Cloud dough is a fun and engaging sensory activity and is simple to make with just two simple ingredients! This versatile material provides a fantastic sensory experience for individuals with autism who may benefit from sensory-focused activities as part of their ABA therapy services. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of making cloud dough and explore the benefits it offers.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of lotion (regular or baby lotion)
- 1 cup of cornstarch (also known as corn flour)
How to Make Cloud Dough:
- Begin by adding 1/2 cup of lotion to a bowl. If desired, you can also add 1-2 drops of food coloring to create vibrant, colorful cloud dough.
- Mix the lotion and food coloring until they are well combined.
- Gradually add 1 cup of cornstarch to the bowl, mixing as you go, until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Transfer the dough onto a surface lined with wax paper.
- Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and pliable. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of cornstarch at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of lotion and knead it in until the texture improves.
Benefits of Cloud Dough:
- Sensory Stimulation: Cloud dough provides a unique sensory experience, offering tactile input that can be calming and enjoyable for individuals with autism. The soft, moldable texture engages the senses and promotes exploration through touch.
- Fine Motor Skills Development: Kneading, shaping, and manipulating the cloud dough helps to develop and strengthen fine motor skills. These skills are crucial for tasks such as writing, drawing, and self-care activities, making cloud dough an excellent choice for individuals receiving ABA therapy services.
- Creativity and Imagination: Cloud dough is a blank canvas for creativity. Children and adults alike can use their imagination to mold the dough into various shapes, sculptures, and designs. This creative expression fosters imagination and promotes cognitive development.
Incorporating sensory activities like making and playing with cloud dough into ABA therapy sessions can help enhance the effectiveness of autism behavior support. By providing a fun and engaging way to address sensory needs and promote skill development, cloud dough becomes a valuable tool in supporting individuals with autism and related challenges. Not only is it simple and cost-effective to make, but it also offers a multitude of benefits for individuals with autism and beyond. Get creative, explore, and let the sensory journey begin!
If you’re interested in learning more about how ABA therapy can benefit your child, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you on this journey. Give us a call at (855) 444-5664 to get started!
Explore our blog for more sensory craft ideas like making Sock Puppets, and Sensory Slime.
