Sensory Activities for Children

The Need For Sensory Activities Children with autism can be sensitive to the smallest changes in their routine and/or environment.

This sensitivity often leads to a ‘sensory overload’ which can cause ●

Anxiety

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Irritability

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Restlessness

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Behavioral changes

At Plexus, our therapists design sensory activities that can help these little ones feel less overwhelmed and anxious.

Benefits Of Sensory Activities Benefits of sensory activities Sensory activities can help your child ● Regulate their emotions ● Develop language skills ● Improve their motor skills and coordination Engaging in sensory play helps in creating more neural pathways which help the child process sensory information.

How To Identify A Sensory Overload?

A sensory overload occurs when one or more of the five senses is overstimulated to the extent that the individual is unable to cope with the stimuli. It can trigger extreme symptoms in children with autism.

Watch out for these signs: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Muscle tension Elevated heart rate Irritability Anxiety and fear Excessive sweating Covering ears or eyes to block out the stimulus Restlessness Not wanting to be approached or touched Intent to cause self-harm

What Is Sensory Play?

Sensory play stimulates the five senses.

It allows for lots of sensorial explorations, especially through the use of hands and feet.

Simple sensory activities at home, in the classroom, or even outdoors can introduce young toddlers to different kinds of textures, smells, flavors, etc.

Soft play areas provide ample sensory stimulation and opportunities for gross motor refinement.

Fun Sensory Activities For Your Little Ones Finger/foot painting ● Spread out art paper on the floor (you’ll get rolls of these in stationery shops). ● Set up a few tubs/palettes of color, and ask your child to dip them fingers/feet in. ● Be sure to use child-safe paints. You can put food colors in yogurt to make edible paints. **Always supervise

Sensory Bins Take a large container/tub. Add fillers and props based on the theme of the bin.

Choice of fillers: colored rice (you can DIY this), shaving foam + paints, atta+dals, slime, kinetic sand Sample sensory bins: sea animal figurines, blue pebbles, small rocks, etc. can be added to an underwater theme bin; insect figurines, child-safe tweezers, atta+brown pain+dals can be added to a insect exploration bin Sensory bins with edible items can also make for various kinds of taste explorations.

Painting With Food Painting with food Paint with foods like chocolate sauce, tomato puree, food color and yogurt, and other squishy foods. This activity is also great for enhancing fine motor skills.

Ice/Jelly rescue Add blocks, animal figurines, baby cutlery in a bowl/ice-tray filled with water/jelly.

Freeze.

Give your child a child-safe hammer and ask them to rescue their buddies.

DIY Pouring Station Use a teapoy or low table that is at your child’s height. Cover the top of the table with a water absorbent sheet.

You’ll need: ● 1 large tray, or 2 medium sized trays OR 4-5 containers and glasses with water ● 2-3 spoons, ladles droppers, and scoops.

Let the pouring begin.

You can make it more fun by adding food colors, animal figurines, foam letters, etc. to the water.

Other Sensory Activities That Require Low Prep ● Gardening ● Ball pits ● Singing

Changes You Can Make At Home To Reduce Sensory Overload For Your Child ● Noise-canceling headphones ● Tagless clothes in soft and breathable fabric ● Dimmer lights ● Weighted blankets and jackets

Keep In Mind!

If your child goes to school, educate the teacher on how the child should be prepared in advance for classroom interventions like fire drills.

Alternate caregivers must also be made aware of the child’s specific needs and what should be done in particular situations.

Empowering Children with Autism: Comprehensive Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration at Plexus At Plexus, our team of experienced and compassionate occupational therapists will help you set specific goals and devise a therapy plan for your child with autism and sensory issues.

Let’s help your child to ● ● ● ● ●

Develop and enhance their fine motor skills Improve gross motor skills Foster independence in activities of daily living Improve social and play skills Improve communication skills

We also offer sensory integration therapy.