Developmental Delay Support Programs: Expert-Approved Sensory and Play Activities for Home

When children face developmental delays, early intervention and sensory-rich play can make all the difference. As a right brain educator for young age group, I’ve seen how parents who combine developmental delay support programs with consistent at-home activities help their children gain confidence faster. Here is some article about the importance of early interventions for kids with delayed development.

In this guide, from many years attending various workshops, training and research, I’ll share therapist-approved games and activities that boost speech, motor, sensory, and social skills. These are perfect for children with speech delays, autism, or other developmental challenges.

Why Sensory Play Works in Developmental Delay Support Programs

Sensory play engages a child’s tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, auditory, and olfactory systems. These activities help the brain process information more effectively, improve attention, and make learning fun. In this article we discussed thoroughly benefits of sensory play in children.

Pair these with your child’s developmental delay support program for maximum impact.

At-Home Activity Guide for Developmental Delays

1. Tactile Play Activities – For Touch Processing & Fine Motor Skills

These activities are great for children with sensory processing differences, autism, or fine motor delays.

• Finger Paint – Let your child create patterns with their fingers; encourage them to name the colors.
  

• Kinetic Sand – Build shapes, letters, or numbers to improve tactile tolerance and early literacy skills.
  

• Sensory Bin – Fill with rice, beans, or pasta and hide objects for your child to find and name.
  

• Play-Doh – Roll, pinch, and cut shapes to strengthen hand muscles.
  

• Sensory Stepping Stones – Walk barefoot across textured pads to improve balance and foot awareness.
  

• Water Beads – Scoop, pour, and sort for soothing sensory input.
  
  

2. Vestibular Input Activities – For Balance & Body Awareness

Ideal for improving coordination and self-regulation in children with autism or motor delays.

• Balance Board – Have your child stand and rock side to side while holding your hand.
  

• Wobble Chair – Use for seated play or reading to engage core muscles.
  

• Spin and Sit – Use a swivel chair for gentle spinning to stimulate the vestibular system.
  

• Hula Hoop – Practice spinning around the waist or jumping in and out.
  

• Tag – Play simple chase games to encourage movement.
  

• Swing – Try both back-and-forth and side-to-side swinging for calming input.
  

  

  
  

3. Proprioceptive Input Activities – For Muscle & Joint Feedback

Helps children who seek deep pressure or have trouble with motor planning.

• Squeeze a Pillow – Big bear hugs for calming pressure.
  

• Stack & Unstack Chairs – Builds strength and planning skills.
  

• Door Holder – Practice opening/closing doors gently while holding them steady.
  

• Pull or Push Objects – Move laundry baskets, toy carts, or light furniture.
  

• Plank – Hold for short bursts to build core stability.
  

• Weighted Blanket – Use during story-time for calming sensory input.
  

• Frog Jumps – Jump forward with hands touching the ground.
  

• Bear & Crab Walks – Move across the room in fun animal styles.
  
  

4. Visual Activities – For Tracking, Coordination & Focus

Great for children with developmental delays in reading, writing, or spatial skills.

• Tracing & Drawing – Follow shapes, letters, or simple pictures.
  

• Dot Marker Art – Fill in patterns with bingo-style markers.
  

• Geometry Board – Rubber bands to make shapes.
  

• Bead Stringing – Improves hand-eye coordination.
  

• Build LEGO® Creations – Encourage step-by-step building for planning skills.
  
  

5. Auditory Activities – For Listening & Sound Awareness

Supports children with speech delays or auditory processing challenges.

• Music Time – Dance or move to favorite songs.
  

• Pop Bubble Wrap – Practice counting pops together.
  

• Listen to Nature – Go outside and identify bird calls or wind sounds.
  

• Play Instruments – Try drums, shakers, or keyboards.
  

• Stretch Tape – Listen to the sound as it peels away.
  

• Pop Fidgets – Press and count together.
  

• Hum or Sing – Imitate melodies and rhythms.
  
  

6. Olfactory Activities – For Smell Exploration & Sensory Integration

Helps children become comfortable with different scents.

• Scented Markers & Stickers – Draw or decorate and guess the scent.
  

• Smell Flowers – Real or artificial with essential oils.
  

• Baking Together – Smell vanilla, cinnamon, or chocolate.
  

• Food Prep – Involve them in cutting herbs or peeling citrus.
  

• Essential Oil Diffuser – Try calming scents like lavender or uplifting scents like lemon.
  

• Scented Lotion – Gentle hand massage while naming the scent.
  
  

7. Flexible Seating Options – For Focus & Postural Control

Helpful in both home learning and therapy settings.

• Chair Band – Place resistance bands around chair legs for kicking.
  

• Wobble Cushion – Engage core muscles while seated.
  

• Beanbag Chair – Soft seating for reading or calming down.
  

• Carpet Square – Defines personal space.
  

• Wobble Stool – For active sitting.
  

• Bungee Chair – Gentle bounce while sitting.
  

• Swivel or Rocking Chair – Adds motion for sensory seekers.
  

The Power of Combining Home Practice with Developmental Delay Support Programs

While these activities are fun, they work best when paired with structured developmental delay support programs led by trained professionals. At Smartizen, we integrate sensory play, fine motor skill building, speech activities, and social learning into each session.

Children not only gain skills but also build confidence, focus, and independence — essential for long-term success.

Key Takeaway:
✅ Use these sensory activities daily to reinforce your child’s developmental delay support program.
✅ Follow your child’s lead and make it playful.
✅ Celebrate small wins — progress is progress.

🌟 Give your child a head start in life. If you want an extra boost on more structured learning for your children, whether they have or don't have delayed development in Waterloo, join our programs at Smartizen and see the difference. Check out our programs and book a trial here