Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a complex set of neurological disorders that severely impair social, communicative and cognitive functions.
Many parents of children newly diagnosed with autism aren’t aware of the many tools that can help them and their child manage the stress in everyday activities that the disorder can create.
In advance of Autism Awareness Month in April, a group of companies that create sensory tools for individuals with autism, including Time Timer and Senseez, curated the Essential Eight Sensory Tools to help individuals (and, especially, children) with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) navigate everyday life without sensory overload.
The following recommended tools have helped many individuals with autism, with some serving this population for more than 20 years.
Essential Eight Sensory Tools – Featured are Time Timer PLUS 60 Minute Timer, Senseez Vibrating Pillow, EZPZ Happy Mat, Manimo Weighted Animal, Chewigem Jewelry, and items from the No Noise Fidget Box by Fidget Club (PRNewsfoto/Time Timer,Senseez)
TIME TIMER PLUS 60 MINUTE VISUAL TIMER
Through visual cues, this timer empowers those with ASD to ‘see’ time pass as the red disk disappears. It helps with transition anxiety, sensory overload and sticking with routines. Perfect for kids of all ages and adults. $40. timetimer.com
SENSEEZ VIBRATING PILLOW
These lightweight, fun-shaped and portable vibrating cushions offer a gentle sensation when they are squeezed or sat on to soothe the body. Great for home, school or on the go to help with relaxation, focus & calming anxiety. $30. senseez.com
EZPZ HAPPY MAT
The Happy Mat is an all-in-one placemat and plate that suctions to the table and captures mealtime mess. Made from food safe silicone, it gives children with autism a sensory experience with a smile! $25. ezpzfun.com
NO NOISE FIDGET BOX BY FIDGET CLUB
Hand picked by an autistic individual, this box features the most popular silent fidgets to busy the hands and free the mind. Perfect for classrooms, lectures, desks and meetings to always have a fidget on hand. $40. fidgetclub.com
TIME TIMER PLUS 60 MINUTE VISUAL TIMER
Through visual cues, this timer empowers those with ASD to ‘see’ time pass as the red disk disappears. It helps with transition anxiety, sensory overload and sticking with routines. Perfect for kids of all ages and adults. $40. timetimer.com
SENSEEZ VIBRATING PILLOW
These lightweight, fun-shaped and portable vibrating cushions offer a gentle sensation when they are squeezed or sat on to soothe the body. Great for home, school or on the go to help with relaxation, focus & calming anxiety. $30. senseez.com
EZPZ HAPPY MAT
The Happy Mat is an all-in-one placemat and plate that suctions to the table and captures mealtime mess. Made from food safe silicone, it gives children with autism a sensory experience with a smile! $25. ezpzfun.com
NO NOISE FIDGET BOX BY FIDGET CLUB
Hand picked by an autistic individual, this box features the most popular silent fidgets to busy the hands and free the mind. Perfect for classrooms, lectures, desks and meetings to always have a fidget on hand. $40. fidgetclub.com
EMS EARMUFFS FOR KIDS
Light but sturdy and designed to take anywhere from sporting events to air travel, these ear muffs reduce noise while allowing kids to hear the voice of their parents. $35. earmuffsforkids.com
GONGE TACTILE DISKS FROM AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS
Ideal for either hand-held or floor based activities, these disks challenge children’s sense of touch and their ability to describe sense impressions. The sight of these colorful disks arouses playfulness and a desire to touch, feel and explore. $100. amep.com
CHEWIGEM JEWELRY
This line of jewelry provides a perfect alternative for those with ASD who have the need to chew when anxious or overstimulated. Made of silicone, these self-soothers are safe, stylish and discreet. $20. chewigemusa.com
MANIMO WEIGHTED ANIMALS
Created for kids with learning challenges, these weighted animals calm, soothe and comfort children with ASD. Great for class, during homework time or bedtime, it helps decrease anxiety, better handle stress and feel centered no matter their environment. $50. manimo.ca
The Essential Eight Sensory Tools can be found on their individual websites or on amazon.com.
Anllelic Lozada “Angie” is a proud P.A.N.K (professional aunt with no kids), a Personal Marketing Strategist in NYC and Los Tweens & Teens “Tia-in-Charge,” based in New York City. Anllelic wants you to best your best life so you can positively influence your tween and teen. Subscribe to her weekly e-newsletter in Spanish in marketingparatucarrera.com/Vendete, where she shares personal marketing strategies to help you “Comunicar lo genial que eres.”