Party Ideas for Kids with Sensory Input Difficulties

Birthday parties, holidays, and other celebrations can be a pretty overwhelming environment for kids who struggle with sensory input. You may have a child who needs more sensory stimulation than others, or you may have a child who gets easily overstimulated and needs less than others. You may even have both.

Kids who tend to need more sensory stimulation may get bored easily and become distraught, or even have meltdowns. Kids who get overstimulated more easily may have outbursts or meltdowns if a place is too loud, too quiet, or if something feels uncomfortable to them.

It can be hard for parents to navigate hosting celebrations when they can be so stressful for their highly sensitive children. You want your child to have a good time and be comfortable, but you also want your guests to enjoy themselves too. 

It can be difficult to balance the needs of everyone when there is such a vast range between the ways the guests process sensory input. 

Here are a few ways to host an inclusive event that is sensory-friendly and a fun environment for everyone involved.

1. Allow for choice.

   • Share the party plan with your child ahead of time

   • Let them know what to expect as far as guest count and activities

   • Ask other parents to let you know if there are other sensory concerns

   • Let singing, dancing, or other potentially overwhelming activities be optional

2. Separate the different activities into zones.

   • Keep the high-energy activities in their own areas

   • Create zones for the louder activities, such as outdoors, basement, playroom

   • Provide a quiet space for kids to take breaks

3. Keep the sensory activities more structured.

   • Kids who need more sensory stimulation can benefit from physical activity, but will need a chaperone to keep things even-keel 

   • Water games, finger painting, and races are examples of sensory activities

   • Keep them on a timeline so that kids don’t get overstimulated

   • Allow kids to take breaks or sit out on the games when they feel they need to

Sensory-friendly options are super important for parents of children who have sensory processing difficulties. If you are the parent of a child who struggles with sensory input, and feel that you could benefit from more support, reach out for a free, 15-minute consultation call today. Amel Counseling and Consulting has child and teen therapists who can support you! 

Otherwise, happy party planning!