Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Activities for Kids

Neurodiversity Celebration Week takes place March 17 - March 23, 2025. Arapahoe Libraries aims to provide continual sensory friendly opportunities in spaces, events and programs and by using in-library sensory bags, bins and boxes year-round. This weeklong celebration is a great opportunity to share, inform, connect and learn together.

“No brain is the same. No brain is the best. Each brain finds its own special way.” Edward M. Hallowell 

The neurodivergent umbrella is expansive. Types of neurodivergence can include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, intellectual disorder (ID), learning disorder (LD) and sensory processing. Arapahoe Libraries strives to be a welcoming space for all who visit.

“We have to stop assuming that every child is travelling down the same developmental pathway.” Kerry Murphy 

Exploring Sensory Activities

We learn through our senses! Children use their senses as they play, explore and learn. Their senses engage developmental skills such as cognitive skills like problem-solving, mental flexibility, cause and effect. Language skills develop when adults engage in conversations with the child about sight and touch. Sensory experiences are natural opportunities to use fine motor skills. When children knead playdough or scoop, pour or grasp, they manipulate the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Sensory experiences also help children develop mindfulness skills and can help to calm a child who may be feeling anxious or angry. 

Curious to learn how you can encourage sensory exploration and provide sensory-friendly experiences for the neurodivergent children in your life? Check out some activities and resources recommended by the Early Literacy librarians.

Things to consider when using sensory items for babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Safety should be a top priority. Consider any possible choking hazards, choose soothing colors and mind overstimulating smells and consider using hypoallergenic materials.  

Create sensory bins 

Creating sensory bins is a great way to explore textures, use fine muscles to pour or scoop, and items can easily be found in most homes!

• Activities like tearing tissue paper, using finger paint and playing with water and/or ice are easy and fun ways to engage sensory experiences for babies and toddlers.
• Older toddlers and preschoolers can scribble, draw and use scissors with various types of paper and writing materials.
• Try the kitchen to use items for a sensory bin such as muffin tins, measuring cups, large spoons, cotton balls, Q-Tips, sponges, and then just add water or shredded paper.
• Something fun to do is also go outside and add nature to your sensory bins! Try acorns, leaves, pinecones, sand or rocks. A way to keep things eco-friendly is to use bird seed. 

Get up and move  

Children learn through moving and naturally love to dance and move to beats and rhythm. An additional bonus is that this is a great way to get energy out, engage the senses and can have a calming effect on their bodies. This can be a very effective way to learn self-regulation skills needed when children go to school.

• Crank up some tunes and have a dance party!
• Turn on music when doing simple chores together.
• Sing during car trips.
• Balance and coordination are also body awareness skills that engage the senses. Try using painter's tape and make a zigzag on the floor and encourage your child to jump, hop or walk. 

Movement based games can also help your child regulate their bodies.

• Try Simon Says, which helps kids develop listening skills and body awareness. This helps children practice listening, following instructions, engage attention and focus, and being aware of their own body awareness.
• Another game is a freeze dance or song from Sesame Street, the Kidboomers or Scratch Garden, which is fun and engaging through the element of music and movement while having to control their bodies on cue.  

Read books together

Reading to your baby is an excellent way to enjoy time with each other, build critical brain connections and give your baby a love of books.

• Explore books that include touch-and-feel features, lift and flaps, or finger tracing encourage a kinetic sensory opportunity.
• Soft cloth books are wonderful for babies and toddlers as well.
• Arapahoe Libraries provides “Just Right Board Books” sets which show what types of books are good to share - and why - each step of the way and are developed for ages 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months.

Reading about children who experience sensory seeking behaviors or sensory challenges provides opportunities for children to see themselves and/or can provide empathy for what others experience. 

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Sensory support at the library

Each Arapahoe library location also provides sensory bins that include a variety of fidget toys and sensory-friendly items for in-library use and are at the children’s spaces.  

Sensory friendly library spaces

Arapahoe Libraries is currently looking into sensory-friendly zones, which are designated areas that cater to different sensory needs, such as quiet spaces for relaxation or sensory-rich areas for tactile exploration.

• Some locations include dimming light options and a quieter area when the children's space might seem loud or overwhelming.
• Meeting and study rooms are always available to the public and can be an optional refuge from a rarely quiet children’s area.
• Koelbel Library also has a reservable space called The Forum, with a raised stage and 39 theater-style seats, perfect for a small get-together to dim the lights and have a calm experience. 

Sensory support kits

Arapahoe Libraries provides sensory-friendly opportunities at all locations by providing sensory support kits during programs and events that include noise-reducing headphones, a variety of fidget toys and a weighted lap blanket. These items were chosen in consultation with Developmental Pathways, opens a new window, a local organization that provides early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism, sensory sensitivities, speech delays and more. 

Family Place libraries

Early literacy librarians also provide developmentally appropriate toys including sensory and fine motor opportunities in all our children’s play spaces for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. This is in compliance with our Family Place library designation.  

Connect with a librarian for more resources

Need more resources and information? Request an appointment with a librarian or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).  

 Have a specific question for an early literacy librarian? Visit the Children's 0-5 page to find information about services, programs and resources.

Are you a local educator, classroom teacher or homeschooling parent? Arapahoe Libraries is happy to assist providing materials, scheduling visits for preschools and grades K–12, and sharing our wealth of online resources.