The Best Sensory Boxes for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Updated by Shannon Ratliff
For children on the autism spectrum, sensory play is shown to be a valuable method for kids to discover, examine, and understand the world in their own way. The Cratejoy Marketplace includes several sensory boxes that are tailor-made for children on the autism spectrum.
Christina Kozlowski, occupational therapist and founder of Sensory TheraPLAY Box , says she uses sensory toys and tools with the children she works with and frequently recommends them to parents. “The items inside Sensory TheraPLAY Box can be calming, help children self-regulate or manage anxiety,” she says. “Hand fidgets and textured toys to squeeze and manipulate can help children focus and provide needed sensory stimulation.”
Combine items from the Sensory TheraPLAY box in a container filled with rice, cereal, or pasta. You can even color the edible fillers with some food coloring to add visual stimulation. For older children, inedible items such as kinetic sand, pom-poms, beans, or even water, provides children with textures and even temperatures to explore.
Mix around the items and let your child place their hands in the sensory bin. The array of different textures will thrill them!
What is Sensory Play?
Sensory play is great way to provide children with tactile play and engage all of their senses. Providing sensory play to your child can help improve sensory exploration, improve fine motor skills, increase socialization (if they are playing with peers), cognitive development, language development, and can help calm them. Sensory play is usually a quite activity children can play independently.
Sensory boxes for the autism spectrum can help develop social and mental skills, especially when tailored to a child’s age. For a fun and beneficial way to promote your child’s growth, check out some of the best subscription boxes for kids with a focus on sensory needs and fine motor skills for all age groups, from toddlers to tweens.
