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What is the difference between a passive sensory activity and an active sensory activity? Is one type better than the other? How long does a passive sensory activity “last” in the body, compared to an activity sensory activity?
We answer these questions and give you our favorite passive sensory activities and our favorite active sensory activities!
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Have you ever tried a sensory activity with a child, hoping it would help them feel calm and focused, only to find it didn’t work? It can be frustrating, especially when you’re providing the sensory input you know they need.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to examine a crucial difference in sensory activities: active vs. passive sensory input. This small shift could make a big difference in helping children regulate and feel more at ease.
In passive activities, sensory input is provided *to* the child rather than *by* the child. For example, spinning a child in a chair or using a vibrating tool to provide deep pressure are passive methods.
While beneficial, passive activities are often less effective in helping a child sustain regulation because the child isn’t actively engaging in the movement or input.
When children spin themselves or climb up a slide, they actively engage their muscles and sensory systems, enhancing the brain-body connection. This type of input often helps children regulate for longer periods.
If a child becomes overstimulated while you spin them in a chair, they might respond better if they spin themselves while standing or sitting up. The difference? The child is in control, leading to a more balanced sensory experience.
Active Activities
Passive activities aren’t “bad” or ineffective—they differ. In fact, passive sensory input can be very helpful for kids who need a quick, calming effect.
However, if you’re finding that a child isn’t responding well to passive activities, try switching to an active approach and see if it helps them regulate for a longer period.
The length of time sensory input lasts depends on whether it’s active or passive:
Active: Can last 2-6 hours, depending on the child.
Passive: Lasts longer, around 6-12 hours. However, passive input can sometimes overstimulate, especially if the child isn’t in control.
Active: Lasts about 2-4 hours.
Passive: Lasts around 1.5-2 hours.
Active: Lasts about 1.5-2 hours, with deep touch pressure being especially beneficial.
Understanding these timeframes can help you plan activities to keep a child regulated throughout the day. For example, providing a combination of passive and active activities might be helpful if a child needs a lot of vestibular input.
Experiment And Observe
Notice how the child responds to different types of input. If a passive activity isn’t helping, try an active one; adjusting as you go allows you to see what truly benefits each child.
Incorporate Active Input Regularly
For children who need more frequent regulation, include activities like climbing, pushing, or animal walks in their daily routine.
Use Oral Input As A Tool
Oral activities, like chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, are incredibly organizing for the nervous system. This can be especially helpful for children needing extra focus during homework tasks.
Adjust Based On The Child’s Needs
If a child is a high sensory seeker, consider using more passive methods to provide longer-lasting regulation. On the other hand, children who struggle with overstimulation may benefit more from active, shorter-lasting input.
Finding the right balance between active and passive sensory activities can be transformative for both children and those who support them. By thoughtfully choosing sensory activities that meet a child’s unique needs, parents and therapists can create more effective strategies that lead to lasting calm and regulation.
Ultimately, understanding this distinction empowers everyone involved in the child’s care to be more responsive and adaptable. With a little experimentation and observation, we can ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive and confidently navigate their world.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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