Everyday Therapy: On the Go Sensory Tools

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We have homeschooled in part for one of our kids to have a positive sensory environment so they can focus on learning and not on their senses being overloaded in a traditional classroom. We also make an effort to participate in learning opportunities in our community when we can.  By controlling their sensory diet we can work on their social skills when we are out and about.  We have a set of Sensory Tools we take with us when we are away from home.

Our child’s autism shows itself strongly with their sensory sensitivities, things like loud noises and busy crowded spaces can be overwhelming and make them easily agitated and anxious. We have learned many ways we can help them control their sensory input from working with an Occupational Therapist.  Through trial and error we found the ones that work the best for our child.

On adventure days our child takes a backpack. It has many of the sensory tools we have found to help them adapt for their sensory challenges.  Having tools available to them empowers them to control the situation and learn to stay calm.  We are able to make the best of the environments we encounter.

So, What are Our Sensory Tools?

–Grounding Object.  For our child that’s a Blanket. They grew attached to it when they were a baby. It is never far away from them even at home.  Its presence and silky tag help them stay regulated and focused.

–Noise Canceling Headphones are the #1 tool our child uses. They are easy to pull out in church or a noisy classroom. These help them control the environment so its less intimidating to them. Our child is 7 now, as they have grown they started using these less than they did a few years ago.

–Weighted Lap pad – This was a suggestion from our Occupational Therapist. The pressure of the weighted lap pad provides is calming and provides positive stimulation. Pushing on walls or a good bear hug can provide similar sensory input. Our child can wear their lap pad on their shoulders when they needs to, it has magnets in the corners to stick together and hold it on him. Having the weight in their backpack also provides the deep pressure when they carries the bag. Both of our weighted items are from CapeAble Weighted Products.

–Fidgets lets our child move their hands and stay busy when they are in situations they can’t get up and move physically. They can play with it in their lap while sitting listening to someone talk or waiting in a line. We really like this Fidget Toy Set which let us try out a variety of fidgets and see what they like. Some fidgets you might already have a round your house include Tangles, Slinkys, Puzzle Cubes, Rubber bands, textured balls, or Silly Putty. You have to see what your sensory seeker likes.

-A book to read, waiting is one of the hardest things for our child. So we often bring along something of interest to have ready when the need to wait arises. Usually this is a few books to read from our home library, I wouldn’t recommend library books for the risk of losing them. They often reads these in the car when we run errands for an extended time or when they get bored waiting for us grown ups to finish talking somewhere.

-A Water Bottle, we often forget to repack this as they often takes it out of their bag. Taking a drink of water can be an important detraction tool when they get anxious or agitated. They can also be demanding when they are thirsty and can’t get a drink immediately so the problem is solved when they carries their own supply!

-A Backpack to carry it all.  The action of carrying the weighted backpack can provide input.  It helps the child work towards being a self advocate in meeting their own sensory needs.  I would suggest a simple design with only a large and small pocket.  Its easy to lose things in too many pockets and an unneeded stress when dealing with preventing a meltdown.