Every child learns through play; it is an innate and natural part of their development. For this reason, autism sensory activities help kids on the spectrum engage in play and interact with the environment to improve their sensory experiences.
With this in mind, I’ll share some fun sensory activities I’ve tried with my kids that you can enjoy at home with your child on the spectrum.
Before we dive into some of the activities my family enjoyed, make sure you check out your free guide with sensory play ideas for autism, too:
1. Creating a beanbag
Therapists often recommend buying a bean bag set, but I prefer making things myself when possible. DIY projects not only save money but also provide opportunities for creative, hands-on sensory activities for kids with autism.
Engaging in these activities can support their sensory experiences while making playtime more interactive.
So, I decided to build my own bean bag toss game. I found an old piece of wood and drilled five-inch holes into it before painting it. To create a stand, I attached a three-inch-wide stick to the back—though using a hinge would make it foldable for easy storage.
For the bean bags, I repurposed old socks and filled them with rice (be careful not to overfill). You can sew them shut or simply knot them for quick play.
While beans can be used as a filler, they tend to develop an odor over time, so I recommend keeping them as an indoor-only option if used.
You can also customize the game for special occasions. When my daughters were two and three, we had a bug-themed party. I painted the bean bag target white with flower petals around each hole.
I also bought bumblebee and butterfly-shaped bean bags for the kids to toss. Each child got to take one home as a party favor.
For everyday play, we throw sock-filled rice bags at a plain target. But on rainy or cold days, we make it more exciting by covering the target with a decorated poster board. I cut out the holes, let the kids design the background, and then tape or tack it onto the wooden base.
This DIY game is a fun, adaptable way to encourage sensory activities for kids with autism, offering both entertainment and skill development through hands-on play.
2. Need for speed
Another fun sensory game for autism we do is dumping out the toy bins or laundry baskets and creating a motor speedway. A cardboard box works well, too.
You can use painter’s tape to tape a “track” for your little racers to push or pull each other in a laundry basket or toy bin. I recommend the painter’s tape on hardwood floors, tile, linoleum, and rugs that are not plush.
If you want to race outside, you can use chalk to make a racetrack/speedway.
To make it a sensory experience, add weight to their lap by putting items such as bean bags, stuffed animals, or lightweight books into the basket or bin and gradually increase it.
For example, have Johnny push Suzie around one lap, and when you cross the finish line, you can add one more item. Make sure kids take turns so everyone has a chance to be the racer.
How does this help? Pushing and pulling are beneficial to the vestibular and the proprioceptive senses.
3. Creating scented flashcards
This idea of scented flashcards comes from “The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder” by Carol Stock Kranowitz.
I found some scented glue at Walmart, and I already had index cards at home. I took a regular Crayola marker and wrote the letters “A” and “B.” Then, I squirted the glue on top of where I had written with a marker.
The scent is noticeable as soon as the glue comes out of the bottle. The scent is still present after it dries, and the kids can feel the raised effect of the glue.
How is this helpful? According to Carol Stock Kranowitz:
- Smelling strong odors improves olfactory discrimination.
- Touching and seeing the scented glue numbers and letters integrates tactile and visual sensations with smells, thereby increasing memory, attention, and association.
- Writing and drawing with the glue sticks builds fine motor skills.
Sensory activities for toddlers with autism
Here are some fun and simple sensory activities for toddlers that encourage exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning.
1. DIY sensory bin
I love how a simple sensory bin can keep a toddler entertained for so long. Instead of buying expensive kits, I used to make my own with whatever I had on hand.
I grab a large plastic container and fill it with dry rice, pasta, or kinetic sand. For extra fun, I toss in scoops, measuring cups, and small toys so my toddler can dig, pour, and bury treasures.
For a themed bin, I sometimes dyed the rice with food coloring (just mix a few drops with vinegar and let it dry) and added seasonal objects. For example, you can add orange and black pom-poms for Halloween or cotton balls for a “snowy” winter bin.
It’s a great way to let toddlers explore textures while building their fine motor skills.
2. Edible finger painting
Messy play is fun, but with toddlers, I prefer activities that are safe in case they decide to taste-test their masterpiece. That’s why I make edible finger paints using yogurt and natural food coloring.
You spread a little on a baking sheet or thick paper and let your toddler swirl it around with their hands.
To add variety, I sometimes used pudding instead of yogurt or even mashed berries for a naturally colorful effect. If I wanted to introduce new textures, I’d sprinkle in a little cinnamon or cocoa powder and talk about how it smells.
This way, my toddler was engaging multiple senses at once—touch, sight, smell, and even taste!
3. Mess-free water play
Water play is a favorite in our house, but sometimes I need a low-mess option. I take a large resealable plastic bag, fill it with a little water, and add small objects like foam shapes or beads.
Then, I tape it to a window or table so my child can squish and push the objects around inside the bag.
For extra sensory stimulation, I sometimes add a few drops of food coloring or a little glitter. The bag turns into a mesmerizing, touchable water world. It’s especially fun when placed in a sunny spot where the light shines through, creating a colorful effect.
Benefits of sensory activities for children with autism
Research shows that sensory activities help children process sounds, sights, and textures better, making it easier for them to engage in daily activities.
Other benefits include:
- Better balance and body awareness
- Improved fine and gross motor skills
- Enhanced social interaction
- Strengthened sensory and brain connections
Autism sensory activities
Of course, there are several other sensory ideas for autism that can support your child’s sensory experience. The best activities always involve those that target your autistic child’s specific needs.
As a parent, it is important to do what you must for your child. After all, you are your child’s expert!
FAQs
Q: What are the best activities for autism?
A: The best activities for autism include sensory play, such as water beads or kinetic sand, to support self-regulation. Structured activities like puzzles or matching games help develop cognitive and fine motor skills. Outdoor activities, such as swinging or nature walks, can provide calming sensory input.
Q: How to provide sensory stimulation for autism?
A: You can provide sensory stimulation by offering textured objects, weighted blankets, or fidget toys to engage touch and pressure senses. Activities like swinging, jumping on a trampoline, or deep-pressure hugs can support proprioceptive input. Aromatherapy, calming music, or sensory bins with rice or beans can help engage multiple senses safely.
Q: Are sensory activities good for autism?
A: Yes, sensory activities are beneficial for autism. They help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Sensory play provides structured ways for autistic individuals to explore different sensory inputs in a safe and enjoyable manner. Sensory play can also enhance motor skills, communication, and social interaction.
Q: What are some fun sensory activities for toddlers?
A: Fun sensory activities for toddlers include playing with water or sand to explore different textures. Finger painting, sensory bins filled with rice or pasta, and bubble play provide engaging and hands-on experiences. Activities like jumping on a mini trampoline or using soft play equipment can also support their sensory development.
References
Little, L. M., Ausderau, K., Sideris, J., & Baranek, G. T. (2015). Activity Participation and Sensory Features Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 45(9), 2981–2990. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2460-3
Holland, C. M., Blanche, E. I., & Thompson, B. L. (2020). Quantifying therapists’ activities during sensory integration treatment for young children with autism. Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics, 41(3), 284-299. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01942638.2020.1847235
Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L. L., & Fristad, M. A. (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 19(2), 133-148. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361313517762
