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Sensory Ideas for Life Skills Autism

Discover engaging sensory activities designed to help children with autism develop vital life skills. From calming glitter bottles to tactile boards, these activities provide hands-on experiences that support life skills autism while being enjoyable and educational. Explore our ideas to create meaningful sensory experiences at home or in the classroom, and nurture your child's growth effectively. Start today!

 Calm Down Glitter Bottles

Supports: Visual calming & emotional regulation
Materials: Recycled plastic water bottles, warm water, clear glue, glitter / sequins, optional food coloring
How to Make:

  • Fill bottle halfway with warm water

  • Add clear glue until bottle is ¾ full

  • Add glitter + one drop of color

  • Close tightly (hot glue or tape the cap for safety)
    Use: Shake and watch the glitter settle to self-regulate.

Sensory Texture Boards

Supports: Tactile exploration & desensitization
Materials: Cardboard or foam board + textures (felt, bubble wrap, craft foam, sandpaper, cotton, buttons, ribbon)
How to Make:

  • Cut textures into small squares

  • Glue onto board in rows or shapes
    Use: Students explore textures in a safe, guided way.

Sensory support
Sensory support
Squish Bags (Mess-Free!)

Supports: Fine motor & calming pressure
Materials: Ziplock bags, hair gel or clear soap, food coloring, glitter, small beads
How to Make:

  • Fill bag with gel + sprinkle glitter or beads

  • Remove air and seal

  • Tape edges to prevent leaks
    Variation: Draw letters or shapes on the outside for tracing practice.

“Calm Clouds” Cotton Art

Supports: Slow movement + emotional expression
Materials: Thick paper, cotton balls, glue, light watercolor wash
How to Make:

  • Brush light watercolor sky

  • Glue cotton balls to form clouds

  • Encourage slow breathing while placing each piece

Sensory Ideas
Calm Bead Stress Fidgets

Supports: Hand strength & stress release
Materials: Pipe cleaners + pony beads
How to Make:

  • Slide beads onto pipe cleaner

  • Twist ends to secure
    Kids can use during circle time to stay regulated.

Help with sensory ideas
Nature Rubbing Art

Supports: Sensory grounding + outdoor connection
Materials: Leaves, tree bark, crayons, paper
How to Make:

  • Place leaf or textured nature item under paper

  • Rub crayon gently to reveal texture
    Optional: Create a nature texture journal.

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