Sensory Aids That Can Help Your Autistic Child

If you’re the parent of an autistic child, you’ve had to navigate unique challenges to make their life as comfortable as possible.

One such challenge is providing the right sensory aids to help your child manage hyper- or hyposensitivity to external stimuli.

Here, we’ll explore a few popular, effective sensory aids that can help your autistic child.

Sensory Mats

Sensory mats are designed to provide a calming effect for your child and help them to focus better on their activities.

The soft, cushiony texture of the mat, along with the incorporated sensory elements such as textured surfaces and patches, can help autistic children self-regulate and improve their sensory integration skills.

You can place sensory mats at various locations in your home and encourage your child to sit or lie down on them when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Fidget Toys

Fidget toys usually involve repetitive actions, such as twisting, spinning, or squeezing, which can provide a sense of comfort and stability to manage sensory overload.

Fidget toys are usually small, so you can easily carry them around in pockets or bags and hand them to your child when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

For example, you can have your child mess with a fidget toy while at the supermarket or in a waiting room.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Loud noises can be overwhelming or even distressing for your autistic child.

Noise-canceling headphones can be an effective solution for shielding your child from overwhelming sounds and providing them with a peaceful environment.

For instance, giving your autistic child noise-canceling headphones is a great way to prepare them for the dentist or any other noisy, stressful environment, such as the mall.

Hammocks

Hammocks can provide autistic children with deep pressure and controlled movement.

These sensory aids can help your child feel secure, soothe their sensory system, and help them unwind their tension.

Hang a hammock in your child’s room or outdoors, and introduce it as a relaxation tool during times of high anxiety or sensory overload.

Understanding and embracing sensory aids can help your autistic child thrive in their development.

Try these sensory aids to create an environment that is comfortable and supportive for your autistic child, and don’t forget to observe what works best and adjust accordingly.