To families looking for creative ways to beat the heat this summer – you’re in luck! In this roundup, we’ll share some Autism friendly summer sensory crafts perfect for having fun in the sun.
Each of these Sensory Crafts for Autism was chosen specifically for the summer months. These activities are not only fun to make and stimulating for the senses: they’re themed for summer fun! No matter where you reside, these crafts will fill your summer with fresh fruits, sandy beaches, and lots of sunshine.
During the Summer months, when school is out, you may be looking for unique ways to keep your kids busy. Sensory play has many unique benefits, especially for kids with autism. Sensory play gives kids the opportunities to engage in creative play while experiencing distinct sensory inputs. Children with Autism often experience sensory inputs uniquely, having strong positive or negative experiences with different tastes, textures, and smells. Embracing sensory play encourages kids to practice integrating different stimuluses effectively.
Remember – Crafts provide so much more than just creative stimulation! Use crafts as an opportunity for your child to practice following instructions. When you work together doing crafts with your child, you can practice giving your child instructions and leading them through the project. Many crafts support the development of fine motor skills. Learning to precisely maneuver small muscles in the hand will greatly benefit your child in their ability to move through daily tasks independently.
The time spent together doing projects is priceless. You’ll be surprised just how many opportunities these deceptively simple crafts provide for problem-solving and making discoveries together. You and your child will create memories together that last a lifetime!
You and your child will find that spending time with sensory crafts will encourage sensory integration skills, enhance your relationship, and hopefully provide a soothing, stress-releasing outlet for both of you. Enjoy these Sensory Crafts for Autism!
Watermelon Squish Bags by Preschool Play and Learn
Create your own unique sensory toy with these Watermelon Squish bags. These bags let you enjoy the fun of touching something squishy – without the mess! You can even practice writing, drawing, or counting by using your finger to “draw” in the bag. These squish bags will provide hours of play!
Sidewalk Chalk Paint by My Home Based Life
Did you know? Using simple ingredients you already have in your pantry, you can create Sidewalk Chalk Paint! All you need is water, cornstarch, and a bit of food coloring to make an outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy.
Sun Threading by Taming Little Monsters
This fun craft is designed for practicing fine motor skills, color matching, and making patterns. Once you’ve completed the craft, you can come back to practice threading the beads time and time again! Or – find a design you like and hang up your sun as summer decor.
Lemonade Oobleck by Steampowered Family
If you’ve never made oobleck – you’re in for a treat! Better yet – this oobleck has an AMAZING lemonade scent! Using cornstarch and lemonade, you can create this fascinating science experiment that behaves like both a solid and a liquid depending on how you play with it. Since this recipe is made from food safe ingredients, it is also safe to accidentally swallow bits of your oobleck.
Frozen Sand by Taming Little Monsters
This project puts a unique spin on sandy beaches…why not freeze one? Watch with wonder as the sand melts away to reveal toys. In the sun, the ice will melt at the perfect speed to make playtime last all afternoon.
Sea Foam Sensory Bin by Taming Little Monsters
You’ll love this unique take on a sensory bin!! Whip up a tup of soapy, fluffy, foamy bubbles and enjoy its unique texture. Add some sea creatures and you’ve got your own private ocean! Use food coloring to create beautiful, colorful patterns.
Beach Discovery Bottle by Little Bins for Little Hands
Bring a bit of the beach home in a bottle! Whether you use ephemera collected at your last beach trip, or pick up your seashells from your local craft store, this beach bottle will fill you with sensory delight!
About ABA-LLC
ABA-LLC is one of the largest suppliers of Behavior Support in the State of Kentucky. Since 2007, the agency has created innovative strategies to improve the lives of unique individuals. ABA-LLC employs around 150 contractors, each dedicated to building an inclusive culture that celebrates individuals of all abilities. No matter who you are, you can reach your goals at ABA-LLC.
In everything the agency does, ABA-LLC is set apart from its competitors by its uniquely person-centered approach. The agency strives to provide services from a place of deep love for the population they serve. Their work exemplifies the belief that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and independent life integrated within their communities. There is no objective to change a person, but rather to give them the tools they need to succeed. B.F. Skinner summarizes this vision in his quote: “I’m not trying to change people. All I want is to change the world in which they live.”