How to Select Activities

Use our accessibility filters to find the most appropriate activities for your client's needs.

🎯 Most Important: Choose activities that you think the client will enjoy the most

Client enjoyment and engagement are the best predictors of successful outcomes. Use the filters below as guides, but always prioritize what brings joy and comfort to your client.

Want to Learn More About Sensory Approaches?

SensePlanner runs group online training for those who want to understand more about sensory assessment, sensory interventions, and the evidence behind why these approaches work.

Soothing Activities

These activities are specifically designed for clients who experience dysregulation or when you want to encourage improved regulation.

When to use Soothing Activities:

When a client is showing signs of agitation or distress
To help prevent escalation of behaviours of concern
As part of a calming routine or wind-down period
To support emotional and sensory regulation
When a client needs to transition from high arousal to a calmer state

💡 Examples include: gentle rocking, soft music, deep pressure activities, calming visual experiences

Low Participation Activities

These activities are recommended for clients who are difficult to engage or who have limited energy or motivation for active participation.

When to use Low Participation Activities:

When a client has limited physical or cognitive energy
For clients who are withdrawn or demonstrate low engagement
When building trust and connection before more active participation
For clients who need passive sensory input without demands
During periods of illness, fatigue, or recovery

💡 Examples include: listening to preferred music, watching calming videos, passive movement (being rocked), hand massage

Profound Disability Activities

These activities are specifically adapted for clients with profound disabilities where participation may be restricted and difficult. These require full support worker assistance.

When to use Profound Disability Activities:

For clients with severe physical limitations
When voluntary movement or communication is very limited
For clients who require total assistance with all activities
When sensory experiences need to be brought to the client
For clients with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD)

💡 Examples include: assisted movement, sensory stimulation brought to the person, passive experiences, fully supported activities

Using the Activity Filters

When browsing the Activity Library, you'll see filter buttons at the top of the page. You can select one or more of these accessibility tags to narrow down activities:

Go to the Activities page
Look for the Accessibility Tags filter buttons
Click on Soothing Activities, Low Participation, or Profound Disability
The activity list will update to show only activities with the selected tags
You can combine these with sensory modality filters for even more specific results

Need Help Choosing Activities?

If you're not an occupational therapist and are having difficulty deciding which activities to use, consider contacting an appropriately experienced occupational therapist who can provide personalized recommendations based on a comprehensive assessment of your client's needs.