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We have acquired sensory items over the years that have helped our autistic boy. We use sensory items to manage behaviors and for his enjoyment in meeting his sensory needs.
1. Chewy
Chewies support both child and adult oral motor. For our son, chewies support his oral fixation and prevent him from mouthing random and unsafe objects into his mouth. Chewies came in a variety of shapes, sizes, and strengths. When our son was younger, he often used this chewy necklace. It is soft and has texture. Now he is older and uses a stronger chewy like this here. The stronger chewy is recommended for only children older than seven or adults because the material made from the chewy is tough and not suitable for younger children. Chewies can be a choking hazard. Please supervise children while using them, especially for the softer chewies, as they break when used often.
2. Vests – Compression & Weighted Compression
We often use compression and weighted vests in our home to self-regulate. Our son likes to be held and snuggled, and his compression vest provides him a squeeze as if someone is hugging him tightly—weighted vest work to promote a sense of calm and focus. The pressure from the weight helps our son feel relaxed, and he is then more able to process information. We often only use the weighted vest for twenty to thirty minutes and the compression vest longer, especially if his body is not active, i.e., jumping, running and climbing.
3. Therapy Brush
A sensory or therapy brush improves focus, self-regulation, and assists in participating in activities. This brushing technique is part of the Wilbarger Protocol. Read more about it here. The protocol consists of deep pressure brushing followed up with joint compression. You can watch a five-minute youtube video on how an Occupational Therapist would administer the protocol. I brush our son daily to help him self-regulate and stay calm. Our son enjoys being brushed and often smiles when being brushed.
4. Oils
*** Make sure to research before you use essential oils on yourself or your family members
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A scent is a powerful tool that directly connects to our emotional brain, whereby what we smell influences our mood. Certain oils such as lavender are known to assist with sleep and produce a sense of calm. Essential oils are our go-to tool in our home. We diffuse Young Living essential oils in our home every day and apply them to our arms, feet, and back of the neck/spine as often as we need them. We diffuse lavender during bedtime and often use diluted oils on our eight, five, and one year children to regulate their emotions.