Getting ready to
explore and play
Overview
Preparing for sensory play activities requires careful planning to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, including those with and without identified needs. Here are some guiding principles to help you get the basics right:
The environment
To help your autistic child feel calm and focused during activities like eating or messy play, try creating a clear and quiet space. Start by removing anything not needed from the area to avoid too much clutter or distraction. Use plain mats to show where the activity will happen, and put away extra toys or materials in boxes with lids or closed cupboards.
Keep only the things you need for the activity close by and tidy. Turn off and put away screens like TVs, tablets, or computers so your child isn’t distracted by them. Try to use natural light from a nearby window, and if you need extra lighting, choose soft, warm lights instead of harsh ones like fluorescent bulbs.
Most importantly, be flexible and adjust the space to suit your child’s needs and preferences.
Standing, sitting and moving
Make sure children feel stable and supported during activities. When seated at a table, make sure they can place their feet on the floor and have back support. Options like beanbag chairs or sitting between an adult’s knees can provide additional comfort. Some children might prefer standing with their back against a wall or stable surface. For those who find floor sitting difficult, offer alternatives like cushions or beanbags. Allow space around activities for children who need to move while still participating. This page may be helpful.
Sensory preparation
Help your child prepare their body and mind by doing a few minutes of regulating activities that include lots of ‘heavy work’ – movements that need effort from their joints and muscles. Examples include jumping or bouncing, climbing, pushing and pulling, stretching, hanging, squeezing, carrying heavier things. Pick activities that your child enjoys which don’t over heighten their responses. Try adding simple and fun breathing activities which can help children lower their heart rate and manage their responses to stressful situations. You may also find the addition of hand calming activities helpful. If in a group, think of which ones can be done together to support inclusion.
The resources below provide a breakdown of each of these areas in more detail.
Downloadable Resources
This downloadable resource has been developed by Saskia, a Children's Occupational Therapist
Hand activities: Calming the sense of touch
These strategies can help calm the sense of touch before, after and during mealtimes and sensory play. This can help prepare hands and reduce or ‘rub out’ unpleasant sensations for some children. You don’t need to do them all – find which ones work best and then do one or two at a time. What works one day may not work the next and it can be helpful to practice all of them in advance, so you know which ones are likely to be manageable for your child. A count of 5 is suggested for most of the activities – you can start with less if your child finds 5 seconds too long and gradually increase the time. If your child needs more, increase the time, or repeat the activity.
