5 Sensory Activities to Instantly Calm Your Child's Sensory Overload - Google Docs.pdf
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About This Presentation
Discover 5 sensory activities to calm your child’s sensory overload. Practical techniques for children with autism and sensory needs.
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5 Sensory Activities to Instantly Calm
Your Child's Sensory Overload |
Nurturers
For many children, especially those with autism orsensory processing difficulties,
everyday environments can feel overwhelming. Loud noises, bright lights, crowded places,
or even certain textures can trigger sensory overload, leading to stress, meltdowns, or
withdrawal. In these moments, children are not being “difficult”—their brains are simply
receiving more input than they can process at once.This is where sensory activities come in
as a powerful tool. Designed to engage the senses in a controlled and calming way, these
activities help regulate emotions,reduce anxiety,and bring the nervous system back to
balance.
Whether it’s squeezing a stress ball, engaging in deep-pressure exercises, playing with
water, or practicing mindful breathing, sensory activities provide children with immediate
comfort while also strengthening their ability to cope with challenging situations in the long
run.
What are Sensory Activities?
Sensory activities are playful yet purposeful tasks designed to engage a child’s senses —
touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness. These activities give the
nervous system the input it needs to regulate emotions and behavior. In simple terms,
sensory activities help children feel calm, focused, and safe.
Parents often ask: what are sensory activities for autism or toddlers? The answer is —
they’re the same in principle, but adapted to meet a child’s unique sensory needs. For
Your Child's Sensory Overload |
Nurturers
For many children, especially those with autism orsensory processing difficulties,
everyday environments can feel overwhelming. Loud noises, bright lights, crowded places,
or even certain textures can trigger sensory overload, leading to stress, meltdowns, or
withdrawal. In these moments, children are not being “difficult”—their brains are simply
receiving more input than they can process at once.This is where sensory activities come in
as a powerful tool. Designed to engage the senses in a controlled and calming way, these
activities help regulate emotions,reduce anxiety,and bring the nervous system back to
balance.
Whether it’s squeezing a stress ball, engaging in deep-pressure exercises, playing with
water, or practicing mindful breathing, sensory activities provide children with immediate
comfort while also strengthening their ability to cope with challenging situations in the long
run.
What are Sensory Activities?
Sensory activities are playful yet purposeful tasks designed to engage a child’s senses —
touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, balance, and body awareness. These activities give the
nervous system the input it needs to regulate emotions and behavior. In simple terms,
sensory activities help children feel calm, focused, and safe.
Parents often ask: what are sensory activities for autism or toddlers? The answer is —
they’re the same in principle, but adapted to meet a child’s unique sensory needs. For
example, toddlers may enjoy simple tactile bins, while children with autism might benefit
more from structured heavy work activities or deep pressure input.
Benefits of Sensory Activities for Children with Autism
Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with sensory overload — loud noises, bright
lights, or even certain textures may feel overwhelming. Using sensory activities for autism
can provide:
●Calmness: Reduces anxiety, meltdowns, and emotionaldistress.
●Better focus: Improves attention forlearning andcommunication.
●Body awareness: Helps children understand how theirbody moves and feels in
space.
●Emotional regulation: Gives them tools to cope withstressful situations.
For toddlers, sensory activities for toddlers are equally valuable. They build early language
skills, motor coordination, and social interaction through play.
5 Sensory Activities to Instantly Calm Your Child
When children experience sensory overload, even small triggers can feel overwhelming. The
good news is, simple sensory activities can help calm their mind and body within minutes. In
this guide, we’ll explore 5 easy and effective sensory play activities — suitable for toddlers
as well as children with autism — that bring instant comfort, focus, and balance.
1) Calming Deep Pressure — “The Gentle Blanket Hug”
Deep pressure is one of the fastest ways to lower anxiety and help a child feel grounded.
This works well as part of sensory activities for autism and is safe for toddlers with
supervision.
Step 1: Ask the child if they want a "big hug" and explain you’ll use a soft blanket or light
weighted pad. Step 2: Fold a blanket to create a comfortable, even weight and place it over
more from structured heavy work activities or deep pressure input.
Benefits of Sensory Activities for Children with Autism
Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with sensory overload — loud noises, bright
lights, or even certain textures may feel overwhelming. Using sensory activities for autism
can provide:
●Calmness: Reduces anxiety, meltdowns, and emotionaldistress.
●Better focus: Improves attention forlearning andcommunication.
●Body awareness: Helps children understand how theirbody moves and feels in
space.
●Emotional regulation: Gives them tools to cope withstressful situations.
For toddlers, sensory activities for toddlers are equally valuable. They build early language
skills, motor coordination, and social interaction through play.
5 Sensory Activities to Instantly Calm Your Child
When children experience sensory overload, even small triggers can feel overwhelming. The
good news is, simple sensory activities can help calm their mind and body within minutes. In
this guide, we’ll explore 5 easy and effective sensory play activities — suitable for toddlers
as well as children with autism — that bring instant comfort, focus, and balance.
1) Calming Deep Pressure — “The Gentle Blanket Hug”
Deep pressure is one of the fastest ways to lower anxiety and help a child feel grounded.
This works well as part of sensory activities for autism and is safe for toddlers with
supervision.
Step 1: Ask the child if they want a "big hug" and explain you’ll use a soft blanket or light
weighted pad. Step 2: Fold a blanket to create a comfortable, even weight and place it over
their shoulders and lap while they sit or lie down. Step 3: Hold gentle, steady pressure for
two to five minutes, watching their breathing slow. Step 4: Remove the blanket slowly and
check how they feel. For toddlers, use a thin blanket and shorter time; for older children on
the autism spectrum, a commercially made weighted blanket (appropriate weight = ~10% of
body weight) may be calming — always consult an occupational therapist first.
2) Blow-and-Slow-Breathing — “Bubble Calm”
Oral-motor and controlled breathing activities help shift the nervous system from fight/flight
to calm.
Step 1: Give your child a small bubble wand or a jar with a straw and soapy water. Step 2:
Model a slow inhale through the nose for 3 counts, then exhale slowly while blowing bubbles
for 4–6 counts. Step 3: Make it playful — count bubbles, let them race across the floor, or
make a quiet “whoosh” game. Step 4: Repeat for 2–3 minutes or until you see reduced
tension. This is perfect for sensory play activities with toddlers and is frequently
recommended for children with sensory needs because the slow exhale engages the vagus
nerve and calms the body.
3) Tactile Sensory Bin — “Grounding Hands”
two to five minutes, watching their breathing slow. Step 4: Remove the blanket slowly and
check how they feel. For toddlers, use a thin blanket and shorter time; for older children on
the autism spectrum, a commercially made weighted blanket (appropriate weight = ~10% of
body weight) may be calming — always consult an occupational therapist first.
2) Blow-and-Slow-Breathing — “Bubble Calm”
Oral-motor and controlled breathing activities help shift the nervous system from fight/flight
to calm.
Step 1: Give your child a small bubble wand or a jar with a straw and soapy water. Step 2:
Model a slow inhale through the nose for 3 counts, then exhale slowly while blowing bubbles
for 4–6 counts. Step 3: Make it playful — count bubbles, let them race across the floor, or
make a quiet “whoosh” game. Step 4: Repeat for 2–3 minutes or until you see reduced
tension. This is perfect for sensory play activities with toddlers and is frequently
recommended for children with sensory needs because the slow exhale engages the vagus
nerve and calms the body.
3) Tactile Sensory Bin — “Grounding Hands”
Tactile play provides focused, predictable input that helps children re-center when
overwhelmed.
Step 1: Choose a safe filler such as dry rice, dry pasta, large pebbles, or water beads
(supervise closely). Step 2: Place filler in a shallow bin and add simple tools — cups, a
spoon, small toys, or cookie cutters. Step 3: Invite the child to bury and find toys, scoop and
pour, or run hands through the material for 3–7 minutes. Step 4: End the activity by having
them “hide” a toy for you to find together to close the play loop. For sensory activities for
toddlers, use larger, non-chokable items and keep the interaction short and guided. For older
children or children with autism, label the bin as a “calm box” and let them choose it when
they feel overwhelmed.
4) Heavy Work Moves — “Push, Pull, Carry”
Proprioceptive or “heavy work” activities calm by giving muscles firm input; they’re discreet,
effective, and can be done anywhere.
Step 1: Offer a safe job: pushing a chair across a carpet, carrying a small basket of toys, or
doing wall push-ups. Step 2: Demonstrate slowly and ask the child to join — e.g., “Push the
chair to that line,” or “Carry the basket to the table.” Step 3: Encourage steady, purposeful
effort for 1–3 minutes and praise their steady pace. Step 4: Finish with a relaxing posture
(sitting down with hands on knees) and notice breathing. These are classic sensory activities
for autism and are ideal when a child seems hyperactive, impulsive, or anxious. For toddlers,
make the tasks short and playful (push-a-toy race, carry stuffed animals).
overwhelmed.
Step 1: Choose a safe filler such as dry rice, dry pasta, large pebbles, or water beads
(supervise closely). Step 2: Place filler in a shallow bin and add simple tools — cups, a
spoon, small toys, or cookie cutters. Step 3: Invite the child to bury and find toys, scoop and
pour, or run hands through the material for 3–7 minutes. Step 4: End the activity by having
them “hide” a toy for you to find together to close the play loop. For sensory activities for
toddlers, use larger, non-chokable items and keep the interaction short and guided. For older
children or children with autism, label the bin as a “calm box” and let them choose it when
they feel overwhelmed.
4) Heavy Work Moves — “Push, Pull, Carry”
Proprioceptive or “heavy work” activities calm by giving muscles firm input; they’re discreet,
effective, and can be done anywhere.
Step 1: Offer a safe job: pushing a chair across a carpet, carrying a small basket of toys, or
doing wall push-ups. Step 2: Demonstrate slowly and ask the child to join — e.g., “Push the
chair to that line,” or “Carry the basket to the table.” Step 3: Encourage steady, purposeful
effort for 1–3 minutes and praise their steady pace. Step 4: Finish with a relaxing posture
(sitting down with hands on knees) and notice breathing. These are classic sensory activities
for autism and are ideal when a child seems hyperactive, impulsive, or anxious. For toddlers,
make the tasks short and playful (push-a-toy race, carry stuffed animals).
5) Slow Rocking or Seated Swing — “Gentle Motion”
Vestibular input (movement) can soothe or alert depending on speed; choose slow, rhythmic
motion to calm.
Step 1: Find a safe place for slow rocking — a parent’s lap, a glider chair, or a low, secure
indoor swing. Step 2: Support the child and rock slowly back and forth with long, even
motions. Step 3: Add a calming song or soft shh sound while breathing together for 2–5
minutes. Step 4: Pause and let the child transition to a quiet activity like reading or drawing.
For sensory activities for toddlers, lap-rocking and soft songs are often enough; for children
with autism who enjoy movement, keep the motion slow and predictable to avoid
overstimulation.
Practical tips for success with sensory play activities
Use these short guidelines to make sensory strategies more effective. First, set expectations
calmly: name the activity and how long it’ll last. Second, create a low-distraction space —
dim lights or a quiet corner help. Third, watch for cues: yawning, slower breathing, and
relaxed muscles tell you the activity worked. Fourth, rotate activities—some days tactile bins
Vestibular input (movement) can soothe or alert depending on speed; choose slow, rhythmic
motion to calm.
Step 1: Find a safe place for slow rocking — a parent’s lap, a glider chair, or a low, secure
indoor swing. Step 2: Support the child and rock slowly back and forth with long, even
motions. Step 3: Add a calming song or soft shh sound while breathing together for 2–5
minutes. Step 4: Pause and let the child transition to a quiet activity like reading or drawing.
For sensory activities for toddlers, lap-rocking and soft songs are often enough; for children
with autism who enjoy movement, keep the motion slow and predictable to avoid
overstimulation.
Practical tips for success with sensory play activities
Use these short guidelines to make sensory strategies more effective. First, set expectations
calmly: name the activity and how long it’ll last. Second, create a low-distraction space —
dim lights or a quiet corner help. Third, watch for cues: yawning, slower breathing, and
relaxed muscles tell you the activity worked. Fourth, rotate activities—some days tactile bins
help, other days deep pressure works best. Finally, record what works and when; building a
simple sensory toolkit based on your child’s responses makes it faster to respond next time.
If you still wonderwhat sensory activities areineveryday language — they are enjoyable,
simple experiences that give the nervous system information it needs to feel safe and
regulated. Using them regularly (a “sensory diet”) helps children better manage big feelings
and noisy environments.
Safety and when to ask for help?
Always supervise tactile bins and oral activities for choking hazards. Start gently and stop if
the child resists or becomes more distressed. If meltdowns or sensory avoidance are
frequent or severe, consult an occupational therapist or a specialist experienced in sensory
processing; for children with autism, a tailored plan from a therapist can make these
activities far more effective.
Try one activity now for just two minutes and observe what changes — breathing, face,
posture, or speech — then note which one helped most. If you’d like, I can convert this into a
printable “Calm Cards” set for parents, or write a short social post for your clinic — tell me
which and I’ll create it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are exploring sensory activities for autism or looking for playful yet calming
sensory activities for toddlers, the goal is the same: to help your child feel balanced, safe,
and in control.
At Nurturers, we believe every child deserves strategies that bring peace in moments of
overwhelm. By using these sensory play activities, you’re not just calming your child in the
moment — you’re also teaching them lifelong coping skills.
simple sensory toolkit based on your child’s responses makes it faster to respond next time.
If you still wonderwhat sensory activities areineveryday language — they are enjoyable,
simple experiences that give the nervous system information it needs to feel safe and
regulated. Using them regularly (a “sensory diet”) helps children better manage big feelings
and noisy environments.
Safety and when to ask for help?
Always supervise tactile bins and oral activities for choking hazards. Start gently and stop if
the child resists or becomes more distressed. If meltdowns or sensory avoidance are
frequent or severe, consult an occupational therapist or a specialist experienced in sensory
processing; for children with autism, a tailored plan from a therapist can make these
activities far more effective.
Try one activity now for just two minutes and observe what changes — breathing, face,
posture, or speech — then note which one helped most. If you’d like, I can convert this into a
printable “Calm Cards” set for parents, or write a short social post for your clinic — tell me
which and I’ll create it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are exploring sensory activities for autism or looking for playful yet calming
sensory activities for toddlers, the goal is the same: to help your child feel balanced, safe,
and in control.
At Nurturers, we believe every child deserves strategies that bring peace in moments of
overwhelm. By using these sensory play activities, you’re not just calming your child in the
moment — you’re also teaching them lifelong coping skills.
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