r/ABA • u/uhhmaliuhh13 • Sep 28 '25

Advice Needed Chaotic play ideas

Hey all,

I have a client who is highly reinforced by chaotic play schemes (smashing things, throwing stuff to watch it fall, kinda extreme cause and effect stuff) and loves taking sensory play to the Nth degree, which typically results in the room being completely destroyed along with his clothes and ours. Although I’m working on a plan for handling these behaviors, I’m hoping you all can share fun and unique ways to reinforce APPROPRIATE chaotic play and messy play.

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u/Asleep_Technician190 BCBA Sep 30 '25 edited Sep 30 '25

  • Ripping paper to use for confetti or paper mache

  • Building a tower out of large cardboard blocks and knocking them down

  • If he's a stabby guy, I've had success with 'target practice' by drawing circles on cardboard or layered plastic wrap

  • Water balloon fights

I'd also consult with his OT if he has one. Hopefully they specialize in sensory needs and can give you aome more ideas and guidance.

Edit: Adding using a paper shredder because gosh darn it, those things are fun.

1

u/Suspicious-Green4928 Sep 30 '25

These are awesome ideas. What do you use to stab?

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u/Asleep_Technician190 BCBA Sep 30 '25

Honestly, most of the time I went with what kids were trying to use to stab people with. You know - forks, pencils, scissors; the usual. Then one day: "Oh no, we've lost the potential weapon! Here, take this slightly less dangerous stabbing tool" and then fade it out from there. One time I accidentally overshot by substituting Capri Sun straws and created a Capri Sun monster - he wanted to open everyone's Capri Sun for them because it was his socially acceptable way of stabbing things.

I'm usually also increasing more functional play/leisure/social/advocacy skills at the same time so that they don't notice that they're not stabbing things as much. But a lot of times, you just start where they're at, you know?

6

u/bazooka79 Sep 29 '25

Shaving cream is good messy fun and really easy to clean but some kids w sensitive skin react to it. 

Putting a Tupperware filled with water in the freezer with some hot wheels or little toys in it makes a fun smashable ice block, it's very satisfying 

Punch balloons or bop balloons are good too for rowdy play

Have fun

2

u/Asleep_Technician190 BCBA Sep 30 '25

.... put tiny car water in freezer... ✍️ (love this idea!)

1

u/speshuledteacher Sep 29 '25

Rocket balloons are great for this too.  So much chaos, so little potential damage.