Sensory Bin Ideas for Autism (2024)

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Anyone with kids knows the moment of peace when your child finally settles into focused, engaged play. Those moments can be incredibly precious if you have a child with special needs. I find sensory bins to be one of my secret weapons when it comes to play. Sensory bins are filled with different textures and materials to stimulate the senses, helping with sensory integration. Sensory bin ideas can also be themed around seasons, colors, or other concepts. Sensory bins can help children learn, sort, and process information while playing. They can also increase creativity, expand vocabulary, and help children retain their learning.

Sensory Bin Ideas

Let’s get to the fun stuff – the exciting sensory bin ideas! Remember, you can get even more creative and tailor these to your child’s unique interests.

Animal Sensory Bin

Kids who love animals will adore exploring an animal sensory bin. Here’s how to make one:

• Base:Dried beans, rice, or oats
• Additions:Small plastic animals, toy shovels and cups, magnifying glass (optional)

This bin is significant for imaginative play! You can talk about animal sounds, where they live, and what they eat. It also sparks children’s creativity and curiosity.

Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids

Farm Sensory Bin

Combine learning and play with a farm-themed sensory bin. It’s even edible, making it safe for little ones!

• Base:Cheerios, Kix, or any other similar cereal
• Additions:Plastic farm animals, small toy tractors, and fences

Please talk about the different animals on the farm and their jobs. Read a story about a farm as your child plays for extra fun.

Apple Pie Sensory Bin

This bin smells terrific and provides all the sensory fun of making apple pie – without the mess!

• Base:Oats mixed with cinnamon
• Additions:Apple slices, pie plates, toy rolling pins

As your child plays, discuss the steps of baking a pie and the textures of the different ingredients.

Iceberg Sensory Bin

An iceberg bin is excellent for a hot day and offers various tactile experiences.

• Base:Water with a touch of blue food coloring
• Additions:Frozen water in various shapes (iceberg!), plastic arctic animals, small boats

This taste-safe small-world play scene can help with fine motor skills, tactile exploration, and imaginative play.

Spring Sensory Bin

Welcome the freshness of spring with a beautifully colorful and fragrant sensory bin.

• Base:Water beads, dried beans, or cooked and dyed spaghetti
• Additions:Artificial flowers, plastic bugs, small watering cans, gardening tools

This bin can help children develop fine motor skills by scooping, releasing, and pouring. It’s also a lovely opportunity to talk about the changing seasons.

Read more: Emotional Support Animal for Autism

Fall Sensory Bin

Embrace the cozy autumn vibes with a sensory bin celebrating fall’s colors and textures.

• Base:Dried leaves, acorns, pinecones, dried corn kernels
• Additions:Mini pumpkins, gourds, toy squirrels, fall-themed cookie cutters

Let your child explore the different textures and sensations while you chat about the signs of fall.

Winter Sensory Bin

Bring the magic of winter indoors with a sensory bin that’s cool to the touch.

• Base:Cornflour (provides a powdery snow-like texture)
• Additions:Cotton balls, fake snow, small mirrors, blue gems

Discuss cold weather and winter clothes, and even create a little winter wonderland with buildings and characters!

Easter Sensory Bin

An Easter sensory bin is a fun way to celebrate the arrival of spring and introduce holiday-related concepts.

• Base:Dyed rice or Easter grass
• Additions:Pastel-colored plastic eggs, small bunny toys, baskets

Read More: What is a Sensory Gym?Help your child sort eggs by color, practice counting, or enjoy the festive textures – it's a way to get kids moving while incorporating springtime fun.

Benefits of Sensory Bins

Sensory bins aren’t just a lot of fun; they offer a wide range of benefits for children, particularly those with sensory processing differences:

• Sensory Development:Sensory bins help children explore different textures, sounds, and smells, aiding their sensory development.
• Cognitive Skills:Sorting, counting, and imaginative play in sensory bins contribute to cognitive development.
• Calming and Relaxing:Sensory bins can provide a calming and grounding experience for some children.
• Language Development:Sensory bins create fantastic opportunities for rich conversations, expanding vocabulary and language skills.

Sensory bins are fantastic tools to add to your parenting or teaching arsenal. The best part? They’re adaptable to endless themes and concepts, keeping them exciting and fresh. Let your imagination soar, follow your child’s lead, and watch them learn and grow through play!

Credible Sources

• The OT Toolbox:Offers sensory play ideas and explains the benefits of sensory activities for children.https://www.theottoolbox.com/
• Days with Grey:A blog specializing in sensory play, providing creative sensory bin recipes.https://dayswithgrey.com/
• Understood.org:Provides information and resources for parents of children with learning and thinking differences.https://www.understood.org/en

FAQs About Sensory Bin Ideas for Autism

What is a sensory bin?A sensory bin is a container filled with materials that are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage play, exploration, and learning.What are some good materials to use in a sensory bin for kids with autism?Some good materials to use in a sensory bin for kids with autism include rice, beans, sand, water beads, and play dough. These materials can provide a range of textures and sensory experiences that can help calm and engage children with autism.How can sensory bins help children with autism?Sensory bins can help children with autism by providing a safe and controlled environment for them to explore and experiment with different textures, colors, and materials. Sensory play can also help reduce stress, anxiety, and overstimulation in children with autism.How do you create a sensory bin for a child with autism?To create a sensory bin for a child with autism, you should start by selecting materials that are safe, non-toxic, and appropriate for the child's age and developmental level. You can then fill a container with the materials and add in tools and toys that encourage exploration and play.Are sensory bins safe for children with autism?Yes, sensory bins are generally safe for children with autism when appropriate materials and adult supervision are provided. It is important to monitor children with autism during sensory play to ensure their safety and well-being.

This post was originally published on 12/7/2022. It was updated on 02/23/2024.