Sensory Tool Gift-Guide: 12 Sensory Tools to Support Your Loved One with Sensory Processing Differences

People with autism often have sensory processing differences, but those with anxiety, depression, ADHD or other conditions may also struggle with sensory processing. Sensory differences can make sensory input like bright lights, loud noises or new smells feel overwhelming.

When people encounter these things, they may have an overreaction — like a desire to flee — or an under-reaction or emotional withdrawal — like completely shutting down. It makes attending community activities, like sporting events, concerts, plays, parties, museums, etc., incredibly difficult. For individuals with sensory differences, new experiences are also hard because they have no idea if they’ll encounter these sensory triggers.

But using sensory tools can help people with sensory processing differences calm their bodies, when they encounter an overwhelming sensation, or modify their environment, so they can be shielded from the sensory input. Someone who is sensitive to bright light can put on a pair of sunglasses to shield their eyes. An individual with sound sensitivity can put on noise-canceling headphones or earplugs that block certain sounds. Here are a few gift ideas for your loved one with sensory differences, provided by the Fraser Sensory Certified™ Supports and Training team.

Cocoon swings

Swings are a common sensory tool occupational therapists use to help people regulate or calm their bodies. Swinging back and forth is inherently soothing.  A cocoon swing also has enclosed sides, which provides deep pressure input.  A cocoon swing is “a calming type of sensory swing that provides proprioceptive input, assists with soothing strong emotions, and gives a nice deep pressure input which is calming and grounding for some children.” Many online retailers, including Fun & Function, have various options, depending on how it will be used and the size of the person using it. There are also swings that can be bolted into a ceiling joist, freestanding swings with a frame or some that mount to door frames. Outdoor cocoon swings are also available for the warmer months.

Weighted lap pad or clothing

Weighted clothing or lap pads apply deep pressure across the body to mimic a firm hug, a gentle squeeze or a soothing touch. This activates your rest and digest response and prevents your fight, flight or freeze response. The proprioceptive input feels calming and grounding and can improve focus, attention and reduce feelings of anxiety. A weighted lap pad or hoodie can benefit individuals with sensory differences, anxiety and other conditions that cause heightened arousal levels.

Weighted clothing is usually worn over other clothing. Some weighted clothing has removable weighted pouches, so the weight can be adjusted to each individual. The recommended amount of weight is 5-10% of a person’s body weight. So, a 150-pound person could use anywhere from 7.5 to 15 pounds of weight.

Other types of weighted clothing are made from heavier material, like the Tranquil Hoodie™ from Comfrt, which is made from heavyweight combed cotton.

Compression clothing

Compression clothing, including snug-fitting shirts, pants or socks, applies constant and evenly distributed pressure to the body's muscles and joints, which provides a calming effect. Compression clothing can also support muscles and joints, which helps with posture. This can benefit children who struggle with stability and need help maintaining their posture.

“Athleticwear is a great option, too,” says Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Manager Gina Brady. “Fitted base layers, spandex leggings, etc., all work for compression! As long as they're a material that feels comfortable for that individual.”

Compression clothing can also help with sensitivity to fabric textures. For example, a lycra-based long-sleeve shirt can be worn under a polyester uniform shirt, to prevent the irritating fabric from touching the person’s skin. Deep pressure effects wear off once the body is used to the input — after about 20 minutes — but compression clothing continues to provide a barrier to an irritating fabric. Check out local designer and friend of Fraser Molly Fuller for compression shirts.

Chewy jewelry

People with sensory differences often find chewing soothing. You may even be among them; think about that last time you chewed on a pen cap during a long meeting. Luckily, there are now a variety of chewy necklaces and bracelets made from food-grade silicon. This jewelry offers a safe alternative to other objects and is also a good option to use out in the community. Check out Ark Therapeutic for various chewelery options, perfect for a gift.

Fidgets

You’re probably familiar with fidgets, whether a fidget spinner or a pop-it.  Fidget tools can give people something safe to do with their hands and help support learning and concentration. Brady says you’ll want to find a fidget appropriate for each person. For example, an individual with ADHD, who has difficulty sitting still, may benefit from using a fidget spinner, giving their hands tactile sensory input. However, for many other people, a fidget spinner is a distraction. You could try a pop-it, a stretchy sensory fidget string, weighted fidget lizard, or a number of other fidgets. If you’re giving fidgets as a gift, you might not be sure which works, so you can always try a small variety, like this fidget box from Target. Or maybe your kid loves playing with their food? Check out these MindWare foodie fidgets sushi tray fidgets, for ages 5 and up.

Fidget rings

Fidgets rings also make a great gift for people with sensory differences and anxiety. CONQUERing offers rings that spin, click and allow you to swap out the stone or message. They’ve even got rings with braille messages. Websites like Pura Vida, Etsy and Amazon also offer fidget ring options.

Seating options for kids who crave movement

Some kids with sensory differences crave movement, so sitting still is hard. Alternate seating options can help them stay focused, by allowing more movement while remaining sitting. Seating options include exercise balls, wiggle cushions or bean bag chairs. Wiggle cushions, like the lean and learn wedge, often have tactile bumps that can provide needed sensory input. These can be placed on a chair, the floor or other surfaces where an individual might sit. Seating like the lean and learn wedge also “gently tilts the hips, pelvis and spine forward to place children in a more active seating position to allow for wiggling which increases focus.” These can be used at school, at home or out in the community.

Loop earplugs

Loop earplugs are well-reviewed and regarded among people with sensory differences and others looking to protect their ears during loud concerts and events. Loop offers earplug options for a variety of settings, whether you’re on an airplane, sleeping or trying to avoid certain background noises while still hearing conversation.

Sunglasses

Dark, UV-protective sunglasses help eliminate glare from bright lights. Sensitivity to bright light is a common sensory difference, and it can make spending time outside, or around bright lighting, like theater lights, overwhelming. Sunglasses allow people to comfortably attend fairs, sporting events, performances and any other activity where they might encounter bright lighting. Plus, there are so many fun sunglass options out there!

Rocking chair

Rocking back and forth is soothing to the body. The motion stimulates the vestibular system, introduces calm feelings, and counteracts stress and anxiety. You’re probably familiar with traditional, wooden rocking chairs. However, there are also many affordable and modern options like the Ikea POÄNG chair and even this mini rocker from UNFNSHED, perfect for a child’s DIYing.

Fraser Sensory Kit

A Fraser Sensory Kit is a bag with tools to help people with sensory differences modify their environment, so they can self-regulate while out in the community. The kits can be helpful to keep in the car for unexpected stops, at concerts and sporting events, while waiting at the grocery store or doctor or any other activities where an individual feels over- or under-stimulated.

It includes:

• A drawstring bag
• Noise-reducing hearing protection earmuff
• Snap and click fidget
• Squishy star stress reliever
• Sunglasses
• Clip-on identification tag with pen
• Write-on, wipe-off memo board
• Sensory chew necklace
• 3-minute timer
• Visual choice card
• Stuffed animal, like Fidget the dog or Tito the tortoise

A subscription to a wellness/mindfulness app

Being mindful, or being present in the moment, has been proven to have many mental health benefits and is a helpful tool for anyone, but particularly for the neurodiverse population. Here are some apps that encourage mindfulness and help support mental well-being. Calm is a “mental health brand with the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation…We’re here to help you sleep more, stress less and live mindfully.”

The Headspace website states, “Through evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you.”