Activities To Help Your Special Needs Child Ease Into The Night

It can be challenging to help a special needs child wind down before bed , but creating calming evening routines makes bedtime smoother. Here are simple, stress-free activities to get you started!

1. Coloring and Painting-

Coloring is a wonderful way for special needs children to express their creativity while staying calm, focused, and entertained. After they finish drawing or coloring, ask questions about their artwork and other things they did that day. This is a great chance to build communication and vocabulary—ask about what’s in the picture, who’s there, what colors they used, and what everyone is doing. 

2. Puzzles-

Puzzles are a great way to build communication skills, fine motor strength, and working memory. You can even create your own by drawing a picture and cutting it into fun, shaped pieces. This makes learning playful, hands-on, and engaging for your special needs child.

3. Story Time-

If you don’t already include books in your nightly routine, start now! Whether your child reads independently or you read together , evening reading builds lifelong habits. To make it extra cozy and exciting, create a special reading nook or blanket fort where they can enjoy stories in a calm, quiet space.

4. Putty Play-

This sensory activity also helps kids relax, as they stay seated and focus while exploring the texture of the putty. Encourage them to shape it into different objects and designs for a calm, creative experience. For children with special needs, this hands-on play can be especially soothing and supportive for sensory regulation.

5. Yoga & Stretching-

Both yoga and stretching are great ways to help you and your child relax before bedtime. Holding stretches for 20–30 seconds encourages children, especially those with special needs, to slow their bodies down after a busy day. For extra fun, let them rename poses—adding silliness while still building calm and focus.

Thank you to Pathways.org for these amazing tips!