Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Play for Sensory Processing

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Sensory Play for Sensory Processing

Jeanette Loftus

child with sensory processing disorder playing with play dough tactile sensory activity for sensory diet Sensory Play for Sensory Processing

Sensory play involves engaging in activities that stimulate the senses and can provide numerous benefits for those with sensory processing disorder. Tactile sensory input is touch to the skin. Tactile defensiveness is the type of sensory dysfunction when tactile sensations cause hypersensitivity, emotional responses and behavioral issues.

A common type of sensory play are sensory bins. These bins are filled with a variety of materials such as rice, pasta, or sand, and can be combined with small toys or objects for children to explore. The different textures and materials in the bins can help to build tactile skills and also provide a calming and soothing effect for those with sensory processing disorder. Sensory bins can also have themes, making them a versatile activity for children of all ages.

Sensory bins can help your child with fine motor, gross motor development, fidgeting, exploring their senses, self regulation, language development, learning to tolerate new textures, hand and eye coordination and build self confidence.

Using a sensory bin can stimulate all of your child's senses including tactile, olfactory, auditory, visual and gustation.

Sensory bin contents can be put in a Rubbermaid type of storage container but you can also use a sensory table too. Any inexpensive container from your local dollar store will work. You want to choose a container that is large enough so that your child will have space to play.

Sensory bins should have tools that will help your child play with the sensory bin contents. Children's play tweezers, scoops, cups, spoons, droppers and grabbers. This will also assist your child with fine motor development.

If a child is sensitive to touch, they may benefit from activities that involve different textures and temperatures, such as playing with sensory dough or using finger paints.

This type of play can help children become more comfortable with different sensations and develop coping strategies.

One of the benefits of sensory play is the ability to improve sensory processing processing. Engaging in activities that stimulate the senses, children can learn to process and respond to sensory information.

Children are naturally curious and sensory play allows them to do so in a fun and engaging way. This can help to build confidence and self-esteem, as well as promoting independence and problem-solving skills.

A common sensory play activity is playing with sensory rice. This is rice that has been colored and scented with essential oils, making it visually appealing and offering a soothing scent. Sensory rice can be used in a variety of activities, such as filling a sensory bin or adding it to a sensory bottle.

A popular sensory play activity for children is homemade sensory dough. Sensory dough can be made at home with simple ingredients and can be customized with different scents and textures, making it a versatile and affordable option for sensory play. It can also provide a calming and therapeutic outlet for children with sensory differences.

No one knows your child's sensory needs better than you. Some parents use only edible items in a sensory bin because their child may have pica and eat non food items and some parents will use non edible items. What you choose to do is completely your choice based on your child's sensory needs. You can also ask your child's Occupational Therapist what they would recommend for your child too.

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DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness and support purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a professional.

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