Calming Tools for Autism

Understanding Sensory Needs and Creating Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Did you know that utism and anxiety are often linked? In fact, a staggering 40% of young people with autism experience anxiety according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Furthermore, are you surprosed to learn that managing the sensory experience is key to helping with autism and anxiety? By understanding how sensory processing works and implementing calming tools for autism, individuals can better manage their sensory environment and reduce anxiety. Moreover, businesses and organizations can create more inclusive spaces by incorporating sensory-friendly practices, including products, leading to improved customer experiences and employee well-being.

The Interconnectedness of Senses, Autism, and Anxiety

The intricate relationship between sensory processing, autism, and anxiety underscores the complexity of human experience. While autism often manifests with pronounced sensory sensitivities, it’s crucial to recognize that sensory processing challenges are not exclusive to individuals on the spectrum. Anxiety, a common human emotion, can be significantly amplified by sensory overload, regardless of neurodiversity.

Sensory processing is the way our brains interpret information from our senses. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to sensory sensitivities, which range from under-responsivity to over-responsivity. For individuals with autism, these sensitivities can be profound, impacting daily life and contributing to heightened anxiety levels. However, sensory overload and the subsequent emotional distress are experiences shared by many, regardless of a formal autism diagnosis.

Making the World a More Welcoming Place for Everyone

By delving into the complexities of sensory processing, we can gain a deeper understanding of how it intersects with autism and anxiety. This knowledge empowers us to create more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.

A Sensory-Friendly Success Story

For years, the Miller family had avoided movie theaters due to their son, Ethan’s, overwhelming sensory sensitivities as part of his autism. The bright lights, loud sounds, and crowded environment were simply too much for him. However, everything changed when a local cinema announced sensory-friendly screenings.

During the sensory-friendly screening, the lights were dimmed, the sound was lowered, and audience members were free to move around or leave the theater if needed. Ethan was able to enjoy the movie without experiencing sensory overload. For the first time, the Millers felt like they were part of a community that understood and accommodated their son’s needs.

The positive experience at the cinema empowered the Millers to explore other sensory-friendly options. They discovered sensory-friendly playgroups, restaurants, and even a local park that offered quiet spaces. As Ethan’s confidence grew, so did his ability to handle sensory challenges in everyday life.

The Miller family’s story highlights the transformative impact that sensory-friendly environments can have on individuals with autism and their families. Importantly, by creating inclusive spaces, businesses and organizations can make a significant difference in the lives of countless people.

Understanding the Eight Senses

Many people, including those with autism, have sensory difficulties. Furthermore, to understand these difficulties, it’s important to go beyond the traditional five senses and explore the eight senses we all possess:

• Sight
• Hearing
• Taste
• Touch
• Smell
• Movement (proprioception)
• Balance (vestibular)
• Internal body awareness (interoception)

Our bodies have amazing ways to sense the world around us. Besides seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching, we also have three other important senses:

• Proprioception helps us know where our body is in space. It’s like having an inner GPS that tells us where our arms and legs are without looking.
• Vestibular sense helps us keep our balance and know where we are in space. It’s like having a built-in level to keep us upright.
• Interoception helps us understand what’s going on inside our bodies. It’s like an amplifier, listening to our body’s messages about hunger, pain, or how we feel.
• Learn more: You Have Eight Senses Not Five

Sensory Sensitivity, Overload, Processing, and Differences

For instance, when we talk about sensory difficulties, we often use terms like:

• Sensory sensitivity: This refers to a heightened or diminished awareness of sensory stimuli. Dive deeper: Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?
• Sensory overload: This occurs when the senses become overwhelmed by too much sensory input. Discover more: Sensory Overload: Is it a Problem in Your Life?
• Sensory processing: This describes how the brain receives, interprets, and responds to sensory information.
• Sensory processing disorders (SPDs): These are neurological conditions that affect how the brain processes sensory information.
• Sensory differences: This is a broader term encompassing variations in how people experience and respond to sensory input. Explore more: Understanding Sensory Disorders and Differences

It’s important to remember that sensory sensitivities and overload can be experienced by people across the lifespan and may be temporary or permanent. Furthermore, they can also occur in people with diagnoses like:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Hearing loss
• Dementia
• Developmental disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Long COVID
• Low vision
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• And many, many more visible and invisible disabilities: Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?

Sensory-Friendly for DEI, Accessibility, and Inclusion

Creating sensory-friendly environments aligns with the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In addtion, it fosters accessibility and allows everyone to participate and feel welcome. Therefore, by considering the sensory experiences of individuals, particularly those with autism, anxiety, or sensory processing differences, businesses and organizations can create more inclusive spaces. Specifically, calming tools for autism, because of the prevalance of anxiety in autistic persons, and strategies to manage sensory overload are essential components of creating a welcoming environment for all.

Benefits for Businesses

For example, here’s how sensory-friendly experiences can benefit businesses and organizations:

• Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty: When customers feel comfortable and included, they’re more likely to return and recommend your business.
• Improved employee well-being: Sensory-friendly environments can benefit employees with sensory sensitivities as well.
• Enhanced brand reputation: Businesses that prioritize inclusivity can build a positive brand image.
• Stronger community connections: Sensory-friendly initiatives can strengthen your connection to the community.

Thriving with Autism, Anxiety, and Sensory Overload:

Practical Strategies for Individuals and Communities

Sensory overload can be a significant challenge for individuals, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. Specifically, it’s essential for both individuals and organizations to understand the strategies for managing sensory overload. Furthermore, by implementing effective coping mechanisms and creating sensory-friendly environments, we can enhance quality of life for all.

For instance, here are some strategies to help people manage sensory overload:

1. Seek Out Sensory-Friendly Events and Places: Look for businesses and organizations that offer sensory-friendly experiences, such as:
   • Sensory-friendly movies
   • Museums with sensory-friendly visiting times
   • Sensory-friendly service providers (e.g., dentists)
   • Grocery shopping during quieter hours
2. Manage the Sensory Experience by Making it Shorter:
   • Arrive late and leave early from events if possible.
3. Reduce the Sensory Experience:
   • Utilize noise-cancelling headphones.
   • Wear sunglasses indoors or outdoors on cloudy days (for light sensitivity).
4. Choose Sensory-Friendly Service Providers and Businesses: These businesses often provide accommodations like:
   • Noise-blocking headphones
   • Fidgets
   • Calming rooms or quiet spaces

Calming Tools for Sensory Overload

Here’s a table outlining various calming tools for sensory overload, categorized by the sense they target. Importantly, sensory items for autism, often referred to as autism sensory items or sensory products for autism, can provide specific support for autistic individuals with sensory processing challenges.

Sense	Description	Calming Tools
Sight	What we see	Dim lights, sunglasses, nature visuals, calming colors
Hearing	What we hear	Noise-canceling headphones, soft music, white noise machines
Touch	What we feel	Different textures, sensory toys
Taste	What we taste	Differnt flavours
Smell	What we smell	Pleasant aromas, essential oils or scent-free products and places
Movement	Proprioception – how we sense our body’s position	Weighted blankets, deep pressure, physical activity
Balance	Vestibular – how we sense our balance and movement through space	Gentle swinging, rocking, spinning toys
Internal Body Awareness	Interoception -how we sense hunger, thirst, etc.	Mindfulness, deep breathing, grounding techniques

Calming Tools for Sensory Overload: A Deeper Dive

Let’s explore specific calming tools in more detail. By understanding how these tools can address specific sensory needs, we can create more tailored and effective strategies for managing sensory overload. Moreover, they can be useful to anyone who experiences sensory overload. Consider them for yourself as an individual or as something your business or organization provides.

Sensory Lights for Autism

Sensory lights can be a valuable tool for individuals with autism or others who experience sensory overload or under-stimulation. These lights can provide a calming visual focus and help regulate emotions. There are various types of sensory lights, including:

• Fiber optic lights: These create a mesmerizing visual display.
• Projector lights: These can project calming patterns onto walls or ceilings.
• Color-changing lights: These offer a dynamic visual experience.

Sensory Items for Autism

Sensory items can provide comfort and stimulation, helping to regulate sensory input. Some popular options include:

• Weighted blankets: These provide deep pressure input, which can be calming. Be sure to use them safely! Read on: How to Pick a Weighted Blanket
• Chewable jewelry: This can help reduce anxiety and oral sensory needs.
• Fidget toys: These offer tactile stimulation and can help focus attention. Learn more: Fidgets: More Than Just Child’s Play
• Sensory boards: These combine various sensory elements into one interactive tool.
• Noise-canceling ear muffs: These provide essential protection against overwhelming sounds. Explore more about them: A Guide to Ear Protection, Headphones for Autism, and Sensory Sensitivity

Sensory Gyms for Autism

Sensory gyms offer a controlled environment where individuals can explore different sensory experiences. They often include equipment like:

• Swinging equipment: This provides vestibular input, which can improve balance and coordination.
• Climbing structures: These offer proprioceptive input, which can help with body awareness.
• Sensory walls: These feature various textures and visual elements for exploration.

Sensory Gym vs. Sensory Room

While both sensory gyms and sensory rooms are designed to provide sensory input, they serve different purposes.

• Sensory gym: These are often more active and stimulating, a sensory gym focuses on physical movement and sensory exploration. Furthermore, they typically includes equipment like swings, slides, ball pits, and climbing structures. For example, sensory gyms are ideal for children who need to burn off energy and improve motor skills.  
• Sensory room: On the other hand, these are designed for relaxation and calming, a sensory room provides a quieter environment. It often includes sensory tools like fiber optic lights, soft textures, and calming sounds. Moreover, it’s a space for individuals to regulate their senses and reduce sensory overload.  
• Learn from our expertise about sensory rooms: What is a Sensory Room?

Vibrating Stuffed Animals for Autism

Vibrating stuffed animals can provide both comfort and sensory stimulation. Vibration can be calming and can also help regulate emotions. Furthermore, this soothing sensation can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. For example, by stimulating the senses and providing a consistent, predictable input, vibration can help ground individuals and reduce sensory overload. Finally, it’s often used in conjunction with other calming tools to create a multi-sensory experience.  

More resources for Autistic Persons

Discover more helpful tools and strategies in our blogs:

• Sensory Tents for Autism
• The Best Sensory Toys for Autism

The Importance of Sensory-Friendly Businesses and Organizations

Businesses and organizations that prioritize sensory-friendly experiences can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with sensory sensitivities. By creating welcoming and inclusive environments, they can attract a wider customer base and build strong community relationships.

Sensory Friendly Solutions: Our Commitment

We are passionate about helping individuals with sensory needs and creating sensory-friendly environments. Our team offers a range of services, including:

• Sensory-friendly training: Learn how to create inclusive environments and support individuals with sensory differences.
• Sensory-friendly certification: Showcase your commitment to sensory-friendly practices.
• Sensory-friendly consulting: Get expert guidance on creating sensory-friendly spaces.
• Sensory product recognition: Identify and promote sensory-friendly products.

Our Sensory-Friendly Training Membership provides access to essential courses, including our Sensory-Friendly 101 course. For a low cost, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills to create welcoming environments for everyone.

Ready to make a difference? Watch a short video from our founder and CEO Christel Seeberger about our Training Membership, where you get access to all the courses you need to be sensory-friendly for one low price!

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