Sensory Sensitivities and Messy Play: Tips for Children’s Development

As a pediatric occupational therapist and firm advocate for the importance of play in children’s development, I had the opportunity to dive into an enlightening conversation with Heather Greutman, a certified occupational therapy assistant and child development expert. Together, we explored the pivotal role of messy play in addressing sensory sensitivities and supporting children’s development.

Understanding Sensory Sensitivities

Heather emphasized the need to understand the underlying causes of a child’s reluctance to engage in certain activities, particularly those related to sensory sensitivities. Importantly, she highlighted the significance of proprioceptive input in helping regulate children with tactile defensiveness, stating, “We want to provide enough proprioception to help the child feel regulated so their sensory system can tolerate the touch.”

Incorporating Proprioceptive Input

Heather shed light on the significance of incorporating proprioceptive activities as a means to prepare children for messy play. “Proprioceptive activities are vital for getting the sensory systems organized and ready for play,” she remarked. Heather suggested incorporating movement activities using trampolines and scooter boards to facilitate different positions for children, particularly when space is limited.

Fostering Sensory Play

We delved into the multifaceted benefits of messy play, which extends beyond tactile experiences. Heather emphasized the significance of engaging children in sensory play to help them meet specific goals and objectives. Addressing the importance of inclusive and controlled spaces for sensory play activities, she stated, “We need consistent parameters to keep children safe and address sensory issues such as ingesting materials.”

Applying Messy Play for Development

Heather accentuated the vital role of messy play in fostering children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. She highlighted how messy play supports language development by providing opportunities for children to learn new words and associate them with sensory experiences. “Messy play can be a powerful tool for children to work through their experiences, including trauma, while fostering creativity and open-ended play,” Heather expressed.

Navigating Sensory Thresholds

The discussion also underscored the importance of empathizing with children’s sensory thresholds and providing structured spaces for messy play activities. Heather emphasized the significance of setting boundaries and rules for messy play to ensure a safe and supportive environment. She noted, “We want to set limits and manage the mess, such as using towels and recognizing when children are getting too rambunctious.”

Supporting Children with Sensory Sensitivities

We explored the vital considerations when implementing messy play in educational settings. Heather provided valuable insights into the use of taste-safe, food-based alternatives for sensory play, emphasizing adaptability if specific options are restricted. Heather advocated involving children in cooking activities at home and using shaving cream for prewriting and other creative endeavors, while acknowledging potential limitations in school settings.

Listening to Heather’s expertise shed light on the transformative power of incorporating messy play to address sensory sensitivities and support children’s development. Her emphasis on providing structures, support, and adaptability in messy play activities is truly foundational for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for children with sensory sensitivities.