Engaging Sensory Activities for Adults

Sensory activities are a way for adults to destress, especially those with autism or sensory processing issues. These activities may help them focus and feel more connected in their everyday lives.

This is because people with conditions such as autism or ADHD may process sensory information in a way that makes learning and playing difficult.

Fortunately, sensory stimulation activities give people the same sensory aids they’d get naturally through their day-to-day lives, which can improve their behavior in many ways.

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Tactile sensory activities

Sensory activities like exploring sensory bins or tables and engaging with textured tools can be incredibly beneficial for stress relief and sensory regulation.

Sensory bins filled with dry rice, sand, or water beads help promote body awareness and reduce stress, while a sensory table can serve as an excellent alternative for a similar experience. 

Interacting with textured tools such as sponges, fabric swatches, or fidget toys can stimulate the sense of touch in impactful ways, offering a simple yet effective method for enhancing sensory processing.

Auditory sensory activities

Soothing sounds like wind chimes, white noise, or recorded nature sounds can help improve focus and reduce overstimulation. Many apps now offer access to calming sounds, making them available even when your environment doesn’t provide them.

For example, if it’s snowing outside, you might use an app to listen to bird chirps.

Music and movement can also positively impact mood and social interaction skills. Have you ever been to dance parties? If you don’t have sensory sensitivities to bright lights or loud noises, you may recall feeling energized and more socially confident during those moments.

Structured listening games provide another way to enhance sensory and communication skills. Engaging in activities like Simon Says with family members can improve listening abilities while offering a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.

Gustatory (taste) sensory activities

Gustatory sensory activities are a great way to engage and stimulate the sense of taste while encouraging exploration and creativity.

Here are some enjoyable activities to try:

• Experiment with a tea taste test: You should experiment with different flavor profiles and aromas of tea to excite your senses.
• Create an ice cream sundae: You can create a combination of textures and flavors in a fun and interactive manner.
• Try new foods: It’s best to try various tastes and textures during meals to widen your sensory experiences.

Visual sensory activities

Visual sensory activities provide a wonderful opportunity to engage your sense of sight while promoting relaxation and creativity.

Here are a few activities to explore:

• Enjoy liquid motion timers: Watch the movement of colored liquids within the timers to help focus and unwind.
• Engage with art and puzzles: Dive into creative activities like painting or solving puzzles to stimulate your mind and enhance cognitive abilities.
• Utilize lighting choices: Incorporate soft lighting or color-changing lamps to create a visually calming environment.

Proprioceptive and vestibular activities

Proprioceptive and vestibular activities help improve body awareness, balance, and sensory regulation while promoting relaxation and engagement.

Here are some beneficial activities to consider:

• Practice yoga or gentle stretching: You can increase your body awareness and relaxation by using slow, intentional movements.
• Use swinging or rocking chairs: These motions can offer soothing vestibular input and can decrease overstimulation.
• Play interactive games: Participate in activities like scavenger hunts and obstacle courses to develop motor skills, and even social interaction skills when done with others, while enjoying their educational and therapeutic benefits.

Calming sensory activities for autistic adults

Calming sensory activities can provide autistic adults with effective ways to relax, reduce sensory overload, and manage stress.

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Here are a few activities to consider:

• Enjoy a gentle massage: A focused touch is effective at times in relaxing muscles, reducing sensory overload. For this reason, massage therapy is recommended if you’re interested.
• Explore aromatherapy: Instant stress relief can come through scents like lavender and chamomile. Do you feel much calmer after using lavender shampoo, for instance? You probably do.
• Practice mindful coloring: Highly structured activities in soothing colors may help you focus and relax. If something seems off with the tones, it can have a greater effect than you may initially realize.

Setting up an adult sensory room

Creating a sensory-friendly space doesn’t have to be complicated. 

First, you should start with these key elements:

• Lighting: Soft or dimmable lights to create a relaxing atmosphere
• Seating: Beanbags, cushioned chairs, or even swings add comfort
• Textural options: Sensory bins, rugs, and pillows for tactile stimulation
• Calming sounds: Speakers or noise machines with nature sounds or soft music

Figure out what is best for you, and you can adapt the room to your personal needs and make it as comfortable as possible.

Sensory items for adults with autism

When looking for sensory items for adults with autism, you should consider the following:

• Fidget toys: They reduce stress and improve focus during everyday tasks.
• Weighted blankets or lap pads: Such seating aids are good for deep-pressure input to help with self-regulation.
• Noise-canceling headphones: These block out overstimulating sounds for better concentration.
• Sensory bins: As mentioned before, rice, sand, or other materials for tactile play are best.
• Aromatherapy tools: Such essential oils help create a non-stressful environment.

How to find the right sensory activities

Experimenting with different activities can help you discover what works best for sensory stimulation. Incorporating these activities into your daily routines, such as during breaks or quiet time, can make them more effective and natural.

It’s also important to prioritize the tools and activities that feel most calming or enjoyable to you, ensuring they meet your unique preferences.

If you need guidance, consulting with an occupational therapist can provide valuable advice tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Q: How do you help with sensory issues in an adult?

A: You can introduce weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or aromatherapy to address sensory issues in adults. Also, modify environments to reduce overstimulation.

Q: What is sensory play for adults?

A: Sensory play for adults is a method by which the senses are engaged in activities such as tactile exploration, comforting sounds, or slow and deliberate eating.

Q: What are sensory options for adults with anxiety?

A: Weighted blankets, soothing music, and aromatherapy are helpful in reducing anxiety and creating moments of relaxation.

Q: How do you manage overstimulation as an adult?

A: Finding a sensory-friendly area, having tools like headphones or fidget toys, or practicing grounding activities such as deep breathing can be useful interventions for managing overstimulation.