For children with sensory processing challenges, assistive tools can make a world of difference in regulating emotions, improving focus, and reducing anxiety. While many sensory products are available for purchase, DIY solutions offer a budget-friendly, customizable approach to meet a child’s specific needs.
Creating sensory-friendly tools at home fosters hands-on learning, creativity, and an opportunity for caregivers, educators, and therapists to tailor interventions for neurodivergent children. Whether for early intervention, special education, or home use, these easy-to-make sensory tools provide valuable support.
1. Visual Calm-Down Corner
A calm-down corner is a designated space that helps children self-regulate emotions when overwhelmed.
Materials Needed:
- Soft pillows and blankets
- A small tent or cozy seating
- Calming visuals (e.g., nature posters, soft lighting, or LED strips)
- Sensory tools (fidget toys, weighted lap pads)
How to Make:
- Choose a quiet corner in the room.
- Add soft seating like bean bags or floor cushions.
- Use dimmable lights, fairy lights, or a lava lamp for a soothing atmosphere.
- Incorporate calming posters or nature scenes to provide a relaxing visual cue.
Purpose:
This space allows children to retreat when feeling overstimulated. The visual and tactile elements support emotional regulation, making it ideal for those in early education or Philadelphia early intervention programs.
2. DIY Stress Balls
Stress balls are simple yet effective tools that provide deep pressure input and help reduce anxiety.
Materials Needed:
- Balloons (latex or non-latex options)
- Flour, rice, or playdough
- A funnel
How to Make:
- Stretch the balloon and insert a funnel into the opening.
- Fill with flour (soft texture), rice (firmer texture), or playdough (moldable texture).
- Tie the balloon securely.
Purpose:
Stress balls offer a safe, tactile sensory experience that supports emotional regulation. They help children in special education programs improve focus and reduce fidgeting.
3. Sensory Bins for Tactile Play
Sensory bins allow children to explore different textures while engaging in imaginative play.
Materials Needed:
- Plastic bin
- Base material (e.g., rice, beans, sand, or water beads)
- Small toys, scoops, or measuring cups
How to Make:
- Fill a plastic bin with a base material (e.g., dry rice for a crunchy feel or water beads for a squishy sensation).
- Add small toys, cups, or tongs for scooping and sorting.
Purpose:
Sensory bins encourage hands-on exploration and assistive technology for early intervention by helping children improve fine motor skills and sensory processing.
4. Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads provide deep pressure input that can help children stay calm and focused.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (soft cotton or fleece)
- Poly pellets, rice, or dried beans
- Needle and thread (or fabric glue for a no-sew option)
How to Make:
- Sew two pieces of fabric together, leaving one side open.
- Fill with poly pellets or rice to add weight.
- Stitch or glue the final side closed.
Purpose:
Great for use in education and early childhood development, these lap pads help children sit still during learning activities by providing comforting weight.
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones or DIY Sound Buffers
For children sensitive to sound, DIY sound buffers can help reduce noise-related anxiety.
Materials Needed:
- Over-ear headphones (or earmuffs)
- Soft foam or padding
How to Make:
- Line the inside of over-ear headphones with soft foam to enhance noise reduction.
- Decorate with fun stickers or fabric covers.
Purpose:
These headphones or earmuffs help children in early childhood education institutes by minimizing auditory distractions and preventing sensory overload.
6. Fidget Sensory Bottles
Fidget bottles offer a calming visual experience while promoting focus and relaxation.
Materials Needed:
- Clear plastic bottle
- Warm water
- Glitter, beads, or small objects
- Clear glue or baby oil
How to Make:
- Fill the bottle halfway with warm water.
- Add glitter, small beads, or sequins.
- Pour in clear glue or baby oil to slow movement.
- Seal the cap tightly (glue it shut for safety).
Purpose:
Watching the slow movement of floating glitter helps children self-regulate emotions. This tool is widely used in childhood courses to improve focus and mindfulness.
7. Texture Walks for Sensory Exploration
Texture walks introduce a variety of sensory inputs through different materials underfoot.
Materials Needed:
- Different textured materials (e.g., soft rugs, bumpy tiles, grass, bubble wrap)
- Tape or glue to secure surfaces
How to Make:
- Arrange different textured materials on a floor mat or hallway.
- Secure them in place with tape or glue.
- Allow children to walk barefoot or with socks to explore textures.
Purpose:
Ideal for early intervention programs, this activity strengthens sensory processing skills and promotes body awareness.
Final Thoughts
DIY sensory tools provide affordable and personalized solutions for children with sensory needs. Whether it’s a visual calm-down corner, stress balls, or assistive technology for early intervention, these tools offer crucial support for emotional regulation, focus, and sensory processing.
For children in special education, early childhood learning courses, or Philadelphia Early Intervention Programs, incorporating sensory tools into daily routines fosters a more inclusive, engaging environment.
By making these DIY solutions at home, caregivers and educators can create meaningful, sensory-rich experiences that empower neurodivergent children to thrive.
About Dr. Essence Allen-Presley
Dr. Essence Allen-Presley is a leading advocate for early education and special education, committed to providing innovative sensory strategies for neurodivergent children. As the founder of EIEI, she champions the integration of assistive technology and sensory-based learning in education and early childhood development. Through her expertise, Dr. Allen-Presley supports children in early intervention by developing tools that promote emotional regulation, independence, and skill-building. Her dedication to advancing early childhood learning courses ensures that educators and families have access to evidence-based, inclusive approaches for fostering success in neurodivergent learners.