Our Latest Articles
Ms. Jade's Favorite Sensory Supports
Believe it or not, we all need sensory supports. I bounce my leg, click pens, and talk with my hands to get out anxious energy or when I’m struggling to focus. Some people twirl their hair. Sensory tools are also used to help with anxiety or stress. As regulated adults, we have learned sensory tools to cope using our bodies or tools around us. But for our kiddos on the spectrum, or with any exceptionality that struggles to process sensory information, using the tools they have readily available 24/7 (their body - hands, legs, hair, etc.) may not be enough and they sometimes require other sensory tools.
Over the years, I have seen all the sensory tools you can imagine and some everyday items used in very, very creative ways to help a child cope with sensory input and output. The common theme amongst all of them was that they served a purpose. While you can do an internet search for “sensory toys”, I feel the term is very misleading. While they are toys, they are to be used as a tool, not a play object. Some of them do serve dual purposes, like being a toy and a sensory tool so it’s very important to distinctly teach the difference (especially if you are using these in a classroom or therapy setting). It’s also extremely important to determine if it’s a tool helping your child to cope with sensory regulation or a toy they just really enjoy playing with.
Check out my ENTIRE list of sensory tools HERE.
To determine if it’s a toy or a tool, it’s important to first identify what sensory needs your child has. Touch, smell, sight, sound, or taste (oral sensory). Once you identify what sensory need your child needs help regulating or what sense helps your child regulate, you have to spend some time (and yes, money), trying out different tools in different situations. After purchasing some sensory tools, it’s important to keep them separate from your child’s toys and provide them at certain times when you know your child is becoming anxious, stressed or upset. If the tool helps your child re-regulate, it’s a tool and should stay in a designated “toolbox”. However, if the tool doesn’t seem to help your child re-regulate but your child enjoys using the object outside of stressful situations, it can then be integrated with your child’s other toys. Now, just because I’m asking you to keep the tools separate from the toys, that does not mean the tools shouldn’t be easily accessible for meltdowns or times of stress, because they should absolutely be easily accessible to the child and all caregivers (sometimes that includes having multiple tools in multiple places).
While I’m no sensory tool pro, I do have a lot of sensory tools that I have used throughout the years for my students, clients, and even myself. I have created a list of tools that I can personally vouch for. Below, I have linked the items and also explained why I like this sensory item and how I have used it in my own practice.
Please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This sensory bundle is amazing if you are just starting out with learning what your child likes and needs as a sensory tool. It’s very important to note that all of these sensory tools appeal to kiddos who prefer visual or tactile sensory tools to regulate.
I love these fidget tubes!! These are perfect for calming kiddos down after a stressful situation and appeal to visual stimulation. They are extremely relaxing and allow kids to focus on the movement and re-regulate themselves.
Squishy bean bags are great sensory tools for tactile sensory seekers to discreetly use under their desk or table. They easily help alleviate fidgeting.
Does your child have full body sensory struggles? Wobble stools are wonderful for kiddos who need movement to be successful. The wobble stool can be used as a tool and you can teach them to use it safely and effectively. It can replace their typical chair or be used as needed. Wobble stools also help build core muscles which benefits adolescents in so many ways!
Wiggle seats are another discreet way to help your child alleviate sensory input or output. It also helps build their core. Wiggle seats can be used in any seat at home or at school and does not create a distraction like some sensory tools can.
6.Swing
While a swing is difficult for everyone to have access to because it does require it to be hung from the ceiling, a swing definitely helps kids who need proprioceptive (movement of the body) to regulate their bodies.
7. Body Sock
Body socks provide that pressure or sense of a big hug. They don’t take up a lot of space so they can travel easily or be kept near your child’s work area or wherever they seem to get overstimulated the most.
These finger fidgets are so fun! They are super small and can go on a pen or pencil or on a finger like a ring. This makes it easily available for when your child becomes dysregulated.
When I work with clients, I notice that there is a lot of dysregulation around bed time for many reasons. Settling down can be hard and scary for some kids; for some, their brains and bodies have a hard time turning off. Weighted blankets can help their bodies stay calm and remind them they are safe. Using a weighted blanket can help create a safe space for children in their rooms or wherever they might sleep.
10.Bouncy Bands
I have used Bouncy Bands in my classroom for years! They are perfect for children who have a lot of energy in their feet. Leg bouncers, toe tappers, or foot swingers! All three movements can be mimicked using Bouncy Bands. These stretch easily over the legs of a chair.
I hope this list helps provide some ways to help you through at-home learning or maybe even give you some holiday ideas for a loved one! As always, if you want more tips and tricks for at-home learning, sensory integration, and more, join me over in my free, private Facebook group, Positive Behavior & Learning Support for Autism & Special Needs Parents.
-Jade
