Children and adults with autism often experience the world in unique ways, particularly when it comes to sensory processing. Some individuals may be highly sensitive to certain textures, while others seek out tactile stimulation to regulate their emotions or focus their attention.
In that case, tactile activities can be incredibly beneficial as they help autistic individuals develop motor skills, enhance communication, reduce anxiety, and explore their environment in a way that feels comfortable to them.
Here, we’ll explore five engaging tactile activities that provide a meaningful sensory experience while also supporting learning, self-regulation, and social interaction. Let’s get started.
Sensory Bins
Sensory bins are one of the most versatile tactile activities for individuals with autism. These bins are simply containers filled with materials that offer different textures, such as rice, beans, sand, or even water beads. The idea is to provide a hands-on experience where individuals can dig, scoop, pour, and feel different materials with their hands.
Sensory bins allow individuals to engage in free play while exploring different textures in a controlled, non-threatening way.
For children who are hesitant about touching certain textures, a sensory bin offers a low-pressure environment to gradually build comfort. It also helps improve fine motor skills by encouraging grasping, pinching, and transferring objects.
To create a sensory bin, choose a base material and add small objects for extra engagement. For example, you can:
- Fill a bin with dry rice and hide small toys, beads, or figurines for a fun treasure hunt.
- Use kinetic sand along with molds and scoops to encourage creative play.
- Soak water beads in water and provide spoons, cups, and tongs for scooping and sorting.
Sensory bins can be adapted to different themes, such as an “ocean adventure” with blue-colored rice and sea creature toys or a “construction site” with kinetic sand and miniature trucks. This makes them an excellent tool for both sensory play and imaginative storytelling.
Playdough and Clay
Playdough and clay offer an excellent way for individuals with autism to experience tactile sensations while engaging in a creative activity. The squishy, moldable texture provides deep pressure input, which can have a calming effect on some individuals.
Many children with autism enjoy repetitive motions, such as squeezing, rolling, or flattening playdough. These actions not only provide sensory input but also strengthen the muscles in the hands and fingers, which is essential for developing fine motor skills used in writing and self-care tasks like buttoning clothes or using utensils.
To make the playdough experience even more engaging, try incorporating different scents or textures. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to playdough can provide a calming aroma, while mixing in sand or rice can create a unique tactile sensation.
Additionally, using playdough with cookie cutters, rolling pins, or shape molds can introduce an element of structured play, helping individuals follow simple instructions while still exploring the texture freely.
Finger Painting
Finger painting is an excellent way for individuals with autism to engage in tactile play while expressing themselves artistically. Unlike traditional painting with brushes, finger painting allows direct skin contact with the paint, creating a rich sensory experience.
This activity helps individuals explore different textures while also improving hand-eye coordination. It’s particularly beneficial for those who seek out messy play as a form of sensory input.
The smooth, cool texture of the paint can be soothing, and the ability to blend colors and create patterns makes it a fun, exploratory process.
Some children with autism may initially be reluctant to touch the paint due to sensory sensitivities.
In such cases, using tools like sponges, cotton balls, or even plastic wrap over the paint can offer a way to participate without direct contact. Over time, they may become more comfortable and willing to experiment with the paint using their fingers.
For those who enjoy the experience, adding textures such as sand, salt, or glitter to the paint can enhance the sensory aspect even further. Using large paper or even a tabletop covered with paper allows for free movement, making the experience even more engaging.
Fabric and Texture Boards
Some individuals with autism may struggle with certain textures, making everyday tasks like wearing certain fabrics or touching specific surfaces uncomfortable. A fabric and texture board is an excellent way to introduce different materials in a safe and controlled manner.
A texture board is simply a board or a large piece of sturdy cardboard covered with various fabric samples and textured materials. Examples of materials to include:
- Soft fleece or felt
- Rough sandpaper
- Smooth satin or silk
- Fuzzy faux fur
- Bumpy bubble wrap
- Velcro strips
By touching and exploring these textures at their own pace, individuals can gradually desensitize themselves to different sensations. This can be particularly helpful for children who have aversions to specific clothing materials, helping them become more comfortable with different textures over time.
Water Play
Water play is one of the most universally enjoyed sensory activities. Whether it’s splashing at a water table, feeling the trickle of water through fingers, or playing with bubbles, water-based activities provide soothing tactile stimulation.
For many individuals with autism, the sensation of water can be incredibly calming. The feeling of water running over the skin provides gentle sensory input, which can help regulate emotions and reduce stress. Water play also encourages fine motor development, especially when using tools like cups, funnels, or squirt toys.
Here are some ideas for water-based activities worth considering:
For those who may be hesitant about getting wet, using a damp sponge or providing gloves can offer a way to engage with water play while minimizing discomfort.
Conclusion
Engaging in tactile activities can be both enjoyable and therapeutic for individuals with autism. Whether through sensory bins, playdough, finger painting, texture boards, or water play, these experiences provide essential sensory input while supporting fine motor development, creativity, and self-regulation. To better understand the science behind these behaviors, explore our article, Unraveling the Link Between Dopamine and Autism Stimming, which dives into how brain chemistry plays a role in self-regulation and sensory engagement.
The key to success with any tactile activity is to follow the individual’s lead. Some may dive right in, while others may need time and gradual exposure.
At Jade ABA Therapy, we focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where caregivers, educators, and therapists can collaborate to help autistic individuals explore and enjoy the world of touch at their own pace. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality ABA therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of every client.
If you’re looking for expert ABA therapy in Maryland, reach out to us today! We’d love to connect and discuss how we can support your family or loved one. Contact us now to get started on the path to positive change.
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