21 Sensory Activities For Kids With Autism

These sensory activities are great for any kid, and if you have a child on the autism spectrum, he or she is sure to enjoy one of these 21 activities for kids with autism!

I have five adorable nephews I love with all my heart, and the eldest has autism. He’s very high functioning and a sweetheart. I tried to find activities I imagined that he would like. I hope that you find some your child will like as well!

Lots of these activities are sensory bottles, which makes them easy to take on the road, or wherever you may find yourself with your kids!

1. Minion Sensory Bottle – I’m sure it’s not just my nephews that are totally obsessed with minions–or is it? Either way, this minion sensory bottle is totally cute and sure to entertain your kids! It’s creative and deceptively simple!
2. Calming Find It Game – I can imagine any of my nephews, who range in age from 2-8, getting excited about finding the hidden objects in these neat bottles! These are a snap to make and would be perfect for long car rides or doctor’s visits!
3. Glittery Calm Down Bottles – Be careful when you work with glitter! Aren’t these so fun and pretty though?? I think my nephews would be fascinated by these. I might even make one as a college student – this seems like a great way to calm down!
4. Rainbow Button Sensory Bottle – When I was a kid, my mom had this old cookie tin that was just full of buttons. I used to love sifting through the buttons with my fingers and looking at all of the different kinds. This bottle is a great way to do just that, and would be fun with any kind of buttons!
5. Inside Out Emotions Discovery Bottles – We actually featured these bottles on our Disney craft post last week, but I had to use them for this post as well! One common struggle with autism is an inability to communicate. These bottles could be a great help to any child who isn’t sure how to describe what they are feeling!
6. Weather Sensory Bottles – Any child learning about different kinds of weather would have a blast with these bottles! Here is some beautiful, simple imagery to aid with your child’s learning!
7. Color Mixing Sensory Bottle – I just HAD to share these last bottles, because they’re awesome!! Color mixing is so cool, and your kids will be endlessly entertained watching the colors mix, and then separate! What a great opportunity to learn, as well!
8. Bubble Wrap Stomp Painting – Bubble wrap is so fun to play with, and this ups the fun level! If your child doesn’t like the feel or sound of bubble wrap, consider alternatives, like paper towels!
9. Moon Sand/Cloud Dough – You could spend a lot of money on moon sand, or you could just make it yourself! Who knew it was so easy? Your kids are sure to enjoy the feel of this soft, smooth sand, and they’ll love using it to create whatever shapes their little hearts desire!
10. Rainbow Noodles Sensory Play – This activity has just enough of an icky factor to make it fun! The colors make it even more enjoyable, and it’s totally safe for kids!
11. Fizzy Cloud Dough – Here’s another cloud dough recipe…but this one FIZZES. That’s right, it fizzes. How cool is that?? Keep the fizzing a secret from your kids, and then amaze them when you add water!
12. Foam Fireworks – For those kids who don’t like loud noises, bring the fireworks to them! This fun activity uses shaving cream and food coloring, two totally fun things that children will love to mix and get messy with!
13. Melting Elsa’s Frozen Hands – News flash: Frozen is not just for girls! One day while I was babysitting my nephews, we went on a drive and sang along to my Frozen soundtrack. It was awesome. Plus, this activity would be great for staying cool during the summer!
14. Edible Slime – Here’s another icky, sticky activity that kids are sure to love! Not only is it stretchy, slimy and fun–it’s safe to eat, so if your child has a tendency to put things in his or her mouth, not to fear!
15. Homemade Herb & Spice Play Dough – A lot of sensory activities just have to do with touch. Here’s a super neat one that uses your sense of smell! I really want to try the cocoa one!
16. Edible Water Beads – There is so much that can be done with water beads! They feel so nice in your little one’s hands. These ones are all natural, made from tapioca pearls, so there’s no need to worry about them ending up in your child’s mouth!
17. Calming Epsom Salt Sensory Play – Who says Epsom salts are only for adults to enjoy? Your kids will have fun playing with their hands, and feeling the relaxing power of Epsom salts!
18. Cornstarch Painting Play – This is a fun and simple activity to put together, which any kids can enjoy! Do this activity outside for easy cleanup and let your kids get messy and creative!
19. Alphabet Car Wash Sensory Play – I will never understand what it is about boys and cars, but seriously–ALL of my nephews are obsessed! Which makes this a perfect activity for each of them!
20. Carpet Square Painting and Sensory Board – Do you have any old carpet squares lying around? Put them to good use with this fun and unique sensory activity!
21. Bouncy Ball Art – This activity has MESS written all over it, but it also has FUN written all over it! Be sure to do this one outside–your kids will have a blast!

What are some activities you’ve done with your autistic child? We would love to hear your stories. And if you are struggling to parent a child on the autism spectrum, don’t give up hope! You are not alone.