Home-Based OT Activities for Sensory Integration
Empowering Parents to Support Sensory Development at Home
Sensory integration plays a vital role in how children experience, process, and respond to the world around them. For children with sensory processing challenges, everyday experiences—like getting dressed, eating, or playing—can feel overwhelming. That's where Occupational Therapy (OT) can help. And the good news? You don't need a clinic to start.
With a few purposeful, therapist-approved activities, parents can create a sensory-friendly environment at home that supports their child's motor skills, emotional regulation, and overall development.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration refers to the way the nervous system receives and organizes sensory input from the body and the environment—like touch, movement, sound, and body awareness—so a child can respond appropriately.
When sensory input isn't processed effectively, children may be overly sensitive, under-responsive, or crave sensory stimulation in ways that impact their daily life.
Why Home-Based Activities Matter
Therapy doesn't have to stop when you leave the clinic. Home-based OT activities reinforce what's practiced in therapy sessions, encourage bonding, and help children generalize skills in everyday settings. Plus, they can be fun and engaging for the whole family!
Sensory Integration Activities You Can Do at Home
Here are some simple, safe, and effective activities parents can try at home—many using everyday household items.
Heavy Work Activities
These provide deep pressure input that helps calm the nervous system.
- Pushing/pulling laundry baskets or boxes
- Carrying groceries or weighted backpacks
- Wall push-ups or bear crawls across the room
Great for
Children who seek movement or have difficulty sitting still.
Tactile Play
Touch-based activities help desensitize or stimulate the tactile system.
- Finger painting or playing with shaving cream
- Exploring sensory bins (rice, beans, sand, or water beads)
- Kneading playdough or homemade slime
Encourages
Fine motor skills and body awareness through touch.
Vestibular Input
This involves movement that affects balance and spatial orientation.
- Swinging on a playground or indoor swing
- Rolling on a yoga ball or across a soft carpet
- Dancing, spinning, or jumping on a trampoline
Helpful for
Children who struggle with coordination or seem clumsy.
Proprioceptive Games
Activities that engage muscles and joints help improve body awareness.
- Animal walks (crab walk, frog jump, bear crawl)
- Crawling through tunnels or under tables
- Jumping into a pile of pillows
Supports
Motor planning and core strength.
Oral Motor Activities
These can help regulate children who chew, bite, or drool excessively.
- Chewing crunchy snacks (carrots, apples)
- Blowing bubbles, whistles, or straws
- Sipping thick liquids through a straw (smoothies, yogurt drinks)
Improves
Oral awareness and self-regulation.
Calming Sensory Strategies
These are great for children who get overwhelmed or overstimulated.
- Creating a quiet corner or sensory tent
- Deep pressure hugs or using a weighted blanket
- Guided breathing or simple yoga poses
Ideal for
Winding down or transitioning between activities.
