According to American professor of psychology at the University of California, Alison Gopnik, children are like little scientists.
They employ their imaginations to generate theories, which they subsequently evaluate using their sense perception. It is the main method they learn about the world.
For this reason, sensory play is critical, especially for children with autism. Playgrounds that stimulate sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch have the ability to improve their quality of life. Furthermore, depending on where they are on the autism spectrum, ASD youngsters may be unable to learn using traditional methods. Many autistic children are naturally kinaesthetic learners who must interact with their surroundings in order to fully comprehend them.
How does sensory play help children with autism?
Sensory play helps children with autism control their sensory processing, focus, explore, and communicate more effectively. It gives children a safe and pleasurable method to interact with their surroundings, improve social skills, and control sensory sensitivities.
The Advantages of Sensory Play for Children with Autism
Children with ASD can greatly benefit from playground-based activities.
Improved Social Skills
According to research published in the Sage Journal, sensory play can help autistic youngsters improve their social skills. Researchers discovered that interventions as short as 10 weeks can have long-term effects on speech, body language, and interpersonal communication abilities.
Researchers believe that sensory play enhances information processing in the brain. They claim that autistic children can apply what they learn on the playground to other aspects of their lives, such as school and extracurricular social situations.
Improved Motor Skills Development
According to Spectrum News, over 87% of children with ASD have motor impairments.
Many people struggle with behaviours like skipping, hopping, and jumping, while others have difficulty catching a ball or replicating throwing techniques.
Playground sensory play can help in two ways:
Helping to address posture difficulties and enhance low muscle tone.
Fostering enjoyment of physical play and encouraging ASD children to participate voluntarily in the future.
Sensory play enhances both fine and gross motor skills. Fine motor skills include picking up balls and holding hands with other children. Sitting, jumping, walking, and climbing, all of which are encouraged on playgrounds, require gross motor abilities.
Better Relaxation.
Autistic children have an increased risk of emotional dysregulation. They are more prone to fear and rage-related episodes. According to PMC findings, 71 to 80 percent of ASD children in community samples have at least one concurrent psychiatric diagnosis, with 40 percent having two or more. Accessible playgrounds can help ASD children relax. These facilities, with their soothing colour schemes and particularly tailored accessible play options, are more suited to mood control than traditional play areas.
Cognitive stimulation
ASD is largely a cognitive condition, yet its repercussions can manifest in the physical body.
According to the National Centre For Biotechnology, data suggests that neurotransmitter imbalance in the frontal brain may be responsible for some of its clinical characteristics.
Playgrounds that are properly calibrated may aid in this regard. Designs can directly stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for cognitive thinking, hence activating reasoning pathways.
Long-term play may allow ASD youngsters to gain enough faculties to independently manage their behaviour, eliminating the requirement for carer intervention.
Autism and Sensory Experiences.
Sensory activities are important for children with autism because they help them regulate their responses to sensory information. These activities help to develop various sections of the brain and prevent sensory overload. Parents can offer their young children with a safe and engaging environment by developing a sensory play room in their house. These activities, which use ordinary materials from the kitchen, playroom, and backyard, are suitable for children of all ages and provide numerous developmental benefits.
Sensory encounters are important for children with autism because they help them enhance their motor skills and sensory processing. Outdoor sensory play activities can provide young children with a unique and fascinating experience. Nature walks allow them to explore diverse textures, sights, and noises in their surroundings, which can be especially beneficial. Allowing your child to touch leaves, flowers, rocks, and trees can stimulate their senses and encourage discovery. These activities not only engage and amuse children with autism, but also help them develop their sensory skills.
Sensory play exercises can help children with autism enhance their verbal skills. Children can practise communication skills by discussing their behaviours, acting out scenarios, and expressing feelings through sound. Even nonverbal interactions help toddlers enhance their linguistic skills. Children with autism can improve their communication abilities and overall social skills by including sensory play into their daily routine, highlighting the multiple benefits of sensory activities.