Sensory Boxes can be kept in a shoe-box, a plastic container with lid, a tackle box, a lunch box, and so on. You can mark each type of box with the child’s name, type of box, place a photo of the child on or in the box if you so choose, or let the child decorate their sensory box.
If your child withdraws or becomes overwhelmed with any of the activities or media presented, move on to something else! Your child may only tolerate one or a few of the ideas suggested – remember it’s trial and error and giving your child some control over what they will work with will help in preventing sensory overload.
Items that can be included in a tactile sensory integration box include:
o Soft squeeze and squish toys
o Fabric strips or squares (velvet, fuzzy, fake fur, leather, boas, silk, satin, embossed or textured fabrics, sheepskin, moleskin, washcloth)
o Bubble wrap (using different squares of big to little bubbles)
o Loofah sponges cut into different sizes and shapes
o Sensory brushes, soft dish scrubbies
o Lycra body sock or bag (used with supervision)
o Tubs of sand, rice, lentils (this would be a separate activity typically in its own container and used with supervision) for hand-play to find hidden objects
o Tub containing theraputty, playdough, “gak” or “slime”
o “Messy Tub” with shaving cream, finger paints, lotion, glitter glue, paint brushes, wax paper, paper towels, hand wipes
o Basin for water play (using warm, tepid water)
o Vibrating toys or vibrating toothbrush, vibrating hand massager
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Disclaimer Note: Before beginning any new program, activity, exercise, or make changes, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor, and service providers for individualized guidance, direction, and supervision. These ideas and suggestions presented on TheraPlay4Kids are meant to help support and promote, however, since each child, diagnosis, medical status, and situation is different, one should seek help and approval from your child’s providers in order to achieve the best outcomes and ultimate safety for all involved. Please make use of this site and all the information presented at your own discretion for the safety and well-being of all involved.
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