10 Best Self Regulation Activities for Children with Autism by OT Therapists

Many children with autism do not “misbehave” when they run, crash, hide, chew, or cover their ears. Often, their nervous system is asking for help. Self-regulation activities give the body clear sensory input so a child can feel more organized, calm, alert, or ready to participate.

Occupational therapists often use movement, pressure, and purposeful “heavy work” to support regulation. At PIPAS, OT therapists may choose activities based on the child’s sensory profile, motor skills, comfort level, and safety needs.

This guide shares 10 practical activities often used in OT sessions and home programs. The ideas are informational only. A child’s OT should guide the right intensity, duration, and frequency, especially if the child has seizures, low muscle tone, joint concerns, balance issues, or medical restrictions.

Why self-regulation activities help

Self-regulation is the ability to notice body signals and adjust emotions, attention, and behavior. For many children with autism, sensory input can feel too strong, too weak, or confusing. A sound may feel painful. Sitting still may feel impossible. Transitions may feel overwhelming.

The right activity can give the nervous system more useful information. OT therapists often use:

• Proprioceptive input

This comes from muscles and joints. It often feels grounding and organizing.

• Vestibular input

This comes from movement and balance. It can be calming or alerting, depending on the child.

• Deep pressure input

This can help some children feel secure and settled.

A good regulation activity should never feel forced. Watch for signs that the child is enjoying and benefiting from it, such as slower breathing, better attention, relaxed posture, or improved participation.

Stop or change the activity if the child becomes pale, dizzy, upset, more disorganized, unusually sleepy, or asks to stop.

10 OT-approved self-regulation activities to try

1. Wall push

A wall push is simple, safe, and easy to use almost anywhere. The child places both hands on a wall and pushes as if trying to move it.

Ask the child to hold for 5 to 10 seconds, relax, and repeat. This gives strong input through the shoulders, arms, and hands.

OT tip: Try it before homework, mealtime, or a transition. Make it playful by saying, “Let’s see if we can make the wall stronger.”

2. Therapy ball bouncing

Gentle bouncing on a therapy ball can help children who seek movement. The child sits on the ball with feet flat on the floor while an adult stays close for safety.

Slow, steady bouncing may help with body awareness and attention. Fast bouncing can be too alerting for some children, so start small.

OT tip: Use slow counting or a song to keep the rhythm predictable.

3. Heavy object carry

Carrying safe, weighted objects gives powerful proprioceptive input. A child can carry a laundry basket with towels, a backpack with books, or a small bin of toys.

The object should feel like “work,” not strain. The child should be able to walk safely and keep good posture.

OT tip: Build it into routines. Carry napkins to the table, push a grocery cart, or move pillows to the couch.

4. Animal walk

Animal walks combine heavy work, coordination, and imagination. Bear walks, crab walks, frog jumps, and bunny hops all give input through the arms, legs, and core.

Start with short distances. A hallway, mat, or carpeted area works well.

OT tip: Match the animal to the child’s regulation need. Bear walks may feel grounding. Frog jumps may be more alerting.

5. Resistance band pulling

Resistance bands give input through pulling and stretching. A child can pull a band with both hands, stretch it apart, or use it during songs and movement games.

Use bands only with supervision. Avoid snapping, wrapping around the neck, or pulling near the face.

OT tip: Try “row the boat” movements. The child pulls the band toward the body, then slowly releases.

6. Slow linear swinging

Slow, straight-line swinging can be calming for many children. Linear movement means forward and back, not spinning. Spinning can be overwhelming and may cause dizziness or nausea.

The child should sit or lie safely, with secure support. Keep the swing slow and predictable.

OT tip: Watch the child’s body closely. Calm signs may include relaxed hands, steady breathing, and a quieter voice.

7. Deep pressure squeeze

Deep pressure can feel comforting when done with consent. This may include a firm pillow squeeze, a therapy ball roll over the back, or a gentle “sandwich” between cushions.

The pressure should be steady, not sudden. Never press on the chest, neck, head, or stomach in a way that limits breathing or movement.

OT tip: Ask the child to choose the pressure level. Use simple words like “more,” “less,” and “stop.”

8. Prone scooter board pull

In this activity, the child lies on the stomach on a scooter board and pulls forward using the arms. This works the shoulders, core, and hands while giving strong body input.

Use a clear floor space. Keep fingers away from wheels. Start with short distances and rest often.

OT tip: Place puzzle pieces or beanbags across the room so the child has a goal.

9. Joint compression

Joint compression means gentle pressure through a joint, such as hands, elbows, shoulders, knees, or ankles. OT therapists use this carefully to provide body awareness.

This should be taught by a trained professional before trying at home. Too much force or poor positioning can be unsafe.

OT tip: For home use, ask the child’s OT to demonstrate the exact technique and explain when to use it.

10. Breath movement combo

Breathing is easier for children when paired with movement. Try reaching arms up while breathing in, then slowly lowering arms while breathing out. Another option is “smell the flower, blow the candle.”

This activity supports regulation without equipment. It can be used before sleep, after crying, or during a break from a noisy room.

OT tip: Keep it short. Three to five slow breaths may be enough.

How to choose the right activity

The best activity is the one that matches the child’s body in that moment. A child who is sluggish may need alerting movement. A child who is overwhelmed may need slow, firm, predictable input.

Keep sessions brief at first. Many children do well with 2 to 5 minutes of sensory activity, followed by a clear next step. For example, “Push the wall 5 times, then shoes on.”

A simple self-regulation routine

A self-regulation routine should feel predictable. OT therapists often use a short sequence rather than one long activity.

Try this sample routine:

1. Wall push

   5 slow pushes

   
   

2. Animal walk

   Bear walk across the room and back

   
   

3. Deep pressure

   Pillow squeeze for 20 seconds

   
   

4. Breath movement combo

   Three slow arm raises with breathing

   
   

This routine can be used before schoolwork, after screen time, or before leaving the house. If the child resists, reduce the steps. One successful activity is better than a long routine that creates stress.

Final takeaway

The most helpful self-regulation activities for children with autism are safe, respectful, and matched to the child’s sensory needs. Wall pushes, therapy ball bouncing, heavy object carry, animal walks, resistance band pulling, slow linear swinging, deep pressure squeeze, prone scooter board pulls, joint compression, and breath movement combos can all support a calmer, more organized body when used well.

Start with one or two activities. Watch the child’s response. Keep what helps and adjust what does not. For the best results, work with an OT therapist who can create a sensory plan that fits the child’s body, routines, and goals.