Sensory break cards are an essential component of any home program for a child with autism. The sensory break cards I created for you use real photos, which in my experience as an autism center owner are essential for children with autism who have a tendency to understand real photos more easily than drawn images. These sensory break cards can be used with individuals with autism with different levels of understanding and language. To help you incorporate more sensory activities into your program for your autistic child, make sure you read Essential Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism next.
What is a sensory break?
A “sensory break” means taking a break from seated activities to engage the body in movement and help regulate your child’s vestibular system.
How long should a sensory break be?
It really depends on your particular child’s needs. A sensory break can be anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 minutes. You will want to make sure to have a structure to your home or classroom program in order to space activities out with appropriate sensory breaks in between.
Sensory Break Ideas
The cards I prepared for you are filled with 8 of my absolute favorite sensory break ideas! They work like a charm with the children at my center and I hope your child will love them too.
Sensory Break Cards (including Movement Break Cards)
- Use a sensory box!
- Jump!
- Do some jumping jacks!
- Ride your bike!
- Go for a scooter ride!
- Spring Chicks Sensory Box (find the activity here)!
- Go for a swim!
- Take a bath!
How to Prepare Your Sensory Break Cards
You will need :
- A laminator
- Laminating pouches/sheets
- Binder ring
- 1-Hole punch
- Magnetic tape (optional)
- Magnetic board (optional)
Step 1 :
Download the free printable sensory break cards below.
Step 2 :
Print out the cards.
Step 3 :
Use your laminator to laminate.
Step 4 :
Cut out the cards.
Step 5 :
Use a 1-hole punch to create a hole and connect the cards with a binder ring. Alternatively, you can use magnetic tape and a magnetic board to display the cards.
Step 6 : (optional)
If using the cards on their own, you can use magnetic tape to attach them to a magnetic board in your child’s progress nook or on the fridge.
Sensory Breaks for Students with Autism
You can use these sensory break cards at home or in the classroom! You can even add them to a visual schedule.
Download and print out your FREE Sensory Break Cards here!
Pin for later!
More Sensory Activities for Your Little Learners
Fabulous and Free Autism Resources
30 Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism
Calming Sensory Activities for Autism
23 DIY Calming Bottles for Autism
21 Benefits of Sensory Play for Autism
Free Printable Fish Bowl Playdough Mat
30 Activities for Kids That are Not on the iPad
LOOKING FOR MORE PRINTABLE SENSORY COMMUNICATION-BUILDING ACTIVITIES?
I created an entire workbook for you of printable activities that will help you build your child’s communication skills! Click here to go to the Sensory Communication Workbook.
More tools to help your child with autism calm down
10 Calm Down Strategies for Kids with Autism
Free Printable Calm Down Cards
Learn to create a Progress Nook for your child at home in 7 days
Receive 7 emails - 1 email each day - for FREE that will teach you exactly what to do, then receive emails once per week with fun learning activities for your child
[…] If you are gardening with preschoolers, there are many fun activities you can incorporate into your gardening activity. Follow all of my above tips. You could also use gardening as a sensory break activity with these sensory break cards. […]