Fun Sensory Play

There are many children, not just on the Autistic spectrum, that could benefit from Sensory Play. Some kids might be reluctant to try touching certain textures because it is bothersome to them. But it's important to continue to encourage them. And to try the activity more than once, perhaps weekly, until the child gets more familiar with the particular texture. Have a big box of baby wipes handy for quick clean-up! I know my girls start to freak out if they think they are "dirty". (Ironically, they also hate bathing!)

Here are just a fewgood things to try (most, if not all, can be purchased for under $1 - some, FREE!):

• shaving cream
• finger paints
• cooked spaghetti (for girly girls, try shell "mermaid" pasta or bowtie "fancy" pasta)
• carpet scraps
• shower pouffs (in the child's favorite color)
• gummy worms
• marshmallows
• snow (if you're(un)lucky enough to live in that climate)
• rocks
• leaves
• tree bark
• dry oatmeat
• salt (make sure they don't rub the eyes and there are no open cuts on their hands!)
• yarn
• different fabric textures (buy colorful scarves from thrift store and wash in hot water before use.)
• bubble wrap

And don't forget to raid your arts/crafts supply! Things like clay, pipe cleaners, non-toxic school glue (I used to love to let glue dry on my hands and then peel it off!), pom-poms, scotch tape, and glitter.

Another girly girl hint: find some play makeup that can be applied with the fingertips ~ like eyeshadows (powder and creamy), lip gloss pots, body glitter lotions, etc. Let her do it all by herself ~ glamourous!

If the child you're working with begins to become repetative, such as always making cirlcles with the fingerpaints, perhaps try to switch it up. For example, try using the fingerpaints on a mirror (as long as they are the washable kind). A boy might enjoy giving himself a green moustache and purple mohawk. A girl might like to add a crown to her head and maybe some colorful jewels around her neck ~ or, ya never know, she might like a purple mohawk too!

Use your imagination, you know your child best! Think of what makes him tick and then MAKE IT FUN!