6 Sensory Items that we love to use
Sensory items are really useful for autistic children. They provide them with sensory feedback and help to calm anxiety.
Below is a list of six sensory items that we love to use and these help Edward in different ways. I’m not saying that you should rush out and buy them but I’m explaining how we use them and how they work for us.
I’m not recommending a particular type of each one, apart from the Born Anxious clothing range, because they are just amazing!
1. Weighted blanket
I have to count myself lucky that Edward goes to bed with out a fuss at around 8pm. There are so many autistic children who struggle to go to sleep.
However, for a time, Edward kept waking at 3am and not going back to sleep. As I work as a full time secondary school teacher, there was no way I could carry on like this. You can read all about this here.
So we decided to invest in a weighted blanket. This has helped loads and he is back to mostly consistent sleeping. I say mostly because there are still times when he gets up at 3am!
I would recommend buying a weighted blanket with a removable cover that can be washed. The blankets come in different weights. Here is a link to a guide for choosing the correct weight.
2. Lava lamp
A Lava lamp is another sensory tool that we use at bedtime too. If we put Edward to bed and turn all the lights off, he shouts that its too dark. So a lava lamp gives off a warm, soft light and it is calming to watch the lava blob up and down. However, it takes a looooooooong time to warm up and get going, so we have to remember to switch it on early.
3. Ooze Tube
Never mind Edward, I flipping love these. There is something so satisfying and fascinating watching a big pink blobby liquid slowly glooping down. Edward is transfixed by this as well and is a great tool for distracting and calming them.
4. Bubbles
I’ve mentioned Edward’s love of bubbles in previous posts. I wouldn’t say that bubbles calm Edward down but he jumps for absolute joy when he sees them. Bubbles are certain to make Edward happy and anyone else who is watching.
5. Born Anxious Clothing
Clothing can be another contentious issue for autistic children. They can struggle with labels and seams causing irritation.
So we are very fortunate to have discovered an amazing clothing range called Born Anxious. Developed by Kellie who is a Mum of an autistic child a similar age to Edward. Not only are these clothes comfortable for autistic children but also planet friendly. They also do a range of symbols and slogans. My favourite one is Label Free with the laundry symbols. You can red our detailed review here.
Edward’s favourite are the zip up hoodies as he loves to walk around with the hood up.
6. Fleece blankets
As well as having a weighted blanket to sleep in, Edward also has two fleece blankets/throws that he loves. He has a grey one and yellow one. His favourite thing to do is to sit on the sofa wrapped up in them and also take them both to bed.
There are lots more sensory items on the market but these are just a few that work for us.
