What Makes an Activity Sensory-Friendly?

A sensory-friendly activity is more than a quiet room or a pair of headphones. It is an experience designed from the beginning to recognize that children communicate, regulate, move, learn, and participate in different ways.

At Bronx Special Kids, flexibility is part of the activity—not something added only after a child struggles.

Our sensory gardening curriculum uses supports such as visual schedules, AAC communication boards, First/Then visuals, visual timers, adapted tools, gloves, sensory breaks, and calming spaces. Children can also participate in different ways: speaking, pointing, using AAC, drawing, matching pictures, observing, moving, or taking a break.

A child who does not want to touch soil can use a shovel or gloves. A child who does not want to join a group activity immediately can watch first. A child who communicates with AAC should not have to speak verbally to show that they understand or want to participate.

Sensory-friendly programming also means recognizing that participation does not need to look the same for everyone.

One child may complete every activity. Another may spend most of the session examining one plant, painting a pot, or sitting in a calm area before rejoining the group.

Both children participated.

Our goal is not to make children fit into an activity. Our goal is to design activities with enough flexibility for children to find their own way in.

Source note: Adapted from the Bronx Special Kids Sensory Gardening Curriculum Packet.