10 At-Home Sensory Activities for Autistic Children

What are sensory activities?

Sensory activities are play experiences that stimulate one or more of the senses (touch, sight, sound, smell, or taste) as well as body movement and body awareness.

Autistic children often experience sensory differences. Some may be more sensitive to sounds or textures, while others seek out additional sensory input to feel calm or focused. Sensory play provides positive, structured opportunities to explore different sensations and learn new things.

Benefits of sensory play for children with autism:

Research shows that sensory play can help autistic children learn and grow. In one study, children who took part in guided sensory activities with trained therapists made progress in self-care, social skills, and reaching their goals.¹ While this research took place in a therapy setting, parents can still use the same idea at home. Simple sensory play, like jumping on a mini trampoline, squeezing playdough, or exploring different textures, can help children feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.

How to create a sensory-friendly home environment

A calm, predictable environment can make sensory play more effective. Here are a few tips for creating a supportive space at home:

• Choose a quiet corner: Minimize noise, clutter, and visual distractions.
• Use soft or natural lighting: Avoid harsh or flickering lights.
• Add calming elements: Soft pillows or textured mats can help create comfort.
• Provide movement options: Try small trampolines, rocking chairs, or swings for gentle vestibular input.
• Organize sensory bins: Keep rice, sand, or other materials handy for structured sensory breaks.

This area can serve as your child’s “sensory break zone,” a peaceful space for calming down after stimulation or as part of a daily routine.

10 sensory activities for autistic children

Here are some easy, budget-friendly sensory play ideas you can try at home. Always supervise your child during play and adjust each activity to their comfort level.

1. Sensory bins

Fill a bin with rice, beans, or pasta, and hide small toys or letters inside. Encourage your child to find and scoop items using their hands, spoons, or cups.
→ Focus: Touch exploration, fine motor skills, and attention

2. Water play

Use a sink, tub, or water table with cups, funnels, and sponges. Add bubbles or floating toys for extra fun.
→ Focus: Relaxation, coordination, and body movement

3. Homemade playdough or slime

Mix flour, salt, and water to make playdough, or try cornstarch and water for slime. Add glitter or a drop of essential oil for variety.
→ Focus: Creativity, hand strength, and touch exploration

4. Bubble wrap stomp

Lay out sheets of bubble wrap on the floor and let your child walk, jump, or dance across them. The popping sounds and texture underfoot create a fun way to release energy and explore cause and effect.
→ Focus: Movement, coordination, and sensory awareness

5. Sensory bottles (calm-down jars)

Fill a clear plastic bottle with warm water, glitter, and food coloring. Watching the glitter settle can be soothing after high-energy activity.
→ Focus: Visual focus, calmness, and mindfulness

6. Music and movement

Play your child’s favorite songs or rhythmic music and encourage dancing, stretching, or simple instruments like shakers or drums.
→ Focus: Listening skills, rhythm, and social engagement

7. Sensory walk (texture path)

Create a path on the floor using materials like bubble wrap, towels, foam mats, or carpet samples. Let your child walk barefoot to explore different sensations.
→ Focus: Balance, coordination, and body awareness

8. Smell exploration

Introduce calming scents with herbs, scented playdough, or cotton balls with essential oils. Start mild and observe your child’s reactions.
→ Focus: Smell exploration, relaxation, and curiosity

9. Bubble play

Blow and pop bubbles together for a fun visual and interactive experience. It’s also great for practicing breath control and turn-taking.
→ Focus: Hand-eye coordination, social play, and focus

10. Cooking and baking together

Involve your child in safe, simple kitchen tasks like mixing, kneading, or washing produce. Cooking engages multiple senses and builds independence.
→ Focus: Following directions, teamwork, and real-world skills

Resources for sensory play activities

In addition to our blog post, Best At-Home Activities & Toys for Children with Autism, here are some additional resources to help you dive deeper into each sensory activity.

1. Sensory bins: 50 Sensory Bin Ideas for Autism
2. Water play: Water Play Activities for Autism
3. Homemade playdough or slime: Homemade Playdough Recipe
4. Sensory bottles (calm-down jars): DIY Calm Down Bottles
5. Music and movement: 8 Engaging Music Therapy Activities
6. Sensory walk (texture Path): Sensory Walk - A Fun Sense of Touch Activity for Kids
7. Scents and smells exploration: Exploring Our 5 Senses: Smell
8. Bubble play: Benefits of Playing with Bubbles
9. Cooking and baking together: 10 Easy & Fun Kitchen Activities for Children with Autism
10.  ⭐ Bonus: Sensory-Friendly Holiday Activities for Autistic Children

Adapting sensory activities to your child’s needs

Every autistic child processes sensory input differently. What’s calming for one child may be overwhelming for another. Try these adjustments:

• Start small and introduce one texture or sound at a time.
• Watch for cues of discomfort or overstimulation.
• Alternate calming and energizing activities.
• Offer choices to build independence and motivation.
• Include sensory play in daily routines like meals or bath time.

Sensory activities often complement applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapists may use sensory play to help children practice communication and coping skills.

At home, parents can reinforce these same techniques by creating consistent sensory experiences. For example, if your child practices deep breathing or uses a fidget toy in therapy, those same strategies can help them feel calm and focused at home.

Get started with ABA therapy for autism at ABC

At Action Behavior Centers, we provide evidence-based ABA therapy designed to help children diagnosed with autism build meaningful skills through individualized, evidence-based care.

We offer no-cost ADOS-2 autism assessments and personalized center-based ABA therapy with immediate access to care, so your family can get started right away. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact an ABA center near you to schedule a tour or learn more about our autism evaluation support today.