As a pediatric occupational therapist, I understand that our bodies have more than five senses. Proprioceptive input, for example, involves heavy work- pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. This can be calming for many of us. Designed for compression, the nylon and spandex blend is just a bit tighter than the others in this guide. However, if your child needs the added resistance, this is an excellent option and made for more active play times. Some kids that seek proprioceptive input don’t seem to process it well. The reason we have a proprioceptive sense is to give us body awareness. Body awareness is understanding where our arm or leg is without having to look. It allows us to walk across a room full of furniture and not bump into anything.

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you outgrow your sound sensitivity. I still do not like any loud and unexpected noise. Often times, noise causes a gut reaction that makes my entire body feel uncomfortable and physically ill. Children with sensory problems often are either at high alert hyper-reactive or unresponsive (hypo-reactive) to the input from their environment. They become overly distracted by outside stimuli, or they may seek out additional sensory input from the world around them. Over responsiveness or under-responsiveness can mean difficulty with paying attention or focusing. Whichever you decide on, just make sure it is soft and breathable. You do not want anything scratchy against your child’s skin as it can cause even more irritation. Breathability is important to let air in and out, as it’s likely your child will be active while using it.Weighted Blanket – These are perfect if your child has autism and needs that extra sensory input. These typically weigh 15 pounds or more and create a very calming effect. Much like the others on this guide, you’ll find a Smart Snap closure, which is much more efficient and less irritating than Velcro alternatives which can scratch the skin and pull hair. However, it’s still secure enough to allow for resistance and excessive movement. Your child doesn’t always have to be active to receive benefits, either. Many children love crawling inside just to calm down. It is recommended, however, that they be monitored while using it.

If you feel they need that extra bit of resistance, then you can go down a size or a couple inches. If you want them to get more use out of it and not outgrow it within a year, then go up in size. If you have any doubts, simply look at the manufacturer’s sizing guide where they lay out height and age in relation to their sizes. Fabric Some manufacturers organize their products by intended age. This can give you a general idea, but most importantly, you want to make sure the length is right for your child’s height.

Stretch muscles, release energy or simply hideaway with one of our body sock 

I encourage you to think about your own body. What do you choose when you feel tired? How about when you feel upset? In fact, a study in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health discusses that “gum chewing is a popular and convenient way to help relieve stress and improve concentration.” As a teacher of children with additional needs, I’m always looking for helpful tools to support them at home and in the classroom. Add soft items to your kitchen if the noise of dishes and banging of pots and pans bothers you. Use a tablecloth on the table to dampen sound during mealtime. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of your kitchen sink so dishes do not clank on to the bottom. Sight and Smell Fewer Distractions and Calm Colors Thinking about what makes you the most comfortable can help you figure out which sensory toy or tool is the right one to choose.

Our brains are designed to protect us and when we become disorganized and upset, we release chemicals that cause fight, flight, and fright reactions. They also help some kids calm down for sleep at night, so using one as part of your bedtime routine might also be helpful. How do you deal with stress? When I’m upset, my go-to choice is to grab some ice or minty gum. The action of chewing can be calming to the muscles of the mouth. Pressure and tight-fitting undergarments sometimes provide compressing that can be calming. Companies such as Under Armour make workout clothing that is snug. Many department stores offer cheaper versions that are equally as comfortable. Deep Touch Pressure Sensory ProductsFirst, you have to know these should never be used for infants or toddlers. Even though they are made to be as safe as possible, they are designed for children who are at least 4 years old or so. Essential oils, candles, lotions, and incense can alter mood and setting. Many of these can be applied to the sensory needs of adults as well.

Balls of all shapes and sizes can be rolled on the body, used for massage, rolled underneath your feet, over sore muscles and used for fidgeting. Fidget or Stimming Toys for Adults

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Regular participation in activities that both make us feel more comfortable and deliver oxygen to our brains via deep breathing or movement help to regulate and keep in what therapists call the ‘just right’ state of being. It’s when we are in this state that we can interact and function at our best. Whole Body Sensory Tools for Adults Compression Clothing While many of these products are marketed as “autism toys”, even neurotypical adults can benefit from their use. We all have different patterns of sensory integration or sensory processing that makes us unique and can benefit from support when under stress or trying to achieve a state of calm relaxation. This year, children may return to school with an even higher level of anxiety or worries. Things are different this year and the school schedule may be different. Maybe kids are not in school at all.