Water Tables for Kids with Autism

Autism

Discover how a water table for kids with autism can unlock sensory development and social skills.

Steven Zauderer

June 27, 2024

7 min read

min read

Sensory Tables for Autism

Sensory tables are an essential tool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering numerous benefits such as improving social interactions, behaviors, and cognitive development. In this section, we'll explore the importance of sensory tables and the specific advantages they provide for children with autism.

Importance of Sensory Tables

Sensory tables provide a rich environment for children to explore and engage with different materials and objects. They are designed to stimulate the senses - tactile, vestibular, visual, proprioceptive, among others - and assist in developing these neural pathways. The varied sensory input these tables offer plays a crucial role in cognitive, social, and creative development. (eSpecial Needs)

One common and effective type of sensory table is the water table. A water table for kids with autism can generate interest in play and improve relationships with siblings. For example, a water table featuring a crank for filling cups or an obstacle course can engage children in play and foster parallel play between siblings.

Benefits for Children with Autism

There is increasing evidence to suggest that Aquatic Therapy (AT), which can be facilitated through water sensory tables, is effective in improving the social interactions and behaviors of children with ASD. A study found significant improvement in physical competence and important improvements in school functioning and aquatic skills among children with ASD who underwent an AT program. The findings also described improvements in patterns of behavior and activity changes, as well as social communication and interaction.

Another study evaluated the effects of an AT program on social competence and quality of life in children with ASD. The intervention showed significant improvement in physical competence and important improvements in school functioning and aquatic skills, with no adverse events. The qualitative findings described the meaning of AT intervention, patterns of behavior and activity changes, and social communication and interaction.

In conclusion, sensory tables, and in particular water tables for kids with autism, offer a range of benefits. These include improvements in social interactions, behaviors, and physical competence, making them a valuable tool for children with ASD.

Water Table for Sensory Play

A water table for sensory play can be a great tool for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This type of sensory table can help kids develop tactile, vestibular, visual, proprioceptive, and other neural pathways, assisting with cognitive, social, and creative development.

Water Sensory Play - Edx Education — **Source**: edxeducation.com

Enhancing Sensory Development

The water table for kids with autism can stimulate various senses. For instance, the feeling of water can enhance tactile experiences. Visual stimulation can be promoted through seeing the water flow or observing objects floating. Proprioception can be developed by manipulating water toys or pouring water.

Additionally, a water table with a crank for filling cups and an obstacle course can engage children in play and foster parallel play between siblings. These interactive features not only stimulate their senses but also help them improve their motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Promoting Social Interaction

Aquatic therapy (AT) has been shown to be effective in improving the social interactions and behaviors of children with ASD. A study found significant improvement in physical competence and important improvements in school functioning and aquatic skills among children with ASD who underwent an AT program. The qualitative findings also described improvements in patterns of behavior and activities changes, as well as social communication and social interaction.

Although a water table is not exactly the same as aquatic therapy, it does provide a similar environment where children can interact with water in a controlled and safe manner. It can be a great resource to foster social interactions, especially between siblings, and help children with ASD improve their social competence.

In conclusion, a water table for sensory play can be a powerful tool in promoting sensory development and social interaction among children with ASD. It's an engaging and fun activity that can be beneficial for their overall development.

Other Sensory Table Ideas

Beyond the typical water table, there are numerous other sensory table ideas that can provide equally engaging and beneficial experiences for kids with autism. Each of these tables focuses on a different sensory experience, offering a variety of opportunities for learning and development.

Sand Tables

Sand tables are another beneficial sensory table option for kids with autism. The tactile experience of running their fingers through the sand can be calming for many children. Adding toys to the mix, like cars, can enhance the experience, encouraging imaginative play and engagement with siblings.

Moon Dough Tables

Moon dough tables provide an opportunity for sensory play that's a bit different from the norm. Created using a mixture of flour and baby oil, moon dough mimics the texture of sand, providing a unique sensory experience. This activity can be particularly engaging for children who have an interest in science.

Edible Mud Tables

An edible mud table can be a fascinating sensory experience for children with autism. Created using safe, edible ingredients such as chocolate pudding, these tables encourage scientific discovery and are especially suitable for children who tend to put things in their mouths. Adding toy bugs to the mixture can further enhance the experience, adding an element of surprise and discovery [1].

Spell My Name Tables

A spell my name table uses letter sensory materials to encourage language development. Children use the materials to spell out their names, assisting them in articulating sounds and learning alphabets. This sensory activity can be a helpful tool for children to start recognizing and pronouncing letter sounds, fostering early literacy skills.

Each of these sensory tables serves a unique purpose, catering to different interests and developmental needs. By incorporating a variety of sensory tables into their play routine, children with autism can benefit from a well-rounded sensory experience, fostering their cognitive and social development in a fun and engaging way.

Sensory Rooms in Schools

With the growing understanding of autism and its effects on a child's sensory processing, more schools are implementing sensory rooms as part of their support services. These rooms, often equipped with a water table for kids with autism and other sensory tools, serve a specific purpose and have a significant impact on student behavior.

Purpose of Sensory Rooms

Sensory rooms in a school setting are intended to be a therapeutic space where students can visit to calm, regroup, and refocus themselves. They are specifically designed to stimulate or calm various senses, providing a safe and controlled environment for children with autism to explore and interact with their surroundings.

The design and contents of a sensory room can vary greatly, but common features often include soft lighting, calming sounds, and a variety of tactile materials. Among these, a water table for kids with autism is a popular choice due to its versatility and appeal for sensory play.

The primary aim of these rooms is to offer students a calming retreat from the often overwhelming sensory stimuli of the regular classroom. They can also serve as a therapeutic tool, helping children to develop their sensory processing skills over time.

Impact on Student Behavior

The implementation of sensory rooms in schools has demonstrated a remarkable impact on student behavior. According to We Are Teachers, many schools have noticed a dramatic decrease in behavior referrals after implementing sensory rooms.

These rooms offer children with autism a designated place to self-regulate, which can lead to improved focus and engagement in the classroom. This, in turn, can result in a reduction of disruptive behaviors and an increase in positive social interactions.

Furthermore, sensory rooms can also contribute to the development of coping strategies, as children learn to identify what types of sensory input help them to calm and focus. Consequently, they can apply these strategies in other environments, enhancing their ability to cope with sensory challenges outside the school setting.

In essence, sensory rooms, equipped with tools such as a water table for kids with autism, serve a pivotal role in schools. They not only provide a calming and therapeutic environment for students but also significantly influence their behavior, engagement, and overall sensory processing skills.

Calming Tools in Sensory Rooms

Sensory rooms for children with autism can benefit from a range of calming tools. These tools aim to provide an inviting and comforting environment that helps manage emotions, increase focus, and boost sensory experiences. Some of the effective calming tools include swinging, sensory mats, hammocks, and water beads.

Swinging

Swinging is a calming motion that elicits a sense of joy and relaxation for children. The soothing, repetitive motion can release endorphins in the body, allowing children to feel calm and comfortable. It also helps in developing equilibrium and spatial orientation, which is crucial for sensory integration. Swinging can be introduced in sensory rooms using different types of swings according to the child's comfort and preference [4].

Sensory Mats

Sensory mats serve as versatile tools in sensory rooms. They can be used in a multitude of ways to cater to different sensory needs. Children can push on the mat to relieve emotions of anger or distress. Walking or crawling on the mat can offer tactile comfort, while lying or rolling on the mat provides pleasing pressure to the body. The textures and colors of sensory mats can also stimulate visual and tactile senses, aiding in sensory development.

Hammocks

Incorporating hammocks in sensory rooms is a cost-efficient method to create a calming space. Hammocks allow children to sway side-to-side, inducing a calming effect. They can also roll themselves up in the hammock for a sense of security and comfort. Lying in the hammock can aid in calming emotions and promoting relaxation. Moreover, the rhythmic movement can help improve balance and coordination [4].

Water Beads

Water beads present a unique and engaging tool in sensory rooms. These small, colorful orbs are soft, squishy, and cool to touch, offering a satisfying tactile experience. Children can dig through water beads to find objects, sort them by color, or simply play with them in their hands. This activity not only distracts them from daily worries but also helps develop fine motor skills and color recognition.

The incorporation of effective calming tools in sensory rooms can significantly enhance the sensory experience for children with autism. These tools, including swings, mats, hammocks, and water beads, serve to create a safe and comforting environment that caters to the unique sensory needs of children with autism.