All kids love sensory play! I got some cute little bins and added just stuff around the house that I already had. I used some old rice that I had, some quinoa, and popcorn kernels. Give your child a scoop or bowl which promotes eye and hand coordination and fine motor if you ask them to pick up each one like a popcorn kernel. The feel of different items can be very helpful for children with autism. Most kids crave different sensory inputs and it keeps them occupied for a long time!!!
Make a sensory bottle. You can make it however you would like. Add water, glitter, oil, or even add some food coloring for a more colorful bottle. Or just go basic. I just got a bottle from a craft store and just added popcorn kernels. Wow what a sound that makes!!! Get creative and make it your own. My son LOVES to throw everything and I mean EVERYTHING!!! I thought I bet he would love to see a bunch of straws fall to the floor or watch them as he puts them in a container. Yep it was a winner for sure. Although the straws pretty much ended up in the floor, it kept him entertained and met his sensory needs.
Also my son likes to visual stim too so anything I can find that is stimulating to watch I will buy. Examples could be a glitter ball, liquid motion bubbler, toys with lights, or just something basic like bubbles! My son loves to watch the bubbles and pop them. Just keep in mind you do not have to spend a lot of money. You could even use an empty water bottle and add water, oil and food coloring and just shake it. Since my son loves to throw everything I do have to duck tape or super glue the lid of the bottle very good so the lid will not come off.
More Sensory Ideas
Jello is wonderful for sensory play!!! I made some and added toys to them so my son could dig them out! My son likes to taste and smell things so this he could eat! He loved it!
KINETIC SAND!!!
Kinetic sand is most likely the BEST sensory play of all!! The feel of the sand is so relaxing and keeps most children’s attention for a long time.
Ball Pits!!
Jump in!
Sensory Bag
Cereal in a bag. They can shake the bag, feel the texture of the cereal and listen to all the sensory seeking sounds they crave.
Water Beads
If you have never felt of water beads you need to try them. They are so neat and most sensory seeking kids will love the way they feel. Water beads feel like squishy, soft, smooth marbles. Sticking your hand in water beads are so relaxing with the gentle, soft feel of the water beads surrounding your hand. If the water beads are dropped or fall out of the container they do roll and bounce just like a tiny ball. Great for all children and adults!
