Sensory Considerations
Use unscented toothpaste; avoid strong mint flavors; use soft bristles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let the child explore the toothbrush.
- Model brushing on yourself.
- Use hand-over-hand support.
- Brush in small circles.
- Use a visual timer for 30-60 seconds.
Materials Needed:
Soft toothbrush, mild toothpaste, visual timer
Start with very short sessions and build up.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid tight shoes; choose Velcro for easier success
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place shoes in front of the child.
- Show left vs right with stickers.
- Demonstrate sliding foot in.
- Let them close Velcro straps.
Materials Needed:
Velcro shoes, left/right stickers
Practice when not rushing to leave the house.
Sensory Considerations
Use a padded seat; avoid loud flushes; keep lighting soft
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a predictable schedule.
- Use visual steps.
- Practice sitting fully clothed first.
- Gradually introduce real attempts.
- Celebrate small wins.
Materials Needed:
Visual schedule, padded seat, step stool
Never force; keep sessions short and positive.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid busy intersections at first; reduce noise exposure
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Teach Stop, Look, Listen.
- Practice at quiet streets.
- Hold hands or use a safety band.
- Model checking both ways.
Materials Needed:
Visual cue card, safety band
Repeat the same route to build predictability.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid overstimulating environments; use simple toys
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start with turn-taking games.
- Use a visual timer.
- Praise waiting.
- Keep sessions short.
Materials Needed:
Visual timer, simple toys
Model sharing with another adult first.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid strong smells; start with familiar textures
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let the child touch and smell the food.
- Offer tiny bites.
- Pair with a preferred food.
- Celebrate exploration, not eating.
Materials Needed:
Small plates, preferred foods, napkins
Never pressure; exposure is the goal.
Sensory Considerations
Choose soft fabrics; avoid tags; keep lighting calm
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay out clothes in order.
- Start with easy items.
- Use hand-over-hand.
- Use a mirror for feedback.
Materials Needed:
Soft clothing, mirror
Use the same routine each morning.
Sensory Considerations
Use visuals; keep noise low; avoid rushing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a visual schedule.
- Practice on weekends.
- Use timers for transitions.
- Keep steps consistent.
Materials Needed:
Visual schedule, timers
Predictability reduces anxiety.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid noisy rooms; keep conversations short
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Model turn-taking.
- Use a talking object.
- Practice with predictable topics.
- Praise attempts.
Materials Needed:
Talking object (ball, card)
Start with 1-2 exchanges only.
Sensory Considerations
Use bins with pictures; avoid overwhelming piles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Give one instruction at a time.
- Use a cleanup song.
- Sort toys by category.
- Celebrate completion.
Materials Needed:
Bins with labels, music
Keep cleanup to 5 minutes max.
Sensory Considerations
Start in a quiet, flat area; avoid loud traffic; use a parent-controlled push bar for stability
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let the child explore the bike while stationary.
- Adjust the seat so both feet touch the ground.
- Attach the push bar and walk behind them.
- Practice gliding with feet up for 1-2 seconds.
- Gradually reduce support.
- Celebrate small wins.
Materials Needed:
Bike, parent-controlled push bar, helmet, knee pads
Short sessions work best; stop before frustration builds.
Sensory Considerations
Choose soft, tag-free fabrics; ensure the fit is snug but not restrictive
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Show the underwear and let the child touch it.
- Explain that it gives the body a hug to feel calm.
- Start with short wear times (10-20 minutes).
- Increase duration as comfort grows.
- Use during transitions or school mornings.
Materials Needed:
Tight-fit underwear, compression shorts, soft fabrics
Great for proprioceptive input; avoid if the child shows discomfort.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid strong scents; keep lights dim but not dark
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Show an unlit candle first.
- Explain what a flame is using simple language.
- Light the candle far away.
- Use a visual boundary.
- Practice blowing it out from a distance.
- Move closer gradually.
Materials Needed:
Unscented candle, lighter, visual boundary tape
Start with very short exposures; never surprise the child.
Sensory Considerations
Choose videos with simple shapes; avoid fast-paced tutorials
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pick a short video from Art for Kids Hub.
- Preview the first 10-20 seconds.
- Set up paper and markers.
- Pause after each step.
- Celebrate effort.
- Display the drawing.
Materials Needed:
Paper, markers or crayons, tablet or laptop
Let the child choose the topic.
Sensory Considerations
Choose a lightweight helmet; avoid strong plastic smells
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let the child explore the helmet.
- Model wearing your own.
- Practice in front of a mirror.
- Adjust straps.
- Do short indoor sessions.
- Pair with fun activities.
Materials Needed:
Bike helmet, mirror, soft strap pads
Keep sessions short; avoid forcing.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid loud gate areas; use headphones; keep preferred apps ready
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the iPad with favorite games and videos.
- Show a simple visual schedule.
- Arrive early.
- Let the child settle before takeoff.
- Give the iPad immediately.
- Allow unlimited screen time.
- Offer snacks and breaks.
Materials Needed:
iPad, headphones, downloaded videos, snacks
Writing a social story beforehand helps set expectations.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid last-minute surprises; use visuals; keep routines familiar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a social story showing how many days the trip will be.
- Add pictures for each day's plan.
- Include the return date.
- Read the story daily before the trip.
- Choose an Airbnb for space and food flexibility.
- Review the story each morning.
Materials Needed:
Printed social story, photos, calendar, Airbnb with kitchen
Predictability reduces anxiety.
Sensory Considerations
Choose soft-seal goggles; avoid tight straps
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let the child explore the goggles.
- Model wearing your own.
- Practice in the bathroom.
- Have him count to
- Celebrate success.
- Increase duration gradually.
- Practice near water later.
Materials Needed:
Swim goggles, mirror, soft towel
Counting to 100 builds tolerance.
Sensory Considerations
Choose a quiet walking route; avoid busy streets
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Walk the whole way if possible.
- If far, park 10 minutes away.
- Have him wear his backpack for proprioceptive input.
- Keep pace steady.
- Use the walk to transition into school mode.
Materials Needed:
Backpack, comfortable shoes, light jacket
A 10-minute walk helps release energy.
Sensory Considerations
Avoid loud clippers; keep lighting soft
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create a social story explaining the haircut and number of passes.
- Practice at home first.
- Use a counter (e.g., 10 passes).
- Count each pass out loud.
- Keep sessions short.
- Give a treat afterward.
- Transition to a salon gradually.
Materials Needed:
Towel, mirror, social story, small treats
Social stories and counting reduce anxiety.