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Sensory box

Time: 15 min Checked: 10 August 2026 Autism

Goal

Give the child a safe way to get sensory input and play calmly on their own.

What you need

A deep bowl or box · Rice, beans or sand · Small safe objects: lids, spoons, large figures

Important:Play together and make sure small objects don't end up in the mouth. If your child mouths everything, use only large objects.

How to do it

  1. Fill the box with rice or beans, a 5–10 cm layer.
  2. Hide several objects inside.
  3. Show how to search: 'Let's find what's hiding!'
  4. Let the child pour, dig and search at their own pace.
  5. Add a spoon and a cup for pouring.
How to know it worked:The child plays calmly for 5–10 minutes and finds the hidden objects.

Source: Safe sensory play and sensory integration principles; National Autistic Society guidance