Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially, and they also exhibit repetitive behaviors. Apart from these, a core aspect often associated with autism is also sensory processing difficulties. A person with ASD who has sensory issues can either be hypersensitive or hyposensitive wherein they either over or underreact to stimuli.
To assist these individuals better, sensory play is usually introduced early in the intervention plans suggested. Sensory play has emerged as a beneficial approach to support children with autism in managing these sensory processing challenges. To help you understand this approach better, let’s further explore the principles, benefits, methods, and practical applications provided by sensory play when treating individuals with ASD.
Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism
Sensory processing refers to the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input from the environment. For children with autism, sensory processing can be significantly different from neurotypical children. They might overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli. For example, some may find everyday noises overwhelming, while others might not respond to pain or temperature changes in a typical manner.
These sensory processing differences can affect various aspects of a child’s life, including their ability to focus, engage in activities, and interact with others. Sensory play, therefore, becomes a crucial tool in helping children with autism navigate their sensory world more effectively.
What is Sensory Play?
Sensory play includes activities that engage one or more of the five senses. It also encompasses the vestibular sense (related to balance and movement) and the proprioceptive sense (related to body awareness) of the individual. Sensory play is designed to stimulate these senses in a structured and beneficial way, promoting sensory integration, which is the brain’s ability to process and make sense of sensory information.
Benefits of Sensory Play for Children with Autism
If you apply sensory play to your kid’s day-to-day activities, here are the benefits you can get:
Types of Sensory Play Activities
There are several sensory play activities you can choose from; these are the most common ones applied in treatment:
Tactile Play
Tactile play involves activities that engage the sense of touch. Examples include playing with kinetic sand, slime, playdough, or sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or water beads. These activities help children explore different textures and improve their tactile processing.
Auditory Play
Auditory play includes activities that involve sound. This can range from listening to music, playing musical instruments, or engaging in sound-based games like identifying different animal noises. Auditory play helps children with auditory processing challenges become more comfortable with various sounds.
Visual Play
Visual play activities focus on the sense of sight. Examples include playing with light-up toys, visual tracking games, or activities that involve matching colors and shapes. These activities can help improve visual processing and attention to detail.
Vestibular Play
Vestibular play involves activities that stimulate the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Swinging, spinning, and bouncing on a trampoline are examples of vestibular play. These activities can help children develop better balance and coordination.
Proprioceptive Play
Proprioceptive play activities provide deep pressure or involve heavy work that engages the muscles and joints. Examples include playing with weighted blankets, doing push-ups, or carrying heavy objects. These activities can help children with proprioceptive processing challenges feel more grounded and aware of their bodies in space.
Olfactory and Gustatory Play
Olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) play involve activities that engage the senses of smell and taste. Examples include smelling different scented items or tasting a variety of flavors. These activities can help children become more comfortable with different smells and tastes, which can be beneficial for picky eaters or those with food aversions.
Implementing Sensory Play at Home and in Educational Settings
Implementing sensory play at home and in educational settings involves several key strategies to ensure effectiveness. First, creating a sensory-friendly environment is crucial. This involves establishing spaces that are calm, safe, and free from overwhelming sensory stimuli. Using soft lighting, minimizing noise, and providing comfortable seating can help create an ideal sensory play environment.
Second, incorporating sensory play into daily routines can make it more effective and manageable. Simple activities like playing with sensory toys during break times, incorporating sensory bins into playtime, or using sensory tools like fidget toys can make a significant difference.
Third, collaborating with professionals is essential. Working with occupational therapists or sensory integration specialists can provide valuable insights and guidance on effective sensory play activities tailored to the child’s specific needs. These professionals can also help monitor progress and adjust activities as needed.
Finally, encouraging exploration and creativity enhances engagement and enjoyment. Allowing children to choose activities that interest them and providing a variety of sensory experiences can make sensory play more appealing and beneficial.
Conclusion
Sensory play provides a powerful tool for supporting children with autism in managing their sensory processing challenges. By engaging in activities that stimulate the senses in a structured and enjoyable way, children can improve their sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, and cognitive development.
Establishing a sensory-friendly environment, integrating sensory therapy into daily routines, and partnering with professionals can optimize the benefits of sensory play. As we deepen our understanding of autism and sensory processing, sensory play continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of children with autism.
For more information on autism services in Michigan, contact Entiva Behavioral Health to schedule a consultation and explore our comprehensive ABA therapy services further.
