Sensory putty can be a fantastic tool for engaging the senses and supporting children with autism.
What Is Sensory Putty?
Sensory putty is a stretchy, squishy sensory toy designed to provide tactile sensory input through squeezing, stretching, twisting and moulding. It is often used by autistic children, children with ADHD and those with sensory processing differences because it provides engaging hands-on sensory experiences.
Unlike traditional modelling materials, sensory putty can be stretched, pulled apart and manipulated in many different ways, making it a versatile sensory tool for play, relaxation and fine motor development.
Here are some sensory putty play activities tailored to stimulate the senses and benefit autistic children:
Benefits of Sensory Putty for Autism and Additional Needs
Sensory putty provides tactile sensory input that many children find calming and engaging. The repetitive actions of squeezing, stretching and moulding the putty can support sensory regulation, focus and fine motor development.
Many autistic children enjoy sensory putty because it offers predictable sensory feedback and allows them to explore textures in a controlled way. It can also be used as part of sensory breaks, calming activities and independent play. Many families use sensory putty alongside other fidget toys to support focus and sensory regulation.
Because sensory putty is portable and easy to use, it can be enjoyed at home, in classrooms, during travel or as part of therapy activities. You can learn more about sensory strategies and support approaches in our Autism Support Guide.
14 Sensory Putty Play Ideas
- Texture Exploration: Begin with simple texture exploration. Allow the child to feel the putty's texture, stretch it, and squish it between their fingers. Encourage them to describe how it feels – is it soft, squishy, or firm? This activity focuses on the sense of touch.
- Colour Matching: Use different coloured putties and ask the child to match the colours. This activity targets both the sense of sight and fine motor skills.
- Sensory Hide and Seek: Hide small objects within the putty and ask the child to find them by feeling around. This promotes tactile discrimination and can be a fun game.
- Therapeutic Hand Strengthening: Squeezing and stretching the putty helps with hand strengthening and fine motor skills, which can be particularly beneficial for children with fine motor difficulties. You may also find our guide to hand strengthening exercises for kids helpful.
- Sensory Smoothing: Encourage the child to roll the putty into a ball and then gently roll it along their arms or legs. This can provide a calming sensory experience.
- Sensory Alphabet or Number Tracing: Flatten the putty and use it as a surface for practicing letters or numbers. The tactile sensation can enhance learning and retention.
- Sensory Exploration Kit: Combine the putty with other sensory items like beads, buttons, or textured pieces. The child can embed these items in the putty and explore them tactically.
- Sensory Fidget: Some autistic children benefit from fidget tools. Sensory putty can serve as a discreet fidget aid to help them concentrate and manage sensory needs.
- Sensory Playdough Creatures: Use the putty to create animals, shapes, or characters. This combines tactile play with imaginative storytelling.
- Emotion Expression: Introduce different facial expressions or emotional concepts like happy, sad, or surprised. Encourage the child to shape the putty to represent these emotions, promoting emotional understanding and expression.
- Sensory Break Tool: Sensory putty can be a valuable tool for providing sensory breaks when needed. It offers a calming sensory experience for self-regulation.
- Sensory Art: Create sculptures or abstract art with the putty. The child can mold it into different shapes and patterns, fostering creativity.
- Sensory Play with Temperature: Experiment with warm or cool sensory putty to explore the sensation of temperature changes. Always ensure the temperature is safe for the child.
- Sensory Play with Scented Putty: Some putties come in scented varieties such as our Cherry Bomb Scented Putty. Engage the sense of smell by using scented putty for various activities.
Our Experience Using Sensory Putty
Sensory putty is often used alongside other sensory activities. If you're looking for more ideas, explore our guide to fun sensory play activities for kids.
As Zac's mum, I've learned that sensory activities often work best when they are simple, flexible and adapted to the individual child. Sensory putty is one of those resources that can be used in many different ways depending on the child's interests and sensory preferences.
Some children enjoy stretching and squeezing the putty repeatedly, while others use it as part of imaginative play or sensory exploration activities. The open-ended nature of sensory putty means it can be adapted to suit different ages, abilities and sensory needs.
Like all sensory tools, sensory putty is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every child responds differently to sensory experiences, so the goal is to find activities that help your child feel calm, engaged and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Putty
Is sensory putty good for autism?
Many autistic children enjoy sensory putty because it provides tactile sensory input, supports sensory exploration and offers a calming hands-on activity.
What skills does sensory putty help develop?
Sensory putty can support fine motor skills, hand strength, finger dexterity, sensory exploration and creative play.
Can sensory putty help with focus?
Some children find that manipulating sensory putty helps occupy their hands and provides sensory input that supports concentration and engagement.
What age is sensory putty suitable for?
Always follow the manufacturer's age recommendations. Many sensory putties are suitable for school-age children and can also be enjoyed by teenagers and adults who benefit from sensory input.
Always consider the individual preferences and sensory sensitivities of the child when planning these activities. Additionally, ensure that the putty used is non-toxic and safe for children. Sensory play can be an enjoyable and therapeutic experience for autistic children, helping them regulate their sensory responses and engage with their surroundings.
Our sensory toys collection brings together fidget tools, calming lights, and sensory play items designed for children and adults with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing needs.
Related reading: How sensory toys support calm and focus.