Sensory Processing & Play: A Father’s Guide to Calming, Connecting, and Understanding Your Autistic Child
Short Description: Discover sensory play ideas, calming strategies, and sensory-friendly activities to support regulation and daily routines in children with sensory needs.
When my son was first diagnosed with autism, I didn’t understand what sensory processing meant. I used to think he was just being picky, sensitive, or dramatic. But what I’ve come to realize is this:
My child wasn’t trying to give me a hard time — he was having a hard time.
This blog is for parents like me — the ones who’ve sat on the edge of their kid’s bed at night, wondering why something as small as brushing teeth, hearing a vacuum, or wearing socks could lead to tears or meltdowns. If that’s you, welcome. Let’s talk about sensory processing, play, and how we can support our kids with love and patience.
What is Sensory Processing in Psychology?
Sensory processing refers to the way the brain receives, interprets, and responds to information from our senses — touch, sound, smell, taste, sight, movement, and body awareness.
In neurotypical kids, this happens naturally. They hear a sound, feel a texture, or see light — and their brain filters it appropriately.
But in autistic kids (and many kids with sensory processing disorder), these signals come in either too strong, too weak, or all at once. That’s when everyday things can feel overwhelming.
Sensory Processing Disorder: What It Looks Like
Before we had the words for it, we saw the signs.
My son would cry when we used the blender. He’d refuse to wear anything with tags. Haircuts were like torture. Bath time? A nightmare. Other times, he’d spin in circles for ten minutes or seek out deep pressure by burying himself under pillows.
These are all sensory processing disorder symptoms — and they’re real.
Examples of Sensory Processing Challenges:
- Tactile: Refuses certain clothing fabrics, hates getting messy
- Auditory: Covers ears for loud or even normal everyday sounds
- Vestibular: Craves spinning, jumping, or constant movement
- Proprioceptive: Seeks deep pressure, hugs tightly, crashes into things
- Oral: Chews on everything, has strong food aversions or preferences
For a long time, I thought my son was just “quirky.” But learning about sensory processing autism helped me see that he wasn’t odd — he was overloaded.
Sensory Processing Disorder Test
If you’re wondering whether your child might have SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), you can talk to an occupational therapist for an evaluation.
But before that, there are parent-friendly checklists online. Some things to consider:
- Does your child overreact to textures or sounds?
- Do they seem unaware of pain or temperature?
- Are transitions and changes in environment difficult?
- Do they struggle in crowded or noisy spaces like malls or classrooms?
These aren’t just “bad behavior” or “tantrums.” They’re signs that your child might process the world differently. Knowing that can help you respond with empathy instead of frustration.
Sensory Processing Skills: Building Regulation Through Play
One of the most helpful things our OT (occupational therapist) told us was: “Sensory input is like food. Some kids are hungry for more. Some are sensitive to even a small bite.”
That changed everything.
The goal isn’t to “fix” your child’s sensory system — it’s to help them regulate and feel safe in their own body. And the best way to do that? Sensory play.
Calming Sensory Activities for Autism
Sensory play helps calm the nervous system and can be a lifesaver during overstimulating moments. Over time, we created a “sensory toolkit” that worked for our son when he felt dysregulated.
Our favorite calming sensory activities:
- Weighted blanket snuggles
- Swinging gently in a sensory hammock
- Kinetic sand or rice bins
- Deep pressure massage or tight hugs
- Listening to soft, rhythmic music
- Chewy necklaces or chewable tubes
These calming sensory activities for autism are now a part of our daily routine. Some days we use them for transitions (like before school), other days just to wind down.
Sensory Activities for Autism at Home (DIY & Practical)
You don’t need to spend tons of money on equipment. We’ve created so many DIY sensory activities for autism using things already in the house.
Simple sensory activities for home:
- Shaving cream on a tray for finger play
- A bin of dry beans with hidden toys to dig for
- Homemade playdough with essential oils
- Obstacle course with couch cushions and tunnels
- Bubble wrap stomping
- Water play in the bathtub or sink
Whether your child is verbal or nonverbal, these activities help them explore safely, self-regulate, and connect with you.
Tactile Sensory Activities for Autism
If your child avoids textures or craves touch, tactile sensory play can help them gently explore their boundaries.
Some ideas we love:
- Finger painting with pudding (safe if they taste it!)
- Foam soap on a tray for drawing letters
- Sandpaper and cotton ball matching game
- Sensory bags with beads, buttons, or hair gel
- Mud kitchen in the backyard (messy but magical)
We learned to stop forcing what he didn’t like and instead offer what he could enjoy at his pace. That’s what sensory respect looks like.
Sensory Activities for Autism in the Classroom
If your child is in school, you might notice they struggle more in structured environments. That’s because classrooms can be sensory minefields — buzzing lights, loud chairs, scratchy uniforms.
Here are some sensory activities for autism in the classroom that teachers can try:
- Quiet corners with noise-canceling headphones
- Fidget tools or stress balls
- Break cards for short sensory walks
- Seated movement (bouncy bands on chairs)
- Sensory bins or puzzles for free play time
Sharing your child’s sensory profile with their teacher can make a huge difference.
Indoor Activities for Autistic Child
Rainy days used to scare me. No park, no bike, no place to burn energy. But now we have a solid list of indoor sensory activities.
Indoor favorites:
- Trampoline time (mini indoor trampoline)
- Rolling in a blanket like a burrito
- Blowing bubbles in a cup with a straw
- Simon Says with animal movements
- Heavy work chores (pushing laundry baskets, wiping windows)
You don’t need a huge space — just creativity, patience, and a little flexibility.
Occupational Therapy & Sensory Processing
Getting an occupational therapist changed our lives.
An OT helped us understand:
- What sensory systems are under/over-responsive
- How to build a daily sensory diet
- Calming strategies for meltdowns
- Transitions and regulation before school, therapy, etc.
- How to increase sensory tolerance slowly and gently
If your child shows sensory processing disorder symptoms, I strongly recommend finding a pediatric OT. It’s not just therapy — it’s a lifeline.
Sensory Activities for Autism PDF (Free Guide)
If you’re anything like me, you love having a cheat sheet nearby.
That’s why I put together a free PDF of our favorite sensory activities, broken down by:
- Calming tools
- Alerting (wake-up) activities
- Tactile play
- Indoor movement ideas
- Classroom-friendly tips
You can download and print it, or stick it on the fridge for reference.
[Get the Free Sensory Activities for Autism PDF Here]
Final Words from a Dad Who Gets It
Sensory processing was one of the biggest mysteries when we started this journey. Now, it’s one of the most powerful keys we’ve found to connect with our son.
It’s not about “fixing” our kids — it’s about understanding them.
It’s about creating a world where they feel safe, calm, and accepted.
And honestly? Along the way, I’ve learned to slow down, breathe deeper, and find joy in the little things — like watching my son spin to his favorite song, giggling and glowing.
If you’re just starting this journey, know this: you’re doing better than you think. Your child doesn’t need perfection. Just your patience. Your presence. Your love.
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