People experience the world through our senses: sight, touch, sound, smell and taste. In addition, there is vestibular (sense of balance) and proprioception (awareness of the body’s position and movement). Children learn about their world through these senses. For children with autism and ADHD, many of them need additional stimulation through their senses to provide more input or better manage sensory issues. Sensory play can help children with autism and ADHD in many ways.
What is sensory play?
Sensory play is any activity that uses the senses. Children who regularly participate in sensory play increase the development of their senses, which helps them learn more effectively and builds their creativity. Examples of sensory play activities can include swinging, playing in a sandbox, using Play-doh, painting, playing a musical instrument, and even cooking.
Our son J had ultra-sensitive hearing when he was younger, and his occupational therapist had him on a “diet” of sensory play activities at home. We had specific activities he had to do every day as well as spending a lot of time swinging on our playset and jumping on the trampoline. All of this was to help him stimulate his vestibular and proprioception systems. In addition, J was drawn to sensory activities. He loved playing in the water and our sandbox in the backyard. Indoors, he enjoyed playing with blocks, small cars and Play-doh.
How sensory play helps your child with autism and ADHD
Sensory play can help autistic/ADHD children in many ways. They include the following:
1. Improves coordination
When children are involved in sensory activities, they use their hands and sight a great deal along with inputs for their vestibular system and proprioception awareness. This practice helps them improve their coordination.
2. Increases social skills
When children with autism and ADHD participate in sensory play with others, it helps to increase their social skills. If another child is hesitant about playing with your child because they seem different, sensory play breaks down barriers. Everyone can participate and have fun playing together.
3. Helps your child relax
Many children find sensory play activities relaxing, whether it’s swinging or playing in water or any other number of activities. This can help your child relax overall and decrease their stress.
4. Stimulates the brain
Activities that use the senses stimulate your child’s brain. This is great for overall learning and development.
5. Develops problem-solving skills
Sensory play can help children develop problem-solving skills. This could be as easy as trying to put sand into a narrow container or figuring out an obstacle course.
6. Regulates the vestibular system
Activities that include movement can help your child’s vestibular system. This can include swinging, jumping, rocking and other movement. Yoga can be especially helpful.
7. Improves fine motor skills
Children with autism and ADHD can benefit from sensory play activities that work on their fine motor skills. Using sensory play bins, drawing with sidewalk chalk, finger painting and making noodle necklaces are examples of activities that can help with fine motor skills.
8. May increase willingness to try new foods
As children experiment with new textures, smells and taste through sensory play, they may be more willing to try new foods. Cooking is a sensory activity, so having your child assist you with making food could help as well.
9. Reduces or even prevents meltdowns
Many autistic children have meltdowns because of sensory overwhelm. Sensory activities can reduce the overwhelm and even help prevent or decrease meltdowns.
How to set up a sensory play area in your home
Having a sensory play area in your home allows your child to regularly participate in sensory activities. This could be a small area or even a table in their bedroom, playroom or living room. This will keep them focused on the task at hand but not be overwhelmed by play. One note is that you want to be sure your child doesn’t become overstimulated by sensory play. If you see it is getting to be too much for them, then it’s probably time to gently move them to a new activity. (I realize transitioning an autistic child from one activity to another has many challenges of its own!)
What should you include in a sensory area? Here are some ideas.
1. Sensory bin – you can create your own using beads, rice, pasta and other items from home or a dollar store, or you can purchase one already made (affiliate link).
2. Homemade playdough, putty or Play-doh (affiliate link)
3. Crayons and sandpaper (it’s not easy to draw on sandpaper, so it offers a unique sensory experience)
4. Balance beam – you can make one at home or purchase one already made (affiliate link)
5. Yoga or balance ball (affiliate link)
6. Indoor swing (affiliate link)
7. Trampoline (small one for indoors or large one for outdoors) (affiliate links)
Sensory play activities
Want some ideas for sensory play activities for your child? Here are some suggestions:
- Get them outside in the backyard or at the park to swing, slide and run around. This will help them use so many of their senses.
- Use household items like shaving cream, rice, dry beans, sandpaper and other items with textures in play.
- Have them create pictures on your driveway with sidewalk chalk.
- Paint with watercolors or finger paints.
- Encourage them to play instruments. These can be homemade!
- Listen to music and dance.
- Make crafts.
Want some good ideas specifically to help children with autism and ADHD for sensory play? Check out this article with five easy activities you can make at home.
Sensory play is beneficial for all children but offers some additional help for children with autism and ADHD. Has your child benefitted from sensory play? What are their favorite activities? Leave a comment so that we can share and encourage one another!
