3 BRILLIANT SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR AUTISTIC TEENAGERS

Many autistic teens experience sensory processing differences. These can make it difficult for them to process and respond to sensory information in the same way that neurotypical teens do.

Sensory activities are activities that engage the senses, including sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, motion and balance.

They can aid sensory integration and reduce anxiety and stress.

try these activities!...

1. Sensory Circuit

A set of activities and exercises designed to engage the senses and provide a calming and soothing experience. This might include a yoga ball, weights, “push-ups” against a wall, or wrapping yourself tightly/rolling in a blanket. Experiment with different activities.

2. Sensory Bottle

A sensory bottle is a bottle filled with different materials. It’s simple but it can provide a calming and engaging sensory experience for autistic children. Collect different materials that appeal to your teenager’s senses. For example, glitter, beads, and miniature toys, small shells or marbles, plus oil and water.

3. Sensory Box A sensory box is a collection of items that are designed to engage and calm the senses e.g. – A square of soft fabric – Small objects or toys – Fidget spinners / fidget cubes  – Scented candles  – Mindful coloring materials – A playlist of calmingmusic.

4. Nature Walk

The sounds, smells and movement of nature offer a calming and soothing experience, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

5. Video Games

You may have mixed feelings about gaming, but video games can actually be a regulating sensory activity for autistic children. Games can provide a predictable environment where you feel in control. 

6. Musical  Instruments  Learning a musical instrument can provide so many sensory benefits. It provides gentle sensory stimulation through the feeling of the instrument in the hands, the movement of fingers and hands, the sound of the instrument.

7. Cooking or Baking Cooking and baking can be beneficial sensory activities for autistic teenagers as they provide a structured environment for your teen to engage with different textures, smells, and flavors.

8. Knitting, Crocheting or  Stitching Knitting, crocheting,  and stitching  give us a variety of textures and sensations, such as the feeling of yarn, movement of the hands, and the sound of the needles moving. The repetitive movements involved in knitting and crochet can be soothing and regulating to the nervous system.

9. Climbing Climbing is an example of heavy work, which helps the body’s joints and ligaments to identify where they are in space (proprioception). Proprioceptive input is thought to help calm the brain.

10. Swinging Swinging helps regulate and strengthen the body’s vestibular system. This system helps us react to objects around us and to gravity, and is concerned with balance.