Sensory play with sand and other tactile activities can be a valuable tool for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially those with sensory sensitivities. Play is an essential part of child development, helping both neurotypical and neurodivergent children build motor skills, fine motor skills, and social abilities.
Engaging with different textures through play allows children to meaningfully explore their surroundings. However, for some autistic children, sensory defensiveness—particularly tactile sensitivity—can make certain types of play overwhelming.
What is tactile play?
Tactile play is a form of sensory play that engages touch. Children can be sensitive to certain materials or food textures, and the degree of their tactile sensitivity varies. The experience is unique, especially for autistic children.
Tactile play encourages children to explore their sensory sensitivities in a fun and familiar way. Sensory sensitivities can influence how a child engages with play. Many autistic children prefer playing alone, which can make social interaction more challenging.
Tactile play provides an effective way to combine interventions with engaging activities, helping children gradually adapt to different sensory experiences.
How to engage in sensory play with sand
One of the great benefits of tactile play with sand is that it stimulates multiple senses, not just touch. Creating a well-rounded sensory experience, it also engages:
- sight,
- hearing,
- smell, and
- movement.
This helps strengthen a child’s sensory modulation and overall sensory processing. To enhance the experience, different objects, such as shells, small toys, or textured items, can be added to the sand.
This allows the child to explore a variety of textures rather than just sand. Gradually, they can be introduced to textures they may initially be sensitive to, helping them become more comfortable over time.
Ideas for sensory play with sand
In the summer, I fully support my kids getting messy and then washing their clothes off with the hose. I liked this idea because it didn’t require many supplies.
Here’s what was needed:
- Sand: Either craft sand or beach sand will work just fine.
- Paint: I used acrylic because that’s what I had on hand, and it’s cheap.
- Paper: You will want something sturdy. I used Creatology’s Paint Pad Paper.
All you do is mix paint and about a tablespoon or two of sand in a bowl. I used plastic cups for easy cleanup. Dump it on the paper and let the kids spread it all over the paper.
When it dries, flip the paper over and trace different shapes on the smooth back. Then, cut out your shapes.
Some children may not want to touch the paint mix, so don’t force them. It may help to let them feel the ingredients separately before mixing them together.
If they can’t tolerate the feel, then encourage them to spread the sand paint with a paintbrush, a stick, or a smooth-edged rock.
For some people with sensory issues, adjusting the central nervous system (CNS) to the texture of something can take weeks, months, or even years. Remind yourself that it is a process, and do not force the issue.
Tips to get your child to engage in sensory sand play
The process I used was simple. Just think in baby steps. Babies do not walk overnight, and neither will a severe sensory aversion. For the first week, I would put a toy that interested my daughter in the sandbox.
This was to get her to go near the sandbox. Sometimes, she would have to step into the box to grab the toy, but the sand didn’t have to touch her skin because she had shoes on.
Next week, I bought her new sand toys to entice her to play. She would stand on the outside of the sandbox and shovel the sand into a bucket. Again, I will remind you that she never actually touched the sand but instead used sand tools.
The following week, I gently encouraged her to sit on the edge of the sandbox. As she watched, I scooped and shoveled the sand, showing her it was safe to touch and play with.
It’s important to demonstrate that handling sand and sitting in it is okay. Lead by example to help your child feel more comfortable.
The next week she actually used her hand to pat the sand down in a bucket. She quickly wiped off her hands, and we went to wash them. The whole time, I kept giving her positive reinforcement. I also reassured her that she wasn’t hurt.
Although she felt uncomfortable for a few minutes, she touched the sand without any negative reactions, like vomiting. Her goal was met—she finally built her own sandcastle! I made a big deal out of it, taking pictures and proudly displaying them on the fridge.
Having fun while supporting sensory exploration
Sensory play is a great way to help children with different sensory sensitivities. If your child struggles with certain textures, introducing tactile play with sand can be beneficial—but it’s important to go at their pace.
A sudden flood of sensory input can be overwhelming, making the experience more stressful than helpful. Take it step by step. Break each session into small, manageable moments, and adjust based on your child’s comfort level.
If you need guidance, an occupational therapist can suggest ways to make the sensory play with sand more engaging and effective.
Most importantly— don’t forget to have fun along the way!
FAQs
Q: Why is sand good for sensory play?
A: Sand provides a tactile experience that helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It also offers opportunities for creative and imaginative play, supporting sensory exploration.
Q: How do you make sand sensory play?
A: Fill a container with sand and add tools like scoops, molds, and small toys for exploration. You can enhance the experience by incorporating water, different textures, or scents for added sensory engagement.
Q: What do children learn from sand play?
A: Children develop problem-solving skills, hand strength, and creativity while engaging in sand play. It also encourages social interaction, communication, and early science and math concepts like measurement and volume.
Q: What age is sensory sand for?
A: Sensory sand is suitable for children as young as 12 months under supervision. Different textures and tools are adapted for various age groups. However, it remains beneficial for older children, supporting their sensory and fine motor development.
Q: Do autistic kids like to play with sand?
A: Many autistic children enjoy sand play because of its calming and repetitive nature, though sensory preferences vary. Some may find the texture overwhelming, while others seek out the tactile input for self-regulation.
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
Zelcek, B., & Pouya, S. (2024). Investigation of the effect of the sandplay therapy in the open area to improve the social behaviour of children with autism spectrum disorder. Support for Learning, 39(3), 149-164.
Slak, A. (2023). Creative Therapies for Autism: Movement, music, and sandplay. The Crown: Syracuse Honors Research Journal, 1(1), 8.
Iivonen, S., Kettukangas, T., Soini, A., & Viholainen, H. (2025). Sand Play and 0‐to 8‐Year‐Old Children’s Physical, Cognitive and Socioemotional Outcomes: A Mixed‐Methods Systematic Review. Child: Care, Health and Development, 51(1), e70034.
Watts, T., Stagnitti, K., & Brown, T. (2014). Relationship between play and sensory processing: a systematic review. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 68(2), e37–e46.
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