Sensory activities can help autistic people of all ages explore their senses and express themselves.
It’s important to remember that every autistic person is unique, with their own preferences, sensitivities, and interests. What feels soothing or exciting to one person might feel overwhelming or uninteresting to another.
When planning sensory activities, remember to take the individual’s needs and preferences into account. Consider their sensory profile – are they drawn to certain textures, sounds, or movements? Do they have sensitivities that could make certain activities uncomfortable or distressing?
It’s also important to think about the environment. Sensory activities work best in spaces where the person feels safe, calm, and supported. Flexibility is key – allow the person to set the pace, make choices, or opt out if something doesn’t feel right.
Above all, sensory activities should be fun and pressure-free. Whether it’s about discovering new sensations or simply enjoying the comfort of the familiar, these activities can offer opportunities for connection, relaxation, and growth.
In this guide, you’ll find 30 creative and accessible sensory activities designed to celebrate individuality, spark curiosity, and bring moments of joy to autistic people of all ages. We have grouped ideas together by age group, but that shouldn’t limit you. There are plenty of ideas for kids that are equally relevant for teenagers and adults.
Like Family spoke with Anita Aherne, Founder of Living on the Spectrum, to understand the important considerations for planning activities for people with autism.
Like Family (LF): What should caregivers consider when introducing sensory activities to an autistic person?
Anita Aherne (AA): “Caregivers should consider the autistic person's sensory profile, understanding that it can change from day to day—or even hour to hour—based on external factors, environment, and mood. Patience is key, and offering choices rather than enforcing activities helps ensure a positive experience.”
LF: How can caregivers identify which sensory activities might work best for their child or adult family member?
AA: “The best approach is to ask the autistic person directly, whenever possible. For young children or individuals who struggle with communication, providing a range of age-appropriate choices can be helpful. It's also important to remember that sensory preferences can shift due to mood, fatigue, or environmental changes.”
LF: What are the benefits of group-based sensory activities versus solo activities?
AA: “Neither approach has a universal advantage—it depends entirely on the individual’s sensory profile. Many people assume group activities are inherently beneficial, but this perspective is based on a neurotypical lens. While group activities can help build life skills, an autistic person should never be forced to participate.
Instead, offering choices ensures they can engage in ways that are comfortable for them. Similarly, while solo activities may limit certain social skill-building opportunities, they should never come at the expense of mental well-being.”
LF: What signs indicate that a sensory activity is not suitable or may be overwhelming?
AA: “Signs that a sensory activity may be unsuitable or overwhelming include: Increased stimming or self-injurious stimming (e.g., head-banging, biting, or excessive scratching). This could also include nail-biting and pulling our hair; avoidance behaviours (e.g., turning away, covering ears, leaving the area), meltdowns (not to be confused with tantrums), becoming non-verbal or having difficulty communicating, withdrawal or shutting down, self-harm (e.g., hitting, pinching, or scratching themselves) and obvious masking, where the person suppresses discomfort to fit in but may later experience emotional exhaustion or burnout.
It’s important to pay attention to these signals and adjust or stop the activity as needed to support the person’s well-being.
LF: Are there any lesser-known sensory activities or tools you would recommend for autistic individuals?
AA:
- Sensory clothing – Pressure clothing, seamless garments, and tag-free options can help regulate sensory input and reduce discomfort.
- Fidget jewellery – Discreet fidget tools such as sensory rings or chewable necklaces provide a self-regulation option without drawing attention.
- Music as a sensory tool – Many autistic individuals use rhythmic or soothing music as a form of stimming, often repeating the same song for comfort.
- Repetitive media consumption—Watching the same TV shows or movies repeatedly can be a predictable, calming sensory experience.
- Chewing gum – Provides oral sensory input, helping with self-regulation and focus.
- White noise – Soft consistent hums from fans or white noise generators can be soothing.
- Verbal stims - Humming, singing, clicking the tongue or making sounds can be very soothing for some autistic individuals.
It is important to know that each autistic individual is unique and everyone will find different things soothing at different times. There is no blueprint, and it is important to recognise and acknowledge individual sensory profiles.
- Living on the Spectrum is a directory of resources, products and events for the neurodivergent community. For more information, visit www.livingonthespectrum.com.

Kids with autism
Food painting
Painting with food offers autistic children a fun and pressure-free way to explore their creativity while engaging their senses. It encourages self-expression, and helps develop fine motor skills by allowing them to touch, smell, and see different textures and colours in a safe, enjoyable way. It’s easily adaptable to their unique preferences and sensitivities, fostering a sense of control and comfort. Most importantly, it’s a joyful, low-stress experience that can strengthen connections and create moments of shared play.
Toys in jelly
Playing with toys in jelly provides autistic kids with a hands-on sensory experience that’s both engaging and calming. Digging through the wobbly, squishy texture helps develop fine motor skills and promotes sensory exploration in a fun, non-threatening way. The activity encourages curiosity and problem-solving as they search for hidden toys, offering opportunities for focus and imaginative play. It can also be adapted to suit individual preferences, making it a safe and enjoyable way to explore new sensations at their own pace.
Play with slime
The stretchy, squishy texture of slime helps develop fine motor skills and supports sensory regulation, providing a soothing outlet for tactile exploration. It encourages creativity and focus as they stretch, squish, or mould the slime, fostering a sense of control and engagement. Customise your slime with colours, scents, or add-ins to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile and enjoyable activity for self-expression and sensory play.
Colouring in
Colouring in is a calming and structured activity that supports creativity and focus. The repetitive motion of colouring can be soothing, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It’s also a great way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while encouraging self-expression through colour choices and designs. With its predictable structure, colouring in offers a sense of control and achievement, making it an enjoyable and accessible activity for kids (and adults) of all abilities.
Sorting games
Sorting games can be a fun activity for autistic kids, combining fun with skill-building. They help develop cognitive skills like categorisation, pattern recognition, and problem-solving, while also supporting fine motor development through handling and organising objects. Sorting by colour, shape, or size can provide a sense of order and predictability, which many autistic kids find comforting. Adapt the game to match the person’s individual interests and abilities, making them a flexible and engaging way to support learning and sensory regulation.
Obstacle courses
Obstacle courses are a fun and active way to build motor skills, coordination, and body awareness. They encourage physical movement in a structured yet playful environment, helping to improve balance and spatial understanding. Obstacle courses can also support sensory regulation by incorporating different textures, movements, and challenges. Tailoring the course to the child’s preferences and abilities ensures it remains enjoyable and non-overwhelming, offering a safe space for exploration, confidence-building, and the development of problem-solving skills.
Playing with bubbles
Blowing (and popping!) bubbles is a delightful and sensory-rich activity for autistic kids. The soft, floating bubbles captivate attention, helping to improve focus and visual tracking skills. Popping bubbles also encourages fine motor development and hand-eye coordination. The gentle, repetitive nature of blowing and chasing bubbles is a playful way to engage with movement and sensory exploration. It’s a flexible activity that provides a lighthearted way to enjoy time both outdoors and indoors.
Visit your local zoo
Visiting the local zoo offers all kids a chance to engage with nature and animals in a calm and stimulating environment. The wide range of sights, sounds, and textures can support sensory exploration while fostering curiosity and learning. Many zoos offer specialised services for autism and other hidden disabilities, like tranquil zones, dedicated sensory sessions and custom visual stories to help prepare for your visit. Connecting with support workers is another great strategy to ensure that kids are comfortable in the environment they're visiting, check out our guide on helping parents find the right support worker for their child.
Art museums
Like a zoo, many art museums have developed programs to make visiting the museum an inclusive and open experience for autistic people. Depending on the museum, you can find clear visual keys and sensory friendly maps that highlight exhibits that may be overwhelming. There may also be special autism-friendly programs, including gallery openings and workshops for children and families, so you can get the most out of your visit.
Swimming
Offering the benefits of exercise and the soothing sensory environment of water, swimming is great for autistic kids. There are studies that show that aquatic environments can help ease sensory sensitivity, while also improving balance, coordination and motor skills. It is important to consider the environment though – some pools can be loud and overwhelming, so visiting at a quieter time or opting for a small group lesson may help.

Teens and young adults
Cooking
Cooking is a great way to interact and connect with people with autism. By following simple recipes, teenagers and young adults can experience a variety of smells, textures and flavours while creating delicious food. Baking simple foods can allow young people to express creativity and independence as well.
Board games
Board games are a great way to enjoy quality time with young people, helping teach turn taking and providing a social outlet in a structured space. Board games offer a form of escapism, and while younger children may be limited to simpler games, teenagers and young adults can get quite creative, enjoying cooperative and competitive tabletop role-playing games as well.
Musical instruments
Learning a musical instrument provides a structured way to enhance focus, discipline, and motor skills, while also fostering creativity and emotional expression. Playing music can improve auditory processing and coordination, as well as offer a calming, therapeutic outlet for stress or anxiety. It also encourages patience and persistence.
Puzzles
Puzzles develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and patience. The process of fitting pieces together encourages focus and spatial awareness, while also supporting cognitive development and fine motor skills. Puzzles can be both calming and engaging, providing a sense of accomplishment when completed. They are flexible and easily adapted to individual interests, from simple jigsaws to more complex brainteasers, making them a valuable activity for young autistic people.
Martial arts or sports
Martial arts can be highly beneficial for teenagers and young adults with autism, offering opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and emotional regulation. It can help teach self-control, respect, and mindfulness, providing a structured environment for managing stress and emotions. Team sports are also beneficial, encouraging communication, cooperation, and teamwork, helping to build social skills and boost confidence.
Dancing
Dancing is a fun and expressive activity, promoting physical coordination, body awareness, and emotional expression. It helps improve motor skills and can be a great outlet for stress or anxiety. Dance also encourages creativity and self-confidence, providing a joyful way to connect with others or enjoy solo movement.
Camping and bushwalking
Camping or hiking offers people with autism a chance to connect with nature while developing independence, resilience, and physical endurance. The outdoor environment provides sensory benefits, from fresh air to natural sounds, while promoting relaxation and reducing stress. With the right support, camping and hiking can offer a rewarding and calming experience in a peaceful, structured setting.
Sensory movie day
Going to the movies is a normal part of growing up, but the bright lights and loud sounds can become overwhelming. Many cinemas offer dedicated sensory sessions, where the lights are dimmed but left on throughout the film, and the audio volume is softened. This allows anyone with sensory needs to enjoy the experience in a calm, accepting environment.
Horseriding
There have been a number of studies into the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding for children and adolescents with ASD in recent years, though researchers are still trying to determine exactly why that is. The data clearly shows the benefits of riding horses, including developing strength, expressing non-verbal communication with the horse, and a calming experience from riding. It can also be a great social activity.
Building with Lego
People of all ages can appreciate the creativity, focus and fine-motor skills building with Lego can deliver. For older teenagers and young adults with autism, more advanced Lego sets can be a great way to encourage problem solving, spatial awareness and attention to detail. It’s also a great social activity for days you’re stuck indoors.

Adults
Pottery classes
Pottery classes offer a hands-on, creative outlet that promotes relaxation, focus, and self-expression. Working with clay provides a sensory-rich experience through touch and texture. Pottery encourages patience and mindfulness as you shape and refine their creations, fostering a sense of accomplishment. It can also be a therapeutic way to manage stress or anxiety, offering a calming, structured environment for both personal growth and creative exploration.
Yoga
Yoga is a calming and grounding practice that supports both physical and mental well-being. It helps improve flexibility, strength, and coordination, while also promoting body awareness and balance. The slow, deliberate movements and focus on breath work can reduce anxiety, improve relaxation, and enhance emotional regulation. Even better, you can enjoy Yoga both indoors and outdoors, by yourself or in a group.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be a soothing and sensory-rich activity for adults with autism, helping to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance mood. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus can trigger positive emotional responses and support sensory regulation. Aromatherapy encourages mindfulness, providing a calming ritual for your daily routines or used as a stress-relieving tool.
Animal care
Interacting with animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide emotional comfort, while also enhancing social skills. Caring for pets or volunteering at animal shelters encourages nurturing behaviour, patience, and routine-following, providing a sense of accomplishment and connection.
Gardening
Gardening provides a fulfilling way to engage with nature while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. The sensory experience of working with soil, plants, and flowers can be grounding and calming, offering a therapeutic outlet for stress. Gardening encourages responsibility and patience, as plants require regular care and attention. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment and connection to the environment, with the added benefit of physical activity and fresh air.
Reading
Reading offers a valuable opportunity for relaxation, learning, and self-expression. It allows for a personal escape into different worlds, enhancing imagination and creativity while improving focus and concentration. Reading also supports cognitive skills, vocabulary expansion, and emotional understanding by exploring different characters and perspectives.
Social clubs
Social clubs offer a supportive and structured environment for building social skills, making connections, and fostering a sense of belonging. These clubs provide opportunities to engage in shared activities or discussions based on common interests, helping to reduce social anxiety and promote confidence in interacting with others. Being part of a group offers a safe space to practice communication and form friendships, improving social awareness and emotional regulation.
Volunteering
Volunteering offers a meaningful way to contribute to the community, build confidence, and develop new skills. It provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment through helping others, whether it’s through organising events, assisting at local charities, or supporting community projects. It can be a fulfilling way to meet new people, reduce isolation, and enhance emotional well-being, all while giving back to the community in a way that aligns with personal strengths and interests.
Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing and meditative activity that promotes focus, patience, and connection with nature. The peaceful environment allows for sensory regulation and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Fishing encourages problem-solving and motor skills as individuals prepare bait, cast lines, and reel in catches. It also provides an opportunity for socialisation, whether with family, friends, or fellow anglers.
Video games
Video games can be a highly engaging and rewarding activity for adults with autism, offering opportunities for cognitive stimulation, problem-solving, and relaxation. Many games promote focus, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking, while others can be social, allowing for connection and teamwork with others online. The immersive nature of gaming provides an enjoyable escape and a sense of achievement as players complete levels or challenges. Tailor game selection to the individual’s preferences, selecting from a wide range of genres and difficulty levels.
Frequently asked questions
How to provide sensory stimulation for autism?
Providing sensory stimulation for autism involves offering activities or tools that engage one or more senses—touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, or movement—in a way that is enjoyable and calming for the individual.
Start by understanding the person’s sensory preferences and sensitivities. Some may seek sensory input, like textures or movement, while others might prefer gentler, calming stimuli.
Activities like playing with sensory bins, using weighted blankets, exploring different textures, or listening to soothing music can be beneficial.
Always follow their lead and make adjustments to ensure the experience is positive and not overwhelming.
What is sensory play for autism?
Sensory play for autism is any activity that engages the senses and encourages exploration, creativity, and regulation. It helps individuals process sensory input in a safe and enjoyable way, supporting their overall sensory integration and development.
Examples include playing with slime or kinetic sand, experimenting with water or bubbles, or using items like textured balls or fidget toys.
Sensory play can help with focus, reduce anxiety, and improve motor skills, making it a valuable and versatile activity for autistic individuals of all ages.
What are some sensory food play ideas for autism?
Sensory food play can be a fun and beneficial way for autistic individuals to explore textures, smells, and tastes in a non-pressuring environment. Ideas include:
- Painting with yogurt or pureed fruits on parchment paper.
- Digging through bowls of dry rice or pasta to find hidden objects.
- Creating edible sensory bins with ingredients like jelly, mashed potatoes, or whipped cream.
- Building structures using marshmallows and toothpicks.
Always consider individual food preferences and sensitivities, and make the activity safe and enjoyable.
What are some good sensory tools for autism?
Sensory tools for autism can help with regulation, focus, and comfort. Some great options include:
- Fidget toys: Spinners, stress balls, or fidget cubes.
- Weighted items: Blankets, lap pads, or stuffed animals for calming deep pressure.
- Chewable tools: Chew necklaces or chew sticks for oral sensory needs.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: For individuals sensitive to sound.
- Sensory lights: Lava lamps, fibre optic lights, or bubble tubes.
- Tactile tools: Kinetic sand, textured balls, or sensory brushes.
Choose tools that align with the individual’s sensory preferences and needs, and ensure they are safe and accessible.