At a glance: Supports children with sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, or motor difficulties. Activities offer sensory-rich experiences and movement opportunities that can be adapted to different physical abilities and sensory preferences. Browse 197 adapted activities below.
This area covers sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, and motor difficulties. It includes children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input, those with conditions affecting movement, and those who find motor tasks harder than peers.
Your child may avoid certain textures, sounds, or lights, or seek intense sensory input like spinning or crashing. They may find fine motor tasks like threading or drawing unusually difficult, or need more support with balance and coordination.
Sensory play can help children explore and gradually build tolerance for different inputs in a safe, child-led way. Movement activities support motor skills and body awareness. Adapting activities to your child’s physical abilities helps them participate more fully.
Offer sensory activities at your child’s comfort level — let them watch before touching. Provide alternative ways to participate: if they can’t hold a paintbrush, try finger painting or stamps. Use supportive seating or positions if needed.
An occupational therapist (OT) can assess sensory processing and motor skills. A physiotherapist can help with movement and physical development. Your health visitor or GP can arrange referrals, and nursery SENCOs can adapt the environment.
Sensory processing differences often affect behaviour and emotions. A child who avoids certain activities may not be ‘fussy’ — they may be managing genuine sensory discomfort. Consider both sensory and emotional perspectives.
These are starting points for parents who suspect a specific condition might be part of the picture. None of this is diagnostic — if any of it sounds familiar, the next step is a conversation with your GP, health visitor, or nursery SENCO.
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) describes children who have unusual responses to sensory input — they may be over-responsive, under-responsive, or seek out intense sensory experiences. The STAR Institute for Sensory Health is the leading global authority on SPD and offers a free Symptoms Checklist for parents.
Over-responsive: distress at clothing tags, loud noises, certain food textures, hair washing, or unexpected touch. Under-responsive: doesn’t notice mess on their face, slow to respond to pain or temperature, doesn’t startle at loud sounds. Sensory-seeking: spins, crashes, climbs constantly, mouths everything well past babyhood, presses hard against people. Most toddlers show some of these — it is the intensity, daily impact, and consistency that matter.
The STAR Institute recommends safe ways for sensory-seeking children to push, pull, kick, hang, jump, and lift — bowling, monkey bars, trampolines, pulling a heavy wagon. For over-responsive children, offer sensory experiences at their comfort level: let them watch before touching, start with one finger, use a tool instead of bare hands. Predictable warnings before sensory transitions (loud noises, hair washing) reduce distress.
An occupational therapist (OT) is the right professional. If sensory differences significantly affect everyday life — getting dressed, mealtimes, sleep, leaving the house — speak to your GP or health visitor for a referral. The STAR Institute’s online symptoms checklist (sensoryhealth.org) is a useful starting point for the conversation.
This SEND area covers sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, and motor difficulties. It includes toddlers who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory input, those with conditions affecting movement, and those who find motor tasks harder than peers.
Your child may avoid certain textures, sounds, or lights, or actively seek intense input like spinning or crashing. They may find fine motor tasks like threading or drawing unusually difficult, or need more support with balance and coordination.
Sensory play helps children explore and gradually build tolerance for different inputs in a safe, child-led way. Movement activities support motor skills and body awareness. Adapting activities to your child’s comfort level — letting them watch before touching — builds confidence.
If sensory differences or motor difficulties are significantly affecting daily life — mealtimes, getting dressed, leaving the house — an occupational therapist (OT) can assess your child’s sensory processing and motor skills. Your health visitor or GP can arrange a referral.
The official guide to special educational needs and disabilities for families in England.
NHS guidance on getting support for children with additional needs.
A charity for families with disabled children — helpline, local groups, and practical support.
Free legally-based advice for families navigating SEN support and EHC plans.
Support for parents on child behaviour, development, and safeguarding — including Talk PANTS with SEND-friendly resources.
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