Monday, March 07, 2016

Sensory Hacks for Small Spaces

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I'm all about DIY sensory hacks for kids. In fact, I may be a wee bit obsessed with finding and making new ideas.

However, I realize that some of my sensory hacks aren't always catered to those who live in small spaces such as an apartment. No worries, I've come up with a wonderful list of quick and easy sensory hacks that are just perfect for those of you living in small spaces. Some are really inexpensive and just use materials you have around the home too, which is an awesome way to do occupational therapy at home on a budget.

These ideas are perfect for providing vestibular and proprioceptive sensory input to kids with autism and/or sensory processing disorder, but really these ideas would be great for any child. I've also included some tactile and visual sensory ideas that are perfect for small spaces.

Sensory hacks for small spaces - great idea for kids with autism and/or sensory processing disorder from And Next Comes L

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Sensory Hacks for Small Spaces

1. Ball pits are great for proprioceptive sensory input, but you don't need a fancy ball pit. Simply add some ball pit balls to a bathtub, laundry basket, or playpen.

2. Think you don't have space for a swing? Try this swing kit that hooks up in a door frame, making it a great alternative for those living in small spaces.

Indoor swing set for doorways


3. Crash mats are expensive to buy and even harder to store because they are so bulky. So when your kids are craving some proprioceptive sensory input, you can put together this DIY no sew crash mat in a matter of minutes using items around your house. Simply disassemble when done. No need to store a big fancy crash mat!

4. Pool noodles don't take up a lot of space, but you can use just one pool noodle to make:

5. Use an underbed storage bin as a sensory tub. When done, store all your sensory tools and materials inside the bin. Then slip it back under a bed for storage.

6. You can also turn that underbed storage bin into a DIY light table for some easy visual sensory input. Here's a tutorial for a DIY light box from The Imagination Tree.

7. Our homemade stretchy resistance bands (pictured) take up so little space, but they're great as a chair fidget or for using as a body sock. They're really easy to sew too!

8. Or as an alternative to an actual bin for sensory play, try setting up sensory sinks instead! Here are a few awesome sensory sink ideas to try:

9. Don't have space to set up a permanent calm down quiet area or sensory retreat? I love this easy cozy pillow cave sensory retreat from Suzy Homeschooler. Just use items from around your house to set it up and then put the materials away when done.

10. As an alternative to a weighted blanket, which can take up quite a bit of room (they are also expensive!), try these ideas for proprioceptive sensory input: