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Special Learning House

Autism resources for exceptional families. Increase communication, learning and fun at home.

October 15, 2018

Sensory Break Ideas for Kids with Autism

I love sensory breaks! This is a list of sensory break ideas that I use with my little learners in my autism center and that I teach families to use with children in their homes. They are fun and effective at home or in an autism classroom. Make sure to print out your Sensory Break Cards to get started.

Sensory Break Ideas for Kids with Autism

Sensory Break Ideas

(We have included Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. You can read our disclosures here.)

1. Ride your bike.

2. Play in a ball pit.

3. Use play dough with this fish bowl play dough mat.

4. Take a bath.

5. Play with bubbles.

6. Whip out the play dough and play with these zoo animal play dough mats.

7. Do some jumping jacks.

8. Take the dog for a walk.

9. Use a sensory box.

Sensory Break Ideas for Kids with Autism

10. Go for a scooter ride.

11. Play with an Autumn sensory bottle.

12. Go for a hike.

13. Plant some flowers.

14. Engage your child in making his or her own play dough (these 3 recipes are all gluten-free as well).

15. Play with a fidget.

16. Have a dance party. (Listen to music and dance around.)

17. Use play dough with this Spring tulips play dough mat.

18. Hop on one foot.

19. Bounce up and down on both feet.

20. Do some play dough stamping.

21. Jump in Fall leaves.

Sensory Break Ideas for Kids with Autism

22. Play a fun and easy hand game.

23. Do some water sensory play.

24. Crawl on your hands and knees.

25. Do some felt garden play.

26. Roll some play dough.

27. Run a race. (Set up a “goal” spot like a tree and whoever gets there first wins the race!)

28. Play a game of ping pong.

29. Water the flowers.

30. Play with a light table!

31. Feed the fish.

32. Go for a walk.

33. Use a calming bottle.

34. Go outside and take some photos.

35. Play with a DIY ocean in a bottle.

Print out your sensory break cards to use with your child or in your autism classroom.

Free Printable Sensory Break Cards for Kids with Autism

36. Prepare a recipe together.

37. Go on a nature walk and pick up treasures (pinecones, feathers, pebbles, etc.).

38. Play a quick game of “Follow Your Nose Bingo”.

39. Use a fan and fan yourself.

40. Hang upside down.

41. Listen to calming music.

42. Play the red light green light game.

43. Go for a scooter ride.

44. Toss a ball back and forth.

45. Go down the slide.

46. Blow up and pop balloons.

47. Fill a sticker album with stickers.

48. Play with slime.

49. Play basketball. (I love this mini b-ball hoop for little learners.)

50. Play with water beads.

Pro tip : if your child (or student) is sensitive to sound, I highly recommend having these noise-cancelling headphones on hand for use during these sensory break activities.

Sensory Break Ideas

I love sensory breaks! This is a list of sensory break ideas that I use with my little learners in my autism center and that I teach families to use with children in their homes. They will be fun and effective in your home or autism classroom too.

Pin for later!

Sensory Break Ideas for Kids with Autism

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.

Sensory Communication Printable Workbook for Children with Autism

More Sensory Play Ideas on SLH!

Sensory Box Ideas for Kids with Autism

Calming Sensory Activities for Kids with Autism

Sensory Break Cards

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Filed Under: Autism 101, Home programs, Sensory activities Tagged With: sensory activities for autism, sensory play

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Alix Strickland Frénoy from Special Learning House.

Hi friend! I'm Alix, the girl behind this blog and founder and director of the Le Chemin ABA Learning House for children with autism and other special needs in Paris, France. I create educational activities and spaces to help children with special needs learn and thrive!

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