Autism Spectrum Disorder can give rise to different ways of perceiving and responding to the world. This can include how one processes sensory information or the info collected by their sensory receptors about internal conditions and external space. Sensory activities are crucial, as they provide a secure and controlled environment to manage their sensory responses. They can serve as a tool to engage all areas of the brain and manage various aspects of their development. 

As the blog title suggests, it's time to learn about your child's sensory activities if they fall under the autism spectrum. Besides, this post by us is the right place to begin. In addition to our ABA programs, we aim to guide you with everything it takes to support your child in managing symptoms of autism. 

So, without further ado, let us jump into a list of sensory activities your child can find helpful. 

Benefits of Sensory Activities

Sensory activities are calming for those who fall under the autism spectrum. They can also impact your kid's development, and in this section, you will learn how:

They Learn About Managing Sensory Responses

Sensory activities can provide a safe and regulated space where your child can present their sensory responses.  They can adapt to different simulations, thus having a better sensory experience. 

They Can Manage Social Interaction Challenges

Social skills can be a challenge for your child due to autism. However, participation in sensory activities can bring the possibility of sharing collaborative experiences and developing social connections. 

They Can Promote Cognitive Development 

Engaging different senses concurrently can stimulate the brain, and this can promote cognitive growth. The functions that can be improved are problem-solving skills, memory, and attention. They can also enhance their focus and encourage building foundation skills for their learning. 

They Can Lower Their Stress

Sensory play can reduce their stress due to its calming effect. Certain activities, such as stress balls, can lower anxiety and help manage your child's meltdowns. They provide anticipated and regulatory sensory input, which can promote self-regulation in your kids. 

10 Sensory Activities Your Child Can Find Helpful

We know ABA programs are our strongest suit. However, you have not tried your hand at the sensory activities for your child yet. Take a look here:

• Finger Painting  

Finger painting involves using fingers to apply paint to different surfaces. Although slightly messy, finger painting can provide a hands-on sensory experience. Your child can explore the paint's temperature and texture. When indulging in play, your child may plan some artwork, which can help their cognitive development. 

• Slime Making 

Slime making includes creating a gooey, thick, and sticky substance. You can make it with water, glue, and a slime activator, all mixed to bring a slime consistency. Engaging with slime can help your child manage sensory inputs. Slime engagement can contribute to fine motor skills development. It can help them soothe emotionally.  

• Mud Kitchen 

Mud kitchens are outdoor sensory activities that can help your little ones explore various smells, sounds, and textures. It can help them provide a real-life experience of the world around them. Along with sensory exploration, mud kitchens can also promote fine motor skills, social interactions, and problem-solving. 

• Toys in Jelly 

This is a jelly game where you can hide toys in a jelly for your kid to discover and play with. You can put anything from plastic numbers to beads, or something else. This game can be an enjoyable and remarkable experience for your little one to explore various shapes, colors, and textures.

• Spider Web Walk

Spider Web Walk is another sensory game that can enhance focus, balance, and motor skills. It includes the use of string or tape to build a web-like pattern for your child to explore. It is built on the floor and can have objects or letters at specific points. Your child can pick the objects or letters left at any of these points. 

• Aromatherapy Play

As the name of this game gives a hint, aromatherapy focuses on using engaging smells with scents. You can tailor this game depending on your child's needs. Some ways to implement it can be as scented playdough, sensory bottles, sensory bins, texture boards with fragrance, or essential oils. 

• Sensory Walk 

Sensory walks engage different senses with various sounds, sights, and textures. These activities focus on encouraging sensory integration and therapeutic benefits. They expose your child to different sensations and textures. Besides, they are as simple as nature walks. You can also create a path in your backyard or home using materials like sand, pebbles, or fabric, and let your child walk through it. 

• Sensory Bottles

You can also call sensory bottles the discovery or calm-down bottles. These are sealed containers consisting of various materials, such as liquids, beads, or glitter. The purpose of this activity is to bring a tactile and visual stimulation anytime you turn or shake these bottles. They can help them calm down, relax, and promote sensory input. The materials moving inside can help them deal with agitation or anxiety. 

• Music Therapy

Music is said to have a healing power for everyone, including your little ones. Music therapy can provide various sensory-based games, promoting emotional regulation, engagement, and communication. These games can include movement that stimulates different senses.

• Window Painting 

This is a simple and enjoyable game. You need shaving cream that you can spray anywhere on the window. Let your child practice their creativity on it. From writing letters to merely swirling around with fingers, your child can do anything. It can work on their tactile senses. Fingers can help promote motor skills. 

What Should You Keep in Mind?

Here are some fine tips before going with it:

• You can tailor all these games as per your child's needs or wishes. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all rule here.

• You can start making these things on your own. A great way to do so is by investing in plastic storage bins, which are available almost anywhere.

• These sensory activities can be a great way for you to interact with your child. So instead of just setting it and letting them play, tell them what you plan to do and engage them in every step.

• Let your child feel like participating in the activity. If they do not feel like playing, let us not force them to. 

The Final Thoughts

We know that as a parent or caregiver, you can always have questions and be inquisitive about your child's needs, interests, strengths, and challenges. We get it! We really do. That is why our team at BehaviorSpan offers compassionate solutions with ABA therapy in Denver. We have always been a fan of delivering individualized attention, which we ensure through our ABA programs. 

We are a dedicated team of Registered Behavior Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Our center-based ABA therapy programs aim to deliver intensive training to children with developmental delays or who fall under the spectrum. Our seasoned therapists turn our collaborative approach into a path for your child's promising future.

So what is with all this waiting? Connect with us and let our team look after your little one's overall journey. Reach out to us today!

References:

• https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/10-sensory-activities-for-autism 

  
  

• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/sensory-table-ideas/ 

  
  

• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/sensory-strategies