Sensory Needs
Auditory
Loop ear plugs - Dampens sound while still allowing ability to hear people.
Flare Audio - Similar to loop ear plugs.
Noise Cancelling Headphones - Consider whether over the ear or in the ear would work best for your sensory needs.
Pre-load music playlists for specific moods/emotions
Research businesses for Autism-friendly hours such as sensory nights at Elevate Trampoline park, quiet hours for grocery stores, etc.
Reduce competing noise - Limit the amount of sources of sound when able to.
Touch
Temperature
Hot shower or bath with a scented steamer or bath bomb
Cold/hot drink or food
Heated blanket or lap pad
Wash face
Microwavable neck pad
Run hands under hot/cold water for a few minutes
Portable fan
Fidgets
Slime
Kinetic sand
NeeDoh style squishy cubes
Tangle toys – twistable segments that rotate endlessly
ONO rollers – smooth rolling motion between fingers
Thinking putty
Pressure
Weighted lap pads/blanket
Weighted stuffed animals
Sensory body sock
Compression vests
Lavender neck heating pad
Tight hug
Visual
Color changing adjustable light bulbs
Lava lamps and slow-moving visual projectors
Take pictures for visual memory- Use your phone to take pictures of where you parked, paperwork you need later, the thing you need to buy, and save to an album on your phone like an infodump space.
Give important things a visible home base— Keys, wallet, backpack, medication, paperwork and other frequently lost items benefit from consistent landing zones or home bases.
Color Coding/Traffic Light System - Can be used to indicate the importance or significance of tasks (and therefore help to prioritize tasks and work through them in a logical sequence). It supports looking at how many red (high energy, dificult), yellow (manageable but still productivity based, and green (restorative tasks that fill up your cup).
Taste
Sour Candy - Warheads or other extreme sour candy can help trigger people out of a meltdown or fight or flight state.
Gum - Supports need to stim with chewing.
Chewlry - Safe chewing items that come on a necklace for convenience.
Comfort Food - Familiar meals, favorite safe foods, can play with textures that meet sensory needs such as spice, sourness, crunch, etc.
Movement & Seating
Wobble cushions / wobble seats – allow gentle rocking movement
Balance balls or yoga ball chairs
Chair bands (resistance bands on chair legs)
Standing desks or floor desks
Rocking stools
Smell
Essential Oils - Can diffuse, put on a cotton ball, or on clothing to promote deep breathing and relaxation.
Candles - Get a variety of scents to help keep interest and novelty.
A favorite person's clothing or blanket - Familiar scents can be regulating because they're associated with connection and safety.
Tea, Hot Cocoa, Coffee - Incorporate a warm drink that has a soothing scent.