Sensory Tools
Sensory tools can be incredibly supportive for neurodivergent children, helping them navigate and manage sensory experiences in ways that affirm their unique neurological differences. Sensory tools aren't about trying to "fix" or eradicate behaviour; rather, they're about creating a supportive environment that respects the child's sensory needs and preferences, allowing them to thrive in a world that may feel overwhelming or under-stimulating at times.
Here's an expanded, neuro-affirming approach to sensory tools for neurodivergent children:
Understanding Sensory Processing Differences
Neurodivergent children, such as those with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Differences, or other neurodivergent traits, often experience the world through a different sensory lens. Some children may be sensory seekers, looking for more sensory input, while others may be sensory avoiders, feeling overwhelmed by certain stimuli. A neuro-affirming approach to sensory tools begins with recognising that these differences are not deficits but variations in how the brain processes sensory information. The goal is to respect these differences by providing tools that cater to their individual sensory profiles.
2. Types of Sensory Tools
Sensory tools come in many forms, designed to either provide calming input for sensory avoiders or stimulating input for sensory seekers. Below are some types of sensory tools that can be tailored to each child’s unique sensory profile:
a. Proprioceptive Tools (Body Awareness and Pressure)
Proprioception refers to the sense of where one’s body is in space, and many neurodivergent children benefit from tools that provide deep pressure or help them feel more grounded.
Compression clothing: Some neurodivergent children feel comforted by wearing snug-fitting clothes, which provide consistent sensory input throughout the day.
Body socks: These stretchy, fabric enclosures allow the child to move and stretch while feeling a sense of resistance and containment, which can be both calming and organizing.
Push-pull or heavy work activities: Engaging in physical activities like carrying a weighted backpack, pushing heavy objects, or pulling on resistance bands can give the child the sensory input they need to regulate their body.
b. Vestibular Tools (Balance and Movement)
The vestibular system helps with balance and spatial orientation. Some neurodivergent children crave movement to help them regulate, while others may need tools that stabilise their sense of balance.
Swings: Therapeutic swings (like hammock swings or platform swings) provide gentle movement and can help sensory seekers fulfil their need for vestibular input. Swings can also be calming and are often used as part of a sensory diet.
Rocking chairs or wobble cushions: These tools allow children to self-regulate through movement. Rocking back and forth can be soothing, while wobble cushions on chairs help children engage their core muscles and release energy without leaving their seats.
Trampolines or balance boards: Mini trampolines and balance boards offer a way for sensory-seeking children to engage in repetitive, rhythmic movement, helping them focus or release excess energy.
c. Tactile Tools (Touch)
Tactile tools can be especially helpful for children who are sensitive to certain textures or who seek out specific tactile sensations.
Fidget toys: Small, hand-held items like stress balls, fidget spinners, or putty can help a child self-regulate by providing tactile stimulation. These tools allow them to keep their hands busy while focusing on other tasks.
Textured objects: Items like sensory balls, brushes, or fabric swatches with different textures (rough, smooth, soft) can be soothing or stimulating, depending on the child’s preferences.
Tactile bins: These bins are filled with materials like rice, beans, sand, or water beads, allowing the child to explore different textures and engage their sense of touch in a controlled, enjoyable way.
Weighted blankets and lap pads: These tools provide deep pressure touch, which can be calming for children who need to feel more grounded or secure. Weighted blankets can be used during relaxation times or even while working on tasks that require focus.
d. Auditory Tools (Hearing)
Auditory sensitivity or auditory seeking are common among neurodivergent children. Tools that manage or provide auditory input can be incredibly supportive.
Noise-cancelling headphones: For children who are sensitive to loud or unexpected sounds, noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver, providing relief in noisy environments and reducing auditory overload. But please don’t use them all the time this will make this system more sensitive.
Soothing sounds or music: For auditory seekers, having access to calming sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or their favourite music can help them focus or relax. Music can also be used to create a calming sensory environment.
Auditory timers: Some neurodivergent children benefit from auditory timers that make sounds to indicate transitions or the passage of time. These can reduce anxiety and help with time management in a gentle, predictable way.
e. Visual Tools (Sight)
For some children, visual stimuli can be overwhelming, while others seek out visual patterns or lights to help them regulate.
Visual timers and schedules: Visual timers, like hourglasses or digital timers with countdown displays, can help neurodivergent children understand time and transitions. Visual schedules, using pictures or icons, can help them predict the day’s events, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
Lava lamps or bubble tubes: These calming, slow-moving lights can help children who seek visual input relax and focus.
Dim lighting or sunglasses: For children who are sensitive to bright lights, providing sunglasses, dimmer switches, or softly lit rooms can help reduce sensory overload.
f. Olfactory and Gustatory Tools (Smell and Taste)
Smell and taste can also play a significant role in sensory experiences. Some children are particularly sensitive to strong smells or textures, while others may seek out intense flavours or aromas.
Scented oils or diffusers: For children who are calmed by certain smells, using essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can create a soothing environment. Be mindful, though, that some neurodivergent children may have strong aversions to scents, so this should always be based on the child’s preference.
Chewing tools: Chewable necklaces or pencil toppers can help children who need oral stimulation. These are often used for sensory-seeking children who enjoy chewing to self-regulate or focus.
3. Customising Sensory Tools for the Child
A neuro-affirming approach means tailoring sensory tools to the child’s specific sensory profile. Not every child will respond to the same tools in the same way, and their needs may change over time or depending on their environment.
Sensory profiles: Work with the child, OT and caregivers to create a sensory profile, identifying whether the child is a sensory seeker, avoider, or a mix of both. This profile helps in selecting the most appropriate tools.
Trial and error: Some sensory tools may work wonders for one child but not for another. It’s important to try different tools and observe how the child responds. Let the child guide the process as much as possible, offering them autonomy to choose the tools that make them feel comfortable.
Multi-sensory integration: Many neurodivergent children benefit from using multiple sensory tools simultaneously. For example, they may enjoy rocking in a swing while listening to music or using a weighted blanket while fidgeting with a tactile toy.
4. Respecting the Child’s Sensory Boundaries
A neuro-affirming approach also means respecting the child’s sensory boundaries. Some children may be highly sensitive to certain stimuli and experience pain or discomfort when exposed to them. Forcing or pressuring a child to "tolerate" sensory input can be harmful and overwhelming.
Avoid forcing sensory experiences: Never force a child to engage with a sensory tool that they find uncomfortable or distressing. Sensory preferences are deeply personal, and what feels soothing to one child might feel overwhelming to another.
Create a sensory-safe environment: Ensure that the child’s environment is designed to reduce the sensory triggers they find overwhelming. This might mean reducing noise levels, limiting harsh lighting, or eliminating strong smells from certain areas.
Offer sensory breaks: Sometimes, neurodivergent children need a break from sensory input. Provide a calm, quiet space where they can retreat to reset and recharge when the world feels too overwhelming.
5. Building Sensory Tools into Daily Routines
Incorporating sensory tools into daily routines can help neurodivergent children regulate their sensory needs throughout the day, making transitions smoother and preventing sensory overload.
Morning sensory preparation: Start the day with sensory tools that help the child wake up and feel grounded, such as using a weighted blanket, engaging in deep pressure activities, or listening to soothing music during breakfast.
Sensory tools in school or learning environments: Provide fidget toys, seating alternatives like wobble cushions, and quiet spaces where the child can take sensory breaks during the day.
Sensory tools for bedtime: Calming sensory tools, such as a weighted blanket, soft textures, dim lighting, or white noise, can help neurodivergent children relax and transition to sleep more easily.
Empowering the Child Through Sensory Tools
Sensory tools are a powerful way to support neurodivergent children, helping them navigate a world that may sometimes feel overwhelming. A neuro-affirming approach to sensory tools emphasises the importance of understanding, respecting, and adapting to the child’s unique sensory needs rather than trying to force them to conform to neurotypical standards. By offering choice, providing sensory regulation opportunities.