Special Needs Parenting

Finding Faith And Friendship On The Special Needs Journey

How A Sensory Table Can Benefit Your Child

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SensoryTableChildren with special needs, just like all children, are wired to receive and utilize sensory input from day one.  This is why many children will dive in hands first, exploring a favorite substance.  The senses are their most familiar, most basic way to explore, process, and come to understand new information.

The sensory table was literally the first item that our occupational therapist suggested for sensory play for my boys on the autism spectrum.  As a parent, I learned that the more I attended to their sensory play the more appropriately engaged they became and the more they began to learn.

Sensory play tables provide an opportunity for every child with special needs to succeed!

I worked as an Autism and Inclusion Specialist for a large St. Louis school district for nine years.  And during that time I observed that no matter whether a child was gifted or delayed, learning a new language or mastering his first, you can’t really fail with a sensory table bin full of beans, dried rice, water, or other substance!

With added sensory experiences, combined with the support of adults and peers, children can become more perceptive.  Their sensory intake and processing becomes more acute.  And as their senses are engaged, they are building stronger neurological pathways in their brains.

The 3 benefits of a sensory table for your child:

  1. Sensory play and language–I was amazed at how much my son, Joshua, began to attempt to talk while playing at his sensory table!Giving your child the chance to play with different types of textures,tastes and objects helps them to build new ways of talking about their world.  Suddenly the tree is more than a tree, it’s a sapling with smooth bark or it’s a pine tree with rough bark and a sharp-pine scent. Water isn’t just wet, it can be rough (waves) or warm or cold.
  2. Sensory play and fine motor skills–by exploring preferred items in the sand and/or water, my son Jacob began using pinching, pouring and grasping movements!  Fine motor skills are those that require the ability to use and coordinate small muscle groups. Fine motor skills are important for writing, shoe-tying, buttoning and zipping, among other things. Sensory play often involves using and building fine motor skills.
  3. Sensory play can be calming–sensory play always seemed to have a way of calming Joshua when he became anxious or frustrated child.  The simple act of pouring water or running fingers through rice is often cathartic and calming to many children who may be struggling emotionally.  It can soothe the nervous child, distract the homesick child, and serve as an outlet for the angry child.

My boys benefitted from having a sensory table, I’d encourage you to take a look below at the Step2 Adjustable Sand and Water Sensory Table link:

The Step2 Sensory Table has 2 separate sides for water and sand, and an umbrella to protect against the sun if you place it outdoors. The really cool things is that it’s adjustable legs can raise the table 4″ to accommodate growing children.  This means your child can use it years!  A plastic lid features elastic tie-downs to securely attach it to the table, keeping the sand clean and dry.

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michael

Director Special Friends Ministry at First Baptist Orlando
Christ-follower, husband, dad, choco-holic, and peanut-butter lover! Mike is passionate about faith and special needs. He's happily married to his lovely wife Linda and is the father of three wonderful boys, all three of whom are on the autism spectrum (yes, all three!).
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