows children to explore different sensations while improving fine motor skills. You can even add scents, glitter, or small beads to the dough for added engagement.

Sensory Brushes and Massagers

A sensory brush or massager can be a great tool for calming an overstimulated child or helping them with sensory processing. The gentle pressure from a sensory brush or massager can provide a deep touch experience that helps with body awareness and relaxation.

Water Play

Water play is another excellent tactile activity. This can include pouring water, squeezing sponges, or playing with water toys on a small water table. Water provides a soft, fluid texture that can either be calming or stimulating, depending on the setup. Water-based activities can also help with hand-eye coordination and motor control.

3 Sensory Activities for Auditory Stimulation

Children with autism may have heightened sensitivity to sound, or they may actively seek out auditory input. Auditory stimulation activities can be designed to either soothe or stimulate, depending on the child’s needs.

Listening to Calming Music or Nature Sounds

Soft music or nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, or bird songs can have a calming effect on children with sensory sensitivities. Playing calming music during transitions or while the child is engaging in other activities can help reduce anxiety and promote focus.

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments like drums, tambourines, or xylophones are excellent for promoting auditory development. These instruments allow children to make sounds and respond to the sensory input they generate. Creating music can also be a form of self-expression, which is a valuable emotional outlet for children with autism.

Sound Matching Games

Sound-matching games involve listening to various sounds and matching them to corresponding images or objects. This activity helps with auditory discrimination and can be very engaging for children who enjoy auditory input. By using different instruments or everyday sounds, you can create a fun and educational experience.

best sensory activities for autism

3 Sensory Activities for Proprioceptive Stimulation

Proprioceptive activities engage the muscles and joints and provide feedback that helps children with body awareness. These activities can help children who have difficulty with coordination or spatial awareness.

Heavy Work Activities

Heavy work activities are physical tasks that require pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying. These activities provide deep proprioceptive input and can be extremely calming. 

Examples include pushing a weighted cart, lifting a small box, or carrying a backpack. These tasks help children develop strength, coordination, and body awareness.

Trampoline Jumping

Jumping on a trampoline provides proprioceptive input and can help regulate sensory needs. The rhythmic motion of bouncing up and down can have a calming effect, and it also helps with balance, coordination, and muscle development. Trampolines can be a great way for children to release energy in a controlled and therapeutic way.

Squeezing a Therapy Ball

Squeezing a therapy ball or using a weighted ball can provide calming proprioceptive input. These activities help develop grip strength, fine motor skills, and body awareness and can be done in various settings.

3 Sensory Activities for Vestibular Stimulation

Vestibular activities involve movement and balance and can help regulate children’s sensory systems. Some children with autism may crave vestibular input, while others may need help managing overstimulation from excessive movement.

Swinging

Swinging is an excellent vestibular activity that provides soothing movement. For children who enjoy this type of input, swinging on a regular swing or a sensory swing can help regulate the sensory system and promote relaxation. The rhythmic back-and-forth motion can be calming and can help improve balance and coordination.

Spinning in a Chair or Sensory Spinner

Spinning activities, such as spinning in a chair or using a sensory spinner, can provide vestibular input in a fun and engaging way. These activities help children build balance and coordination while providing the sensory stimulation they crave.

Rocking or Rolling

Rocking back and forth or rolling on a soft mat can provide a gentle vestibular experience for children who enjoy slow movements. These activities are particularly helpful for children who need help managing overstimulation from faster movements. Rocking or rolling can promote relaxation and body awareness.

2 Sensory Activities for Olfactory and Gustatory Stimulation

The senses of smell and taste can be engaged in creative ways to provide soothing or stimulating experiences. Some examples include:

Scented Playdough or Aromatherapy

Using scented playdough or incorporating aromatherapy into sensory activities can help engage the sense of smell. Calming scents such as lavender, chamomile, or citrus can promote relaxation and comfort. 

Similarly, essential oils can be diffused to create a calming environment or to help with focus.

Tasting Different Flavors

Introducing new and familiar tastes can help children with autism expand their sensory experiences. Tasting different flavors, whether through fruit, vegetables, or sensory-friendly snacks, can encourage exploration. Always consider the child’s preferences and sensitivities when selecting food items for sensory activities.

Conclusion

Incorporating these sensory activities into daily routines can help autistic children develop essential skills and regulate their sensory processing needs. The best sensory activities for autism are those that cater to a child’s individual preferences and sensitivities. 

Whether the goal is to calm, stimulate, or improve coordination, these activities offer endless possibilities for fostering engagement, relaxation, and development. 

Always ensure that activities are tailored to the child’s sensory profile, and encourage them to explore at their own pace for the most beneficial experience. At Eagle’s Will ABA, we specialize in providing high-quality ABA therapy in NC, designed to meet your child’s unique needs. 

Our dedicated team is committed to helping your child thrive by creating personalized plans that foster growth and independence. Contact us today to learn how we can support your family and schedule a consultation.

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