Sensory Play helps all children learn, but for kids on the autism spectrum, it can be a game changer.
Kids with autism often have difficulty with everyday stimulation.
Things that you and I don’t even notice like the sound of the dishwasher running or the background noise at a bus stop. These sounds can negatively affect children with ASD and make it hard for them to cope with everyday life- much less learn.
When a child with autism plays a sensory game or activity, it helps their brain change it’s reaction to it. Sensory play is an awesome way for kids on the spectrum to become better learners.
It also helps to increase attention spans and social interaction skills.
Some parents turn to Sensory Slime Activities when their child is going through that phase that nobody talks about.
You know, the one where he goes all Picasso with poop. Yep. I’m talking about fecal smearing. Some kids with autism smear for the sensory stimulation it provides. It gives them a sense of control their only sense of control. So it makes sense that play dough or slime would make excellent alternatives. Maybe even shaving cream or paint.
I’ve got to tell you; I was surprised when I learned about all of the ways Sensory Play could benefit my son, Nathan.
It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that playing with slime and chickpeas could help with his verbal delay.
But, as I’ve said before, parents with special needs kids learn to think outside the box.
See, it’s not the peas or the gooey stuff that helps the kids talk-it’s the parents who talk about it.
We’ve got to play with our children for any of this to work!
We have to get our hands dirty and describe what we are doing with the slime and chickpeas.
You’ve got to make a SUPER BIG DEAL OUT OF EVERYTHING!
For example-
“Oh, Wow! Look at all of that slime! What color is that? (Pause 1-2-3 seconds) Is that blue slime? Can you say blue? (Pause 1-2-3 seconds- You don’t want to wait too long or make your child feel bad because he doesn’t know the answer) That’s right, BLUE! Now, How many peas do you have? Let’s count! 1-2-3-4…”
That’s just one example to go by. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see the many opportunities to teach your child through sensory play.
Sensory Activities also help with Fine and Gross Motor Skills. When your child has to manipulate the small objects in the following activities, he will be working on his hand-eye coordination and muscle development. The ones that encourage the kids to run and jump help with gross motor skills.
If you’re looking for Sensory Activities to build language and social skills, increase attention span, develop motor skills, and help kids learn there is something on this list for you!
32 Sensory Play Activities For Kids With Autism
BABY BIRD EATS THE WORM | MODERN PRESCHOOL
EDIBLE SENSORY PLAY BALLS | KIDS CRAFT ROOM
SHAVING CREAM & WATER BEADS | PARENTING CHAOS
TEXTURE EGGS | TWO-DALOO
EDIBLE PLAYDOUGH | LEMON LIME ADVENTURES
PUDDING PAINTING | BUSY TODDLER
FIVE LITTLE PUMPKINS | iheartCRAFTYthings
SENSORY WALK | TEACHING MAMA
COLOR MIXING SENSORY BOTTLES | PRESCHOOL INSPIRATIONS
DIY COLOR RICE | POWERFUL MOTHERING
HOW TO COLOR BEANS FOR SENSORY PLAY | FUN AT HOME WITH KIDS
LETTER A SENSORY PLAY | KORI AT HOME
CONSTRUCTION SITE SENSORY BIN | BUSY TODDLER
WASH THE DOG | PRE-K PAGES
DIY FLOAM | DESIGN DAZZLE
PAINTING WITH SANDALS | MUNCHKINS AND MOMS
TIDE POOL EXPERIMENT | BUGGYANDBUDDY
GRAFFITI ART | PLAYGROUND PARKBENCH
LEARN YOUR NAME SENSORY BIN | NURTURE STORE
CARPET SQUARE PAINTING & SENSORY BOARD | CRAYON BOX CHRONICLES
DIY GLITTER SLIME | THE 36th AVENUE
RAINBOW SOAP FOAM BUBBLES | FUN AT HOME WITH KIDS
TOY TRACTOR SENSORY PLAY | MUNCHKINS AND MOMS
SHARK SENSORY BIN | MOMMYS BUNDLE
HANDWRITING WITH SHAVING CREAM | MUNDANE & MIRACULOUS LIFE
RAINBOW SLIME | LEARN PLAY IMAGINE
RAINBOW RICE NOODLES & LIGHT TABLE | AND NEXT COMES L
GIANT BUBBLES RECIPE | LEARNING & EXPLORING THROUGH PLAY
DRINKING STRAW SENSORY TUB | I CAN TEACH MY CHILD
SHAPE SORTING SENSORY | STIR THE WONDER
LETTER HUNT FOR EARLY LITERACY | BUSY TODDLER
PLAY DOUGH LETTER MAZES | TEACH ME MOMMY
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