Sensory-friendly activities give children with autism games and interactive activities they can participate in that will not overstimulate their senses and potentially lead to a meltdown. A common symptom of autism is overstimulation of their senses. They don’t know how to process what they are feeling, seeing, tasting, or hearing and can quickly lose control of their actions. An autism parent training program can teach parents what activities will not overstimulate their child that the whole family can enjoy.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a separate condition where children have a heightened sensitivity to touch, taste, smell, and hear. Children with SPD do not necessarily have autism, but children with autism often have a co-occurring sensory processing disorder. SPD can also create an under-stimulation experience for some or all of their senses.
At Camp Worth, we use various autism-friendly activities to help teens develop essential life and social skills. Teen boys and girls aged eleven to seventeen work on improving their skills with their peers in a safe and structured program supervised by our certified teachers and therapists. Please fill out our online form or call Camp Worth at 855.915.2545 today to speak to our compassionate staff about our autism parent training program.
5 Sensory-Friendly Activities for the Whole Family
1. Sensory Boxes
Get some shoeboxes or other plastic containers and fill them with different items such as sand, rice, dry beans, beads, water, or shaving cream. You can make it a guessing game and try to have them pick a picture that goes along with what they are feeling.
2. Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a fun activity that everyone can enjoy. It helps with hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, and 3D puzzles are perfect for developing these skills.
3. Dance Party
Dancing is a great way to exercise, burn off excess energy, and improve motor skills. Dancing can also teach them about body awareness and social interaction.
4. Finger Painting
This classic activity gives your child a chance to be creative and create some fun artwork that you can display around their play area. The paints you use are safe and easily wash off with soap and water.
5. Twister
Twister is a fun game for everyone in the family and can help your child develop their motor and spatial orientation skills. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise that creates a positive family experience.
Sensory Processing Disorder Triggers
Children with sensory processing disorder may become upset because of triggers such as:
- Clothes feel too scratchy or itchy
- Lights are too bright
- Noise is too loud
- A soft blanket feel hard
- Certain food textures can make them gag
- Have poor balance or appear clumsy
- Can get dizzy with rapid movement
At Camp Worth, our programs and services can benefit your teen living with autism and a co-occurring sensory processing disorder. We will work with them to understand their sensitivities and give you tips on which activities will benefit their development the most without over-stimulation.
Find Sensory-Friendly Activities in Camp Worth’s Autism Parent Training Program
Our autism parent training program at Camp Worth gives parents of teens living with autism the skills they need to benefit their child’s development and well-being. We teach parents about their child’s unique symptoms and work on developing coping skills that will improve the home life for everyone in the family.
Call 855.915.2545 or fill out our online form today to learn more about which autism-friendly activities at Camp Worth will benefit your child’s development and create more bonding experiences for the family. Make today the day you reach out for support and resources from our team of experienced professionals at Camp Worth.
