Sensory experiences help autistic kids regulate their emotions, feel less stress, and explore the world through play and touch. Sensory activities can help your little one explore textures, colors, and shapes in a way that feels safe and enjoyable. Engage your autistic child’s inner artist. Here are 4 sensory crafts to try with your autistic child.
Slime
It’s a well-known fact that almost all kids love homemade slime! It’s a hands-on activity that provides endless fun and sensory stimulation. By mixing glue, liquid starch, and food coloring, you and your child can create a squishy, stretchy substance that feels fascinating to touch. Here are some additions you can experiment with for extra sensory fun:
- glitter
- foam beads
- jelly cubes
- instant snow
- shaving cream
- clay
- colorant
- essential oils
- anything else kid-friendly you can think of!
Slime-making engages your child’s sense of touch and gives them a chance to explore creativity through color choices and texture tweaks.
Sand Art
The Japanese have been creating art with sand for thousands of years, making sand a tried-and-true art medium. Now you and your child can join the fun!
Use colored sand and clear bottles or jars to layer designs that showcase a rainbow of possibilities. Sand art offers a soothing tactile experience as your child pours and smooths each layer. This activity encourages concentration, patience, and fine motor skills while providing a mix of visual beauty and sensory engagement.
Finger Painting
Finger painting allows your child to explore different textures and colors, helping them try something new while developing their creativity. Use nontoxic, washable paints and large sheets of paper to minimize cleanup afterward. Lay out more than just brushes to spread the paint around (i.e., sponges, toy cars, pencils, balloons, etc.). Then just let them go to town! This activity strengthens hand-eye coordination and enables your child to express their emotions through art. Allowing them to play with the paint at their own pace can make the experience therapeutic.
DIY Sensory Board
A DIY sensory board is fun to make, and it provides entertainment beyond the time it takes to craft it! Use a sturdy board and glue on items like fabric swatches, bubble wrap, soft brushes, zippers, and Velcro. Encourage your child to help choose materials they’re interested in. A sensory board is an excellent tool for tactile exploration, fostering curiosity and hands-on learning.
By using these 4 sensory crafts to try with your autistic child, you create meaningful moments of connection while supporting your autistic child’s creative and sensory needs. By focusing on textures, colors, and movement, you’ll create crafts that are both fun and beneficial. Pave the way for joyful learning and self-expression by starting one of these projects today!
Recommended reading: 7 Engaging Hobbies To Stay Active During Retirement
