Sensory Play & Autism: Learning Through Hands-On Interaction

Sensory play is a fundamental part of early childhood development, offering children the opportunity to explore and interact with the world around them through touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste. For autistic children, sensory play becomes even more vital as it can provide a calming experience and help them process sensory input without becoming overwhelmed.

In this post, we’ll explore the importance of sensory play for autistic children, discuss sensory differences, and share tips on how to create sensory bins that cater to a child's unique needs.

Understanding Sensory Differences in Autistic Children

Autistic children often experience sensory input differently, with some children displaying hypersensitivity (sensory sensitivities) and others showing hyposensitivity (sensory seeking). Understanding these sensory profiles is important when designing play activities, as sensory input can either soothe or overwhelm a child, depending on their individual needs.

• Sensory Sensitivities (Hypersensitivity): Many autistic children are hypersensitive, meaning certain textures, sounds, or smells can feel overwhelming or even painful. For example, rough fabrics or loud noises might cause discomfort, and this heightened sensitivity can lead to sensory overload. To support children with sensory sensitivities, sensory play materials should be chosen carefully, avoiding any textures or stimuli that could trigger distress.
• Sensory Seeking (Hyposensitivity): In contrast, sensory seekers crave sensory input. They may engage in activities that provide intense sensory feedback, such as squeezing, jumping, or spinning. Sensory play materials for these children should offer rich textures and opportunities for movement, such as kinetic sand, water beads, or weighted objects.

By recognizing whether a child is sensory sensitive or sensory seeking, caregivers can create an environment that feels safe and enjoyable for them.

Jessie Ginsburg’s Approach: The Sensory SLP

Jessie Ginsburg, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, has made significant strides in sensory integration for autistic children. As “The Sensory SLP,” Ginsburg emphasizes that understanding a child’s sensory processing is crucial in helping them regulate their emotions and engage in play. Some children avoid sensory input, while others actively seek it out, and tailoring play experiences to these preferences can help children feel more comfortable and engaged.

By offering sensory-based interventions that cater to each child’s sensory profile, Ginsburg helps children explore their environment without fear of overstimulation. She often encourages sensory-based interventions that are calming for children with hypersensitivities and stimulating for sensory seekers.

What is Sensory Play?

Sensory play is a form of exploratory play, a key developmental stage where children learn about the world by using their senses. This form of play allows children to engage in hands-on activities, touching, seeing, and manipulating objects to discover new textures, smells, sounds, and sights. According to the Hanen Centre, exploratory play is one of the first ways children interact with their environment, learning through trial and error.

For autistic children, sensory play can offer comfort and help them process sensory information in a controlled setting. It provides an outlet for self-regulation and can help reduce feelings of sensory overload.

Why Sensory Play is Important for Autistic Children

Autistic children have unique sensory processing needs, and sensory play can meet these diverse needs in a way that feels safe and enjoyable. Incorporating sensory activities into play routines can help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and language abilities, all while supporting emotional regulation.

Sensory play also encourages creativity and independence. Children can explore textures, shapes, and movements, learning to interact with the world on their own terms. Sensory bins, in particular, can be customized to a child’s sensory preferences, allowing them to explore materials that feel comfortable to them.

How to Create Sensory Bins that Support Autistic Children

Creating sensory bins tailored to each child’s sensory profile is key to ensuring that sensory play is both calming and engaging. Here are a few tips for building sensory bins for autistic children:

1. Match Materials to Sensory Profiles
   For children with sensory sensitivities, avoid overwhelming textures like slime or wet sand. Instead, choose materials that are soft and smooth, such as pom-poms or cotton balls. Sensory seekers, on the other hand, may enjoy more intense sensory input from materials like kinetic sand, water, or hard beads.
2. Encourage Open-Ended Exploration
   Sensory bins allow children to explore materials freely without set goals or tasks. This open-ended play fosters creativity, builds confidence, and helps children practice fine motor skills without pressure. The tactile nature of sensory bins can be especially calming for autistic children.
3. Model New Ways to Play
   To expand a child’s play skills, gently model different ways to interact with the sensory bin. For example, if the child is scooping sand, you might show them how to build a castle with a mold. This approach allows the child to observe and imitate at their own pace.
4. Use Themed Sensory Bins
   Introducing themes can enhance engagement and make learning more fun. For example, create a “jungle” theme by adding leaves, dirt, and plastic animals, or a counting bin where the child can find objects hidden in rice. This structure encourages imaginative play and introduces new concepts in an enjoyable way.
5. Support Emotional Regulation
   Sensory bins can be used as tools for emotional regulation, offering a sensory break when a child is feeling overwhelmed. Soft materials like smooth stones or kinetic sand can have a calming effect, helping the child to relax and refocus.

Conclusion

Sensory play is a powerful way to support autistic children in exploring their environment, developing new skills, and managing their sensory needs. By creating sensory bins tailored to each child’s preferences, caregivers can offer an engaging, calming, and meaningful sensory experience.

As Fred Rogers once said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play IS serious learning.” Through sensory play, we can create a safe, supportive space for children to grow and thrive.

Resources:

• Sensory Bin Ideas: Pinterest
• Sensory Bin Materials: Amazon
• Jessie Ginsburg’s Book: Ready, Set, Connect
• Take Out The Toys Booklet: https://amzn.to/3zrTYTI
• Exploratory Play Blog: Autism Little Learners

Listen to the podcast: Episode 89

Related Podcasts:

Autistic Play: Honoring Diverse Styles of Play

Gently Expanding Autistic Play: Tips For Parents and Educators

If you use visual supports in your classroom or home, you are going to want to sign up for this free Visual Supports Starter Set ASAP! Click here to have one sent to your inbox. Also, be sure to read more about visual supports and how they can help autistic children here.