According to a leading autism charity, The National Autistic Society, around 700,000 people are on the autism spectrum, so it’s more important than ever to prioritize understanding autism. Autism and Asperger’s affects three main areas of a person’s life:
Autistic individuals experience problems with all types of sensory stimulation, which can leave them feeling anxious on a daily basis. If you think someone you know or your own child might have autism, please read our blog post on how to recognize autism .
To work towards reducing that feeling of anxiety, it’s important to try to develop their social skills through various sensory activities with specialized sensory equipment . We pride ourselves on our multisensory equipment expertise, so give these ten sensory activities for a child with autism a try. We think they'll help you successfully engage and stimulate their minds.
1. Dance Party!
One of our fun autism friendly activities is a dance party as it helps to engage the individual. You can create a dance party with a projector and music system in a sensory room at school or at home. Alternatively, if you want to be spontaneous while travelling, you can use a dark room and a portable strobe light with music from your phone.
Dance parties can help individuals with autism learn how to listen to rhythm, count, and develop their physical coordination by playing their favorite music and moving. It’s also a great way to let off steam or channel frustration if the individual is having a difficult day. This activity works one-to-one or as a group depending on individual needs.
2. Use Bubble Tubes in Sensory Activities for Autism
Bubble tubes are more than just decorative. From their gentle vibrations to bubbling sounds, bubbles are extremely calming and soothing for those with autism.
Fitting a sensory room with bubble tubes creates a colorful environment that aids visual development and communication skills.
Other autism friendly activities include using IRiS software and the IRiS Balance Beam to develop cause and effect understanding and hand-eye coordination.
Although we recommend using a bubble tube in a sensory room, you can use a Portable LED Bubble Tube while traveling.
3. Artsy Sensory Activities for Autism
Finger painting is extremely fun and beneficial. Playing with paint allows individuals to explore textures and become more comfortable with tactile input.
4. Playing in a Ball Pool
Playing in a ball pool encourages hand-eye coordination and sensory stimulation.
5. Beanbag Chairs for Autism-friendly Activities
Beanbag chairs provide deep pressure input that helps calm the nervous system and improve concentration.
6. Musical Sensory Activities for Autism
Sensory interactive wall panels help develop rhythm and auditory processing skills.
7. Guessing Game
Tactile stimulation is beneficial. Present objects while blindfolded and let the child guess what they are to improve sensory familiarity.
8. Puppet Show
Puppet shows encourage empathy, self-expression, and emotional understanding.
9. Floor-based Sensory Activities for Autism
A portable interactive floor responds to body movement and provides physical and mental stimulation.
10. Autism-friendly Activities Involving Aromatherapy
Introducing aromatherapy helps reduce anxiety and create a calm environment.
These sensory activities work especially well in combination with multisensory rooms . If you need further guidance, contact us or read our post on calming strategies for autism .