Sensory Processing Resources
Sensory Help for Kids with ASD
A lot of kids on the autism spectrum also have many sensory challenges that come with it. These challenges oftentimes make it difficult for them to regulate and function on a daily basis. Over the years, we have tried many things to help our children cope and learn to overcome their sensory challenges. Listed below are some of the things that have worked for us, and I pray that you might be able to find something to help your little one as well.
Sensory Overload Causing Meltdowns?
Do you feel like you are always walking on eggshells or just waiting for the next meltdown to happen with your child? Do you feel ill-equipped to help your child recover from a meltdown or sensory overload? I know exactly how you feel. That was my life at the beginning of our autism diagnosis with our son.
Discovering how your child processes, being able to foresee a meltdown, and helping your child learn to cope is a tremendous blessing. You, too, can learn to navigate and successfully handle the meltdowns when you begin to study your child. I have created the Autism Spectrum Meltdown Workbook to help you observe your child and what might be causing your little one to become overwhelmed. In learning, you can help your child de-escalate quicker and experience fewer meltdowns.
Picky Eaters?
Do you have a very picky eater? One who refuses food due to taste, texture, or smell? Food Sensitivities are a big part of kids on the spectrum and can leave you feeling frustrated trying to get your child to eat anything. One of my biggest challenges is remembering which child had an aversion to what food! So, I created the Weekly Meal Planner with a family ratings system built in. Now, I can plan meals More easily by glancing back at old plans to remember my family's opinions or aversions and how they rated the meal. If they love it, I can repeat the meal. If they hated it, I won't schedule it again! I hope it helps you, too!
Recommended Sensory Products:
Swings are a MUST with our kiddos. We have several to allow for variety for our kids to choose from. Daily swinging helps regulate their vestibular system and brings a sense of calm to their sensory sensitivities.
Rope Swing
Rope swings can be place anywhere! We like to hang ours on the front porch. These kind of swings allow for not only back and forth movement, but round and around.
Porch Swing
Porch swings are great for calming an overstimulated child. you can swing together with your child and sooth them with the movement, as well as your presence.
Portable Hammocks
Our oldest child with ASD prefers his hammock. he sits for hours in it outside listening to music to help regulate himself. the cocoon feeling a hammock provides is also very calming.
When Meltdowns occur, it can sometimes seem impossible to calm your child. Below are some of our go-to tools to help, especially if we are not at home around our swings. We have tried many over the years, but these are a couple of our favorites.
Water Timers
Water timers are extremely portable and can be carried almost anywhere. there is something super relaxing about how the bubbles move down and the colors change. Our boys can watch these for a very long time and help bring them back into a calmed state.
Quiet Headphones
Quiet head phones help to eliminate loud, distracting noises for kiddos who get overwhelmed due to auditory input. They are also great to help focus on tasks that need more attention to detail.
Pop Fidget Toys
This is a more recent find. It is a bit loud, with the pop noise each time you reset it, (not something you would use in quiet settings) But this is able to hold my guy's attention and keep him distracted as he "plays" to calm himself down.