It's no secret that I like to make my own sensory tools for my kids, from sensory swings, a sensory tunnel, stretchy bands, and a light table. My oldest J is a sensory seeker who seeks for vestibular and proprioceptive input. So here are 25 insanely awesome sensory hacks for kids with autism and/or sensory processing disorder. Each hack focuses on providing vestibular and proprioceptive input. Plus, they're a fraction of the store-bought alternatives. From sensory swings to balance beams to scooter boards to a gorgeous rainbow rocker, these genius hacks are sure to delight your kids!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
Sensory Toys for Vestibular Input: Swings, Balance Boards, & Rockers!
Sensory Swings You Could Buy- IKEA Hanging Seat Swing
- Soft Taco Swing
- Monster Web Swing
- Indoor Platform Swing
- Hanging Seat Swing
- Crows Nest Hanging Hammock Swing
- Fabric Cuddle Swing
- Skateboard Swing
- Bolster Swing
Sensory Swings You Could Make Instead
- Homemade Taco Sensory Swing
- DIY Hammock Chair Swing from A Beautiful Mess
- DIY Woven Wrap Swing from Joyful Abode
- Homemade Bolster Swing from Sensory Processing
- DIY Bungee Swing from Holly's Arts & Crafts Corner
- DIY Woven Wrap Swing
- Easy DIY Platform Swing or DIY Platform Sensory Swing from Play at Home Mom LLC
- Homemade Cuddle Swing from A Sensory Life
- DIY 20 Minute Skateboard Swing from Little Bit Funky
Balance Toys You Could Buy
Balance Toys You Could Make Instead
- DIY Skateboard Balance Board from Hello, Wonderful
- DIY Balance Beam from My Little Me
- DIY Balance Bench from Adventure in a Box
- DIY Rainbow Rocker from Ramblings from the Burbs
Sensory Toys for Proprioceptive Input: Weighted Blankets, Crash Pads, & Sensory Tunnels!
Proprioceptive Toys You Could BuyProprioceptive Toys You Could Make Instead
- Homemade Sensory Tunnel
- Homemade Stretchy Resistance Bands
- Homemade Shape Stretchies with Free Printable Shape Cards from This Mama Makes Stuff
- DIY No Sew Crash Mat or Homemade Crash Pad from Kids Activities Blog
- Homemade Ball Pit from The Metzgars' Blog
- Ball Pit Pool from Thrive 360 Living
- PVC Ball Pit from Cup of Autism
- Homemade Scooter Board from Permanent Kisses
- DIY Scootboard from A Few Short Cuts
Weighted Sensory Tools You Could Buy
Weighted Sensory Tools You Could Make Instead
- Homemade Sensory Blanket from Mama Smiles
- DIY Weighted Lap Band from Kids Activities Blog
- Homemade Weighted Lap Cushion from The Brighter Side of Special Needs
Other Things You'll Love
Weekly Autism Planner {Free Printable}Sensory Hacks for Small Spaces
DIY O.T. at Home Activity Jar
40 DIY Activity Table Hacks for Kids
Thank you so much for including my project!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! :)
DeleteGreat list! I'm sure it will be very useful for many parents! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anik! I hope parents will find it useful.
DeleteI am so excited to start making some of these things for my daughter. Thank you so much for putting together this list.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Joanna! What are you going to make first? I totally want to make the rainbow rocker!
DeleteSo many great ideas! I MUST run to the fabric store! Excellent work.
ReplyDeleteYou should! I know you love to sew!
DeleteWonderful projects. & great instructions on the link- I really appreciate it & can't wait to get making! Thank you
ReplyDeleteThese projects should keep you busy for quite some time! :)
DeleteOh wow - what an amazing collection. I've wanted one of those rainbow rockers for awhile now, but I'm a bit intimidated to attempt a DIY (and we already have a Waldorf rocking board... but still -- rainbow!)
ReplyDeleteHahaha! You should try making it anyway. :)
DeleteThis is very helpful!! Pinned this fabulous resource!
ReplyDeleteThank you for pinning!
DeleteI made a no-sew crash mat out of body pillows and multiple sleeping bags. Just wanted to share for other's like myself that may not have a duvet cover around. This one ended up being about a foot thick and slightly thinner than a twin sized bed. My little one is 3 so this is a perfect size for him right now and can handle his roughness. As he gets older (bigger!) I will probably have to make a larger one like you have with your duvet cover!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea! I think you can even unzip certain sleeping bags and attach them together to make a double sized one. Might be something to look into!
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