The New Year is a time for celebration, but for children with autism, the loud noises and bright lights associated with traditional festivities can sometimes be overwhelming. Creating DIY New Year’s noisemakers offers a sensory-friendly alternative, allowing kids to participate in the fun while minimizing sensory overload. Not only does this craft provide a calming sensory experience, but it also aligns perfectly with autism behavior support strategies, such as those used in ABA therapy. Let’s explore how making noisemakers can benefit children with autism and how you can easily create them at home.
Materials for DIY Noisemakers:
- Small plastic containers with lids (such as empty pill bottles or small plastic jars)
- Pom-poms (soft and colorful)
- Rice or soft beads (for a quiet, soothing sound)
- Tape (to seal the containers securely)
How to Make Your DIY Noisemakers:
- Prepare the Containers: Start by gathering your small plastic containers. These should have secure lids to ensure the contents stay in place. If necessary, clean them thoroughly before use.
- Fill with Soft Materials: Choose soft, non-sharp materials like pom-poms, rice, or small soft beads to place inside the containers. These materials create gentle, non-disruptive sounds when shaken. For a colorful touch, you can mix pom-poms with rice or beads to make the noisemakers visually appealing and stimulating for the child’s senses.
- Seal the Containers: Once the containers are filled, secure the lids tightly. You may want to use tape to ensure the lids stay on, preventing any accidental spills.
- Shake and Enjoy: Give the DIY noisemakers a shake! The soft sounds produced are soothing and allow children to engage with the celebration without being overwhelmed by the loud, startling noises often associated with New Year’s celebrations.
Benefits of DIY Noisemakers for Children with Autism
1. Sensory Regulation
Creating noisemakers is an excellent sensory craft, especially for children with autism. The gentle sound they produce can help with sensory regulation, allowing children to stay engaged in festive activities without feeling overstimulated. This is especially beneficial for those who experience sensory overload from loud, chaotic environments. The soft sounds provide a calming auditory experience that aligns with many autism behavior support techniques.
2. Promotes Independence and Fine Motor Skills
As part of the craft, children can practice fine motor skills while filling the containers with materials and sealing them shut. These activities not only help with sensory integration but also build skills that support independence. For children receiving ABA therapy, working on fine motor tasks like this can be incorporated into their goals to improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
3. Supports ABA Therapy Goals
For kids receiving ABA services, crafting DIY noisemakers provides an opportunity to practice communication, social skills, and following instructions. The activity can be integrated into behavior support plans, where therapists can prompt children to ask for help, take turns, or complete specific steps. These positive experiences can help children build confidence in their abilities while working toward their developmental goals.
4. Encourages Participation in Festive Activities
New Year’s celebrations are often filled with noise, and many children with autism may struggle to participate in the excitement. DIY noisemakers provide a sensory-friendly option, allowing them to take part in the tradition of ringing in the New Year without being overwhelmed by the chaos. Shaking these noisemakers can be a way to join in the fun while remaining calm and comfortable.
5. Stress Relief
The calming sound of soft noisemakers can also serve as a stress-relief tool for children who may be feeling anxious or overstimulated. By shaking the noisemakers, children can self-regulate and calm themselves, which is an effective way to manage sensory sensitivities and reduce anxiety during the busy New Year’s celebrations.
DIY New Year’s noisemakers are more than just a fun craft project – they offer numerous benefits for children with autism, especially when it comes to sensory processing and participation in holiday activities. These noisemakers help children stay engaged without the overwhelming sounds that might trigger sensory overload. For those receiving ABA therapy, this activity provides a great opportunity to reinforce developmental goals in a way that’s both enjoyable and therapeutic. Whether you’re working on sensory regulation or fine motor skills, this simple craft makes a great addition to any autism behavior support plan.
By creating these personalized noisemakers, you’re not only helping kids celebrate the New Year but also supporting their growth and well-being in a sensory-friendly way. So gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the festive season with a little extra sensory peace!
