Fun, inclusive activities for children with complex needs

When a child has complex or additional needs, it's easy to feel that play has to look a certain way, or that some activities are off limits. We see it differently. Every child has a right to play, and the best activities are the ones that bend to fit your child, rather than asking your child to fit them.

The lovely thing about the ideas below is that there's no right or wrong way to do them. You start with what your little one enjoys and what they can already do, and you build from there. Joy first, everything else after.

Sensory play that meets your child where they are

Sensory play simply means play that feeds the senses. Touch, sight, sound, smell, movement. It's calming for some children and exciting for others, and you can dial it up or down to suit the day.

• A tuff tray filled with dry rice, pasta or soft fabric to scoop and pour

• Light and shadow play with a torch, a colour-changing lamp or sheer hanging fabric

• Textured baskets of safe everyday objects to explore at their own pace

• A quiet corner with soft sounds for when things feel like a lot

Go slowly. Let your child lead. If they want to sit and watch the rice fall for ten minutes, that's the activity working exactly as it should.

Cause and effect: the magic of "I did that"

There are few things more powerful than a child realising their own action made something happen. Press the button, the light comes on. Knock the tower, it tumbles. Squeeze the sponge, the water runs out.

Cause and effect play builds confidence and a real sense of control. Try simple switch toys, pop-up boxes, stacking cups to topple, or a tray of paint your child can press and smear. Keep it low pressure and celebrate every little discovery. The aim is the delight on their face, not a finished result.

Music and movement for every body

You don't need to be musical and your child doesn't either. Music reaches children in a way words sometimes can't, and it works whether your little one is dancing, drumming or simply listening.

• Shakers, bells, drums and rain sticks for hands that like to grasp and bang

• A favourite song on repeat, with actions your child can join in their own way

• Gentle, predictable rhythms for calmer moments

• Movement in any form, a wobble, a sway or a wheelchair wiggle. It all counts as dancing

Let your child set the volume and the pace. Some days are loud and joyful, some days are soft and slow, and both are wonderful.

Water play your way

Water is a brilliant leveller. It's soothing, endlessly interesting and easy to adapt. A shallow tray, a few cups and some floating toys can keep a child happily exploring, pouring and splashing for ages.

For children who find water busy or overwhelming, keep it small and warm and close. For children who love it, add bubbles, sponges or a watering can. Always stay within arm's reach near any water, however little.

Above all, follow your child. Their interests, their pace, their version of fun. If you'd ever like a hand finding activities that fit your family, or a friendly, supportive space to enjoy them in, come and talk to us about The Space. As a Jersey charity, we're here to help every child play, explore and shine.