Seeking Sensory Activities

A quick Google search into sensory processing activities will yield a lot of books and resources for young children, especially toddlers. Because of their developing nervous systems, sensory activities are important during this time of life. However, the more we study the brain and nervous system, the more we understand that this system has the ability to change throughout our lives. The increase in research into elderly dementia and Alzheimer’s have highlighted the changes that happen over the lifespan. While we know that a good “sensory diet” is important for everyone, it is even more important for those with neurodevelopmental disorders who tend to have deficits in sensory processing. However, without sensory activities being community-based and age appropriate, we may be hurting our development of social skills while we are addressing our “sensory diet”. It is important to seek out activities that develop both social skills and sensory processing when working with adults or teens with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Some of these activities might include:

• Walking, petting, and playing with animals

• Walks in different parks or nature areas

• Swimming

• Yoga or workout routines

• Gardening

• Dancing

• Weighted blankets or throws

• Crocheting or knitting

• Cooking

• Backpacking

• Visiting aquariums including stores that sell live fish

• Showering or bathing

• Basketball

• Vacuuming

• Trampoline parks

• Horseback riding

• Fidget items for adults such as putty, Zen gardens, stress balls, etc.