Art involves the senses, and with a little purposeful planning, it can be a fun and valuable tool for helping those with sensory integration difficulties.
Here are a few tips:
Create an atmosphere. Consider using blue light bulbs or other pastel bulbs for a calming, pleasant cast over the room. Use low wattage bulbs and consider light cubes and rope lights as well. Think about the aroma, lavender scent is also known to have a soothing effect. Soft sounds, such as music may also be desirable.
Tactile experiences can be incorporated into many art projects such as the use of sand, clay, finger paints, glue, and creative impermanent medium such as shaving cream, beans, pasta and other food items.
While some students seek out tactile sensory experiences, others are tactile defensive and will need adaptations help easing into the project. Put clay in a Ziploc bag, so messy hands aren't an obstacle in the tactile experience.
Also, children with sensory integration difficulties often have trouble with fine motor skills, and many art projects aide in the development of this. Again, consider modifications for those who become frustrated.
Art projects that are noisy or media that have various smells expand the sensory experience.
Helpful Links:
http://arttherapyreflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/art-therapy-and-sensory-processing.html
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-room.html
Here are a few tips:
Create an atmosphere. Consider using blue light bulbs or other pastel bulbs for a calming, pleasant cast over the room. Use low wattage bulbs and consider light cubes and rope lights as well. Think about the aroma, lavender scent is also known to have a soothing effect. Soft sounds, such as music may also be desirable.
Tactile experiences can be incorporated into many art projects such as the use of sand, clay, finger paints, glue, and creative impermanent medium such as shaving cream, beans, pasta and other food items.
While some students seek out tactile sensory experiences, others are tactile defensive and will need adaptations help easing into the project. Put clay in a Ziploc bag, so messy hands aren't an obstacle in the tactile experience.
Also, children with sensory integration difficulties often have trouble with fine motor skills, and many art projects aide in the development of this. Again, consider modifications for those who become frustrated.
Art projects that are noisy or media that have various smells expand the sensory experience.
Helpful Links:
http://arttherapyreflections.blogspot.com/2012/12/art-therapy-and-sensory-processing.html
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-room.html
