Key Points:
- Autism sensory play helps children process sensory input in a safe and engaging way.
- Activities like tactile bins, movement-based games, and calming exercises support development and regulation.
- Sensory play can be used alongside ABA therapy to improve focus, communication, and emotional regulation.
Children with autism experience the world differently—some crave movement, others avoid touch, and many struggle with loud noises. Sensory play provides a safe, enjoyable way to explore these sensations. With the right activities, kids can develop sensory processing skills, improve focus, and feel more comfortable in their environment.
Why Is Sensory Play Important for Children with Autism?
Many children with autism experience sensory processing challenges, where certain sounds, textures, or movements can feel overwhelming. Others may seek intense sensory experiences, craving movement or deep pressure. Sensory play helps children regulate their responses to sensory input, develop motor skills, and improve focus.
By engaging in structured autism sensory play, children can explore different sensations in a controlled, enjoyable way. These activities are not just fun—they support brain development, improve attention, and help with self-soothing techniques.
What Are the Best Sensory Activities for Autism?
The best sensory activities for autism involve a mix of textures, movements, and calming exercises that help children process and regulate sensory input. Some activities focus on tactile exploration, while others encourage vestibular (balance) or proprioceptive (body awareness) engagement. Below are some of the most effective sensory play ideas.
1. Tactile Sensory Play: Hands-On Exploration
Children with autism often have strong preferences when it comes to touching different textures. Some may avoid sticky or rough materials, while others seek out these sensations. Tactile play helps desensitize or fulfill sensory needs in a fun way.
Here are some great tactile play ideas:
- Sensory bins: Fill a container with dry rice, beans, sand, or kinetic sand. Add small toys for scooping and pouring.
- Playdough and slime: These soft, moldable materials help strengthen fine motor skills while offering sensory input.
- Water play: Fill a tub with warm or cool water and add sponges, cups, or water beads.
- Finger painting: Let children explore colors and textures by painting with their hands.
- Shaving cream play: Spread shaving cream on a table for children to draw and explore its texture.
Tactile activities can help children become more comfortable with different sensations, reducing sensory aversions over time.
2. Proprioceptive Play: Deep Pressure and Heavy Work
Proprioceptive input helps children understand where their bodies are in space. Deep pressure activities can be calming and help improve body awareness. These activities are great for children who enjoy jumping, pushing, or squeezing.
Some effective proprioceptive activities include:
- Weighted blankets or lap pads: These provide gentle, consistent pressure for relaxation.
- Bear hugs and squeezes: Some children find comfort in firm hugs or squeezes on their arms and legs.
- Jumping on a trampoline: Helps regulate energy levels and improves coordination.
- Pushing and pulling games: Activities like pushing a weighted cart or pulling a resistance band strengthen muscles and offer deep pressure input.
- Wall push-ups or chair push-ups: Simple ways to provide resistance and engage the body.
These activities can be particularly helpful for children who seek constant movement or deep pressure stimulation to stay regulated.
3. Vestibular Play: Movement-Based Activities
The vestibular system controls balance and spatial orientation. Some children with autism love spinning and swinging, while others feel dizzy or unsteady with certain movements. Vestibular play helps children process motion in a safe and controlled way.
Try these fun movement activities:
- Swinging: Use a sensory swing, hammock, or playground swing to provide rhythmic movement.
- Spinning games: Sit on a spinning chair, use a sit-and-spin toy, or roll on the floor.
- Obstacle courses: Create a course with tunnels, balance beams, and stepping stones.
- Rocking chairs or exercise balls: Gentle rocking can be soothing and help with balance.
- Rolling play: Have children roll across a soft mat or wrap them in a blanket for “burrito” rolls.
Vestibular activities are especially beneficial for helping children develop balance, coordination, and a better sense of where their body is in space.
4. Auditory Sensory Play: Managing Sound Sensitivities
Some children with autism are highly sensitive to sound, while others may seek loud noises. Sound-based sensory play helps children explore different auditory experiences in a controlled setting.
Some engaging auditory activities include:
- Musical instruments: Drums, maracas, or xylophones help children experience sound through movement.
- White noise or calming music: Helps reduce overstimulation and create a soothing environment.
- Listening games: Play sound-matching games using recorded animal noises or household sounds.
- Whisper games: Practice speaking softly and listening carefully to different tones of voice.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Can help children who are sensitive to loud environments regulate their auditory input.
Auditory play can be customized to a child’s needs—either introducing new sounds gradually or helping them tolerate different sound levels.
5. Calming Sensory Play for Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is a key skill for children with autism. Calming sensory play provides a structured way to manage anxiety, frustration, or sensory overload. These activities work well for transitioning between tasks or winding down before bedtime.
Some calming sensory play ideas include:
- Sensory bottles: Fill a bottle with glitter, water, and beads to create a mesmerizing calming effect.
- Breathing exercises: Teach children to take deep breaths while holding a stuffed animal on their stomach.
- Fidget toys: Stress balls, textured rings, or chewable necklaces can help with self-regulation.
- Bubble play: Blowing bubbles encourages deep breathing and focus.
- Weighted stuffed animals: A soft, weighted plush toy can offer comfort and security.
These activities can be integrated into daily routines to help children feel more in control of their emotions and sensory experiences.
How Autism Sensory Play Supports ABA Therapy
While autism sensory play is a great way to engage children in meaningful activities, it becomes even more effective when combined with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy focuses on helping children develop communication, social, and self-regulation skills through structured interventions.
Sensory play can support ABA therapy by:
- Improving focus and attention before structured learning tasks.
- Helping with transitions between activities, reducing meltdowns.
- Building tolerance for new sensory experiences in a fun and gradual way.
- Encouraging communication and social skills through interactive play.
Get Expert ABA Therapy Support in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia
If your child benefits from sensory play but needs structured support to build life skills, ABA therapy can help. At Empower ABA, we work with children on the autism spectrum to develop essential skills, improve communication, and strengthen emotional regulation.
Our experienced team provides personalized ABA therapy services in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia to help children thrive. Contact us today to learn how ABA therapy and sensory play can work together to support your child’s development.