25 Sensory Activities to Support an Autistic Teenager

1. Weighted blankets

Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which can help to calm an autistic teenager's nervous system. They can be used during bedtime or when the teenager is feeling anxious.

2. Sensory swings

Sensory swings provide vestibular input, which can help to improve balance and coordination. They can also provide a calming effect.

3. Fidget toys

Fidget toys can help to improve focus and attention. They can also provide a calming effect.

4. Sensory bins

Sensory bins provide tactile stimulation, which can help to improve sensory processing. They can also be used to teach concepts such as sorting and counting.

5. Sensory bottles

Sensory bottles provide visual stimulation, which can help to improve focus and attention. They can also provide a calming effect.

6. Bubble wrap

Popping bubble wrap can provide a satisfying sensory experience. It can also be used to teach cause and effect.

7. Play dough

Playing with play dough can provide tactile stimulation. It can also be used to teach concepts such as shapes and colors.

8. Kinetic sand

Playing with kinetic sand can provide tactile stimulation. It can also be used to teach concepts such as pouring and measuring.

9. Water play

Water play can provide tactile stimulation. It can also be used to teach concepts such as sinking and floating.

10. Sand play

Sand play can provide tactile stimulation. It can also be used to teach concepts such as building and digging.

11. Painting

Painting can provide visual and tactile stimulation. It can also be used to teach concepts such as colors and shapes.

12. Drawing

Drawing can provide visual stimulation. It can also be used to improve fine motor skills.

13. Coloring books

Coloring books can provide visual stimulation. They can also be used to improve fine motor skills.

14. Yoga

Yoga can provide proprioceptive input, which can help to improve body awareness. It can also be used to improve balance and coordination.

15. Martial arts

Martial arts can provide proprioceptive input. They can also be used to improve balance and coordination.

16. Dance

Dance can provide proprioceptive input. It can also be used to improve balance and coordination.

17. Music

Listening to music can provide auditory stimulation. It can also be used to improve mood.

18. Singing

Singing can provide auditory and proprioceptive stimulation. It can also be used to improve mood.

19. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can provide olfactory stimulation. It can also be used to improve mood.

20. Massage

Massage can provide tactile and proprioceptive stimulation. It can also be used to improve relaxation.

21. Deep pressure massage

Deep pressure massage can provide deep pressure stimulation. It can also be used to improve relaxation.

22. Hugging

Hugging can provide deep pressure stimulation. It can also be used to improve social interaction.

23. Animal therapy

Animal therapy can provide tactile and proprioceptive stimulation. It can also be used to improve social interaction.

24. Sensory integration therapy

Sensory integration therapy can provide a comprehensive approach to addressing sensory processing difficulties. It can be provided by an occupational therapist.

25. Sensory-friendly activities

Sensory-friendly activities are activities that are designed to be inclusive of individuals with sensory processing difficulties. They can include events such as sensory-friendly movie screenings and sensory-friendly amusement park days.

Why Autistic Teenagers Need A Variety Of Activities

Autistic teenagers often have a difficult time processing sensory information, which can cause them to feel overwhelmed or anxious. Providing them with a variety of sensory activities can help them to regulate their nervous system and improve their overall well-being.

It's important to note that not all autistic teenagers will respond in the same way to sensory activities. Some may enjoy deep pressure stimulation, while others may prefer visual or auditory stimulation. By offering a variety of activities, you can help your teenager discover what works best for them.

In addition to providing sensory input, engaging in different types of activities can also help autistic teenagers develop new skills and interests. For example, participating in martial arts classes can improve balance and coordination while also building confidence and social skills.

By incorporating a range of activities into your teenager's routine, you can help them to stay engaged and motivated. This can be especially important during times of stress or transition, such as starting a new school year or moving to a new home.

Overall, providing autistic teenagers with a variety of sensory activities is essential for supporting their development and well-being. Whether it's through art projects, physical exercise, or animal therapy sessions, there are many ways to engage your teenager in meaningful and beneficial activities.

In conclusion, sensory activities can be a valuable tool to support an autistic teenager's sensory processing difficulties. These activities can provide a calming effect, improve focus and attention, and improve overall well-being. It is important to find activities that are enjoyable for the teenager and to provide them with opportunities to engage in these activities regularly.

‍