Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to revel in the festivities than by creating sensory friendly activities that cater to everyone! In this blog post, we’ll explore delightful and inclusive Valentine’s Day activities that engage the senses, ensuring a joyful and memorable celebration for individuals of all abilities. For a look at some tips for our older kiddos, check out last year’s Valentine’s blog. Sensory Friendly Valentine's Day

Tactile Craft Stations:

Set up tactile craft stations where individuals can engage in hands-on activities. From creating textured Valentine’s Day cards using fabrics, beads, and ribbons to molding heart-shaped clay, these activities provide a sensory-rich experience that stimulates touch and creativity.

Scented Valentine’s Day Cards:

Infuse the art of card-making with delightful scents. Incorporate scented markers, stickers, or essential oils into the crafting process. This not only adds an olfactory dimension to the activity but also allows individuals to explore different scents and express themselves in unique ways.

Calm and Cozy Reading Corner:

Create a calm and cozy reading corner filled with soft blankets, plush pillows, and Valentine’s Day-themed books. This quiet space offers a sensory retreat for those who may need a break from the excitement. Select books with textured pages or interactive elements to engage the sense of touch.

Sensory Friendly Sweet Treats:

Transform the kitchen into a sensory haven by baking and decorating Valentine’s Day treats. Choose recipes that allow individuals to explore different textures and tastes. Think heart-shaped cookies with various toppings, or dipped fruits in smooth chocolate. Engage taste, touch, and smell in this delightful culinary adventure.

Music and Movement Dance Party:

Host a Valentine’s Day dance party featuring favorite tunes. Create a playlist that includes a variety of sensory-rich music – from upbeat and energetic to calming and melodic. Encourage free movement and dancing, providing a space for individuals to express themselves through rhythm and motion.

Heart Hunt Sensory Adventure:

Organize a heart hunt adventure where participants search for hidden heart-shaped objects. Use a variety of textures and materials to make each heart unique. This activity not only engages visual and tactile senses but also adds an element of excitement and discovery to the celebration.

Aromatherapy Art:

Explore the world of aromatherapy through sensory friendly art. Incorporate scented markers or crayons into the creative process. Encourage individuals to draw or paint images inspired by their favorite scents, adding a personalized and multisensory touch to their artistic expressions.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate love in all its forms with sensory friendly activities that embrace the unique experiences of individuals of all abilities. Whether crafting, dancing, or indulging in delightful treats, these activities ensure that everyone can join in the festivities and create heartwarming memories.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with love, joy, and sensory-rich experiences!

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

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