Sensory-Friendly Spring Break:
Creating Joyful and Comfortable Experiences for Neurodiverse Children
For many families, spring break is often a preview of the carefree atmosphere of Summer. Filled with family road trips, pool days, and sleeping in until noon, Spring break has the power to be one of the most meaningful times of the year for children. But for neurodiverse children, these breaks in routine can often lead to feelings of overwhelmedness. The good news is that with the right accommodations, spring break can still be a time of joy and comfort for the neurodiverse. Let’s take a look at some of the sensory friendly activities that can help create an amazing Spring Break for your child!
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What Is Sensory Sensitivity?
Before we dive into activities to consider, it’s important to recognize what exactly sensory sensitivity is. While often seen in Autism, sensory sensitivity is a common symptom of multiple disorders. (It can also be discussed as its own disorder entirely known as sensory processing disorder or SPD) It’s been described as a ‘heightened or intense reaction to sensory stimuli’. While sensory issues vary person to person, there are common ways it tends to affect people based on the senses.
Visuals: Bright or flickering lights
Sound: Specific vibrations or loud noises
Touch: Fabrics or being surrounded by people
Smell: Both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ smells can overwhelm.
Taste: Specific flavor profiles or textures of food.
Balance: Heights or motion sickness.
When engaging with the examples listed above, neurodiverse children can showcase a wide series of responses like becoming unresponsive, showcasing poor motor coordination, and being prone to emotional meltdowns.With all of these, it’s important to remember that sensory issues are different for everyone, and that as a parent, it’s okay for the situation to feel daunting or overwhelming for you as well. As we get into the list of sensory-friendly activities, remember to give yourself grace, and that you, along with your child, can find the right accommodations to make their Spring break one to remember.
Noise Blocking Headphones
Sensitivity to sound can massively impact a child’s experiences, making some situations overwhelming or distressing.While not necessarily an activity, noise blocking headphones are an incredibly valuable tool to regulate auditory inputs and can help children feel more in control of their environment.
Examples of its use are not limited to outside activities like going to the store, public transportation, or sporting events. They can also be used to make family gatherings, lunch rooms at school, or even medical visits less stimulating.
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Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are a clear cut way to provide sensory regulation that’s also portable and can reduce anxiety and even improve concentration. The safe, repetitive motion can be calming amidst overwhelming experiences. Examples of these toys are fidget spinners, pop-it toys, play-dough, etc.
Outdoor Art
To provide visual and tactile stimulation, something as simple as playing with sidewalk chalk can allow for creative expression, that again, allows your child to feel in control. Chalk allows for a traditionally unmessy art experience that’s easy to manage while promoting fine motor skills.
Nature Walks
Similarly to the outdoor art stated above, playing outside can provide fresh air with natural sensory inputs that don’t overstimulate. Exploring parks and trails can allow children to feel the breeze, feel the warmth of the sun, and engage with a variety of natural textures and sounds at their own pace.
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Water Play
All of these activities share one important element: movement. Engaging the body can be a natural way to ease overstimulation, and few activities do this better than water play. Water not only has a naturally soothing effect, but it also encourages temperature exploration and offers a low-stress, open-ended experience. Children can engage in a variety of ways—pouring, stirring, splashing, squeezing, or even swimming—all of which support fine and gross motor development. To enhance the experience, consider adding toys, bubbles, or sponges for extra sensory engagement.
Photo by Phil Goodwin on Unsplash
Final Thoughts
Spring break should be a time of relaxation and exploration for every child, including those with sensory sensitivities. It’s important to note that sensory friendly activities and their success vary child-to-child; it's imperative that you work with your child to find out what is right for them. The key is flexibility- allowing your child to feel safe and free to enjoy themselves. By incorporating activities that support their needs, you can help transform their Spring Break experience into something they'll hold with them forever.