Sensory Crafts for Children with Autism

crafts

Summer is the perfect time to get creative with some fun, sensory-friendly crafts that can engage and entertain children with autism. These activities are designed to be simple, enjoyable, and beneficial for sensory development.

1. Sensory Bottle

  • Materials: Clear plastic bottles, water, glitter, food coloring, small beads or sequins, glue
  • Instructions:
    1. Fill a bottle halfway with water.
    2. Add glitter, beads, or sequins.
    3. Add a few drops of food coloring.
    4. Fill the rest of the bottle with water, leaving a small air gap.
    5. Secure the lid with glue.
  • Benefits: Sensory bottles are visually stimulating and can help with calming and focus.

2. Textured Collages

  • Materials: Various textured materials (felt, sandpaper, cotton balls, fabric scraps), glue, cardboard or canvas
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut the materials into different shapes and sizes.
    2. Let your child arrange and glue the pieces onto the cardboard or canvas.
    3. Encourage them to feel the different textures as they work.
  • Benefits: This craft helps with sensory exploration and fine motor skills.

3. Nature Crafts

  • Materials: Leaves, flowers, twigs, pebbles, paper, glue
  • Instructions:
    1. Go on a nature walk to collect various natural materials.
    2. Arrange and glue the collected items onto a piece of paper.
    3. Create patterns, animals, or abstract designs.
  • Benefits: Encourages exploration and connection with nature, while also promoting creativity.

4. DIY Playdough

  • Materials: Flour, salt, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, essential oils (optional)
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
    2. Add food coloring and essential oils for scent, if desired.
    3. Knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.
  • Benefits: Playdough is great for tactile stimulation and can be calming to manipulate.

5. Bubble Wrap Painting

  • Materials: Bubble wrap, paint, paper
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut the bubble wrap into manageable pieces.
    2. Apply paint to the bubble wrap.
    3. Press the bubble wrap onto paper to create textured prints.
  • Benefits: Provides a fun sensory experience with the popping sensation of the bubble wrap.

6. Rainbow Rice Sensory Bin

  • Materials: Uncooked rice, food coloring, resealable bags, large plastic bin, small toys or scoops
  • Instructions:
    1. Divide rice into separate bags.
    2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bag, seal, and shake to distribute the color.
    3. Spread the rice on a baking sheet to dry.
    4. Once dry, pour the rice into the bin and add small toys or scoops.
  • Benefits: Great crafts for sensory exploration, color recognition, and fine motor skills.

7. Paper Plate Fish

  • Materials: Paper plates, scissors, paint or markers, googly eyes, glue
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut a triangle out of a paper plate to create the fish’s mouth.
    2. Use the cut-out triangle as the tail, attaching it to the opposite end.
    3. Paint or color the fish, and add googly eyes.
  • Benefits: Encourages creativity and can be a fun way to learn about sea life.Crafts

8. Handprint Sun Craft

  • Materials: Yellow construction paper, scissors, glue, markers
  • Instructions:
    1. Trace your child’s hand on yellow construction paper several times and cut them out.
    2. Arrange the handprints in a circle to create the sun’s rays.
    3. Cut out a circle for the sun’s center and decorate it with a face or patterns.
  • Benefits: A fun and personal craft that can be used to discuss the weather or summer.

9. Feather Sensory Box

  • Materials: Various types of feathers, a large box or bin
  • Instructions:
    1. Fill the box with different feathers.
    2. Let your child explore the textures and colors.
  • Benefits: Provides a soft, calming sensory experience and can be used to discuss animals and nature.

10. DIY Sun Catchers

  • Materials: Transparent contact paper, tissue paper, scissors
  • Instructions:
    1. Cut the contact paper into desired shapes.
    2. Let your child place pieces of tissue paper onto the sticky side.
    3. Seal with another piece of contact paper and hang in a window.
  • Benefits: Brightens up any room and allows for creativity and color exploration.

Tips for Crafts with Children with Autism:

  • Keep it Simple: Use simple instructions and limit the number of steps.
  • Offer Choices: Allow your child to choose colors, materials, and shapes to encourage independence.
  • Take Breaks: If your child gets overwhelmed, take breaks and return to the activity later.
  • Celebrate Success: Praise your child’s efforts and creations to build confidence and encourage participation.

These crafts are designed to be fun, engaging, and beneficial for sensory development. Happy crafting!

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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