Tactile stimming behaviors in kids often involve activities that provide soothing or stimulating touch sensations. These behaviors are common in children with sensory processing differences, autism, or ADHD but can also be part of typical development as kids explore their sensory world.
Common Tactile Stimming Behaviors in Kids
1. Rubbing or touching textures: Feeling soft, rough, or bumpy surfaces like blankets or walls.
2. Finger rubbing or tapping: Creating sensations by rubbing fingers or tapping on objects.
3. Chewing or mouthing objects: Using chewable toys or everyday items for sensory feedback.
4. Squeezing or squishing: Pressing soft toys, squishy balls, or play dough.
5. Repetitive stroking: Running fingers through hair, petting animals, or brushing skin.
6. Skin picking or scratching: Engaging with skin textures, though this may require redirection.
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Tactile Stimming Activities for Kids
Play-Based Activities
Sensory bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, sand, or water beads for tactile exploration.
Play dough or clay: Squish, roll, and mold dough for calming sensory input.
Kinetic sand: Provides a unique texture that's both soft and moldable.
Bubble wrap popping: Offers satisfying tactile and auditory feedback.
Arts and Crafts
Finger painting: Explore different textures and colors.
Glue or glitter crafts: Playing with sticky or shiny materials.
Textured art: Use materials like foam, cotton balls, or fabric scraps for collages.
Shaving cream play: Spread and draw in shaving cream for a slippery texture.
Interactive Tools
Fidget toys: Squishy balls, pop-it toys, or textured sensory cubes.
Chewy necklaces: Safe, textured chewable items for oral stimming.
Tactile puzzles: Puzzles with different textures, such as wood or fabric.
DIY Activities
Homemade slime: Create slime for stretchy, squishy fun.
Stress balls: Fill balloons with flour, rice, or beads.
Texture boards: Attach materials like sandpaper, faux fur, and sponges to a board.
Sock rice bags: Heat a sock filled with rice for a warm sensory tool.
Everyday Exploration
Water play: Splashing, pouring, or feeling different temperatures.
Fabric play: Exploring soft, rough, or silky cloth.
Petting animals: Brushing or petting a pet can be a comforting tactile experience.
Outdoor play: Touching mud, leaves
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