Engaging children with disabilities in sensory activities isn’t just fun—it can transform how they connect with the world. For children with sensory processing challenges, these activities offer a hands-on way to explore their surroundings and support their development.
These activities are also one way to keep them engaged and help them enjoy life. But what exactly are sensory activities? And how can they benefit children with disabilities?
Here in this guide, we have put together a list of sensory activities we have seen over the years that improve the sensory abilities of children living with disabilities.
What Are Sensory Activities?
Sensory activities stimulate one or more of the five senses: sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste. They help children explore the world in a way that’s fun and meaningful. Whether it’s playing with textures or listening to sounds, these activities can support a child’s emotional and physical growth.
Why Sensory Activities Matter for Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities often face unique sensory challenges. Some may be hypersensitive to certain sensations, while others may be under-sensitive. Sensory activities provide controlled environments where children can engage with their senses in ways that feel safe and enjoyable.
Do Sensory Activities Help in Development?
Sensory play builds nerve connections in the brain, which leads to a better understanding of the world. This kind of play also improves fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interactions.
Also, when children with disabilities participate in sensory activities, they experience a reduction in stress and anxiety. These activities provide emotional comfort and teach them how to regulate their emotions. Physically, sensory play enhances coordination and balance.
General Tips for Playing with a Disabled Child
Before you start
- Make sure you and your child are comfortable before beginning an activity.
- All kids do things differently. Give your child time to respond and explore.
- Be in the moment.
- For children who are sensitive to touch, it may be helpful to introduce activities with their feet.
- Less is more. Take things slowly and avoid sensory overload.
- Be adventurous with play.
- Play must always be supervised.
- Be aware of allergies, sensitivities and choking hazards.
Sensory Activities for Children with Disabilities
1. Sensory Stories
Sensory stories involve reading a story while incorporating touch, sound, and smell to make the experience more immersive. You can use props that match elements of the story, such as soft fabric for a blanket, a bell for ringing, or a fragrant flower. This helps children with disabilities engage with the story on multiple levels, making reading a more interactive and enjoyable experience.
How to do it:
- Choose a simple story with rich sensory elements.
- Collect materials like textured fabrics, scented items, or sound-making objects to represent different parts of the story.
- As you read, encourage the child to touch, listen, and smell the props that correspond to the plot.
2. Messy Play
Messy play allows children to explore different textures and materials without fear of making a mess. It provides tactile stimulation and helps develop fine motor skills. Materials like finger paint, shaving cream, and mud are great for messy play. For children with sensory processing disorders, messy play can help desensitize their reactions to different textures.
How to do it:
- Lay out a plastic sheet or towel to minimize clean-up.
- Provide non-toxic materials such as finger paints, play dough, or shaving foam.
- Let the child use their hands to mix, squish, and explore the different textures.
3. Resonance Boards
Resonance boards are flat wooden boards that vibrate and create sound when a child moves or taps on them. These boards offer both auditory and physical stimulation, making them especially beneficial for children with hearing impairments or mobility challenges.
How to do it:
- Place a resonance board on the floor and encourage the child to sit or lie on it.
- Provide simple objects like wooden sticks, balls, or their hands to tap or roll on the board.
- Let the child feel the vibrations and listen to the sounds they produce.
4. Making a Treasure Basket
Treasure baskets are filled with everyday objects that engage different senses. Children are encouraged to explore the objects, discovering their shapes, textures, sounds, and even smells. This activity helps develop curiosity and fine motor skills.
How to do it:
- Collect a variety of safe objects like wooden spoons, textured fabrics, soft brushes, or scented items.
- Place them in a basket or shallow box.
- Allow the child to pick up, touch, and explore each item at their own pace.
5. Making a Cardboard Box Den
Building a den out of cardboard boxes creates a cozy, calming space for children. This sensory-friendly environment can help children with disabilities, especially those with autism, to regulate their emotions and enjoy a sense of security.
How to do it:
- Gather large cardboard boxes and tape them together to create a small den.
- Add pillows, blankets, or soft toys inside to make it comfortable.
- You can also hang fairy lights or place glow-in-the-dark stars to create a soothing visual effect.
6. Sensory Trays
Sensory trays are shallow trays filled with various materials that children can sift, pour, or dig through. Materials like sand, rice, or water beads provide rich tactile experiences. Sensory trays help develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and focus.
How to do it:
- Fill a tray with sensory materials like dry rice, water beads, or kinetic sand.
- Add small toys, scoops, or spoons for the child to manipulate.
- Let them dig, pour, and explore the tray using their hands or simple tools.
7. Scavenger Hunt
A sensory scavenger hunt is an outdoor or indoor activity that encourages children to search for items based on different sensory characteristics, such as texture, color, or sound. It’s a fun way to improve attention and sensory awareness.
How to do it:
- Create a list of items for the child to find (e.g., something rough, something soft, something that makes noise).
- Help the child search for these items around the house or yard.
- Once they find an item, encourage them to touch, listen, or smell it, depending on the item’s sensory properties.
8. Edible Sand
Edible sand is a fantastic sensory material for children who tend to put things in their mouths. It’s made from safe, edible ingredients like crushed cereal or graham crackers, offering a fun texture to play with and explore.
How to do it:
- Crush cereal or crackers into a fine, sand-like texture.
- Spread it out in a tray for the child to play with.
- Provide scoops, spoons, or small toys for digging and building.
Other sensory activities for children with disabilities
- Sensory bins
- Playdough
- Musical instruments
- Sound bottles
- Colour sorting
- Light-up toys
- Scented play materials
- Taste testing
- Obstacle course
- Swing time
How Do I Make Sensory Activities Inclusive for All Abilities?
It’s important to adapt activities to suit the individual needs of each child, particularly those with physical or mobility limitations.
Children with limited mobility can still participate in sensory activities with some modifications. For example, sensory bins can be placed on a table at the right height, or light-up toys can be activated with a simple touch.
Conclusion
Sensory activities open doors for children with disabilities to experience the world in new and exciting ways. Whether through touch, sound, sight, or movement, these activities nurture development, creativity, and emotional well-being. Every child is unique, so adapt these activities to meet their individual needs, and watch as they grow, learn, and thrive through play.
We hope you find this guide helpful.
If you are in Indiana and looking for how to access quality care services and personalized client care plans, visit Good Hands Home Care Agency, where care is offered with professionalism and efficiency.