10 Simple Sensory Strategies for Autistic Children
- Tuyen Pham
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience sensory processing challenges, affecting their ability to focus, interact, and adapt to their surroundings. Here are 10 simple sensory strategies from Corinna Laurie, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist at the National Autistic Society, to support children effectively:
1️⃣ Managing Noise Sensitivity: Provide noise-canceling headphones, calming earplugs, or allow children to listen to music while concentrating.
2️⃣ Reducing Sensitivity to Touch: Let the child stand at the front or back of a line to avoid accidental bumps. Allow them to transition between classes a few minutes early to avoid crowded hallways.
3️⃣ Supporting Children Who Struggle to Sit Still: Offer frequent movement breaks and alternative seating like wobble cushions or stools. Provide fidget toys to help with focus.
4️⃣ Helping Children Who Seek Deep Pressure: Use Lycra undergarments, compression shirts, or weighted lap pads. Inflatable canoe chairs can also provide a sense of security.
5️⃣ Improving Reading Comfort: Replace white paper with a buff-colored background and use easy-to-read fonts to reduce visual strain. Consider adapting PowerPoint presentations for better accessibility.
6️⃣ Managing Sensory Sensitivity to Smell: Allow children to use a wristband with a drop of their preferred scent (oil, shampoo, or perfume) to help mask overwhelming odors.
7️⃣ Encouraging Food Exploration: Support children with limited diets by letting them explore different food textures and colors without pressure, outside of mealtimes.
8️⃣ Creating a Safe & Quiet Space: Set up a calming area with a pop-up tent, blankets, bean bags, or other sensory-friendly items to help children self-regulate.
9️⃣ Providing Safe Chewing Alternatives: Offer sensory chew toys, crunchy breadsticks, or carrot sticks. Drinking from a sports bottle can also help satisfy oral sensory needs.
🔟 Making Tooth Brushing Easier: Use a vibrating toothbrush, a Collis Curve toothbrush (which cleans all surfaces at once), and unflavored toothpaste like Oranurse.
👉 Implementing these strategies can help children feel more comfortable, improve focus, and better navigate their daily environments.
📌 Source: Corinna Laurie, National Autistic Society
🔗 Read more at: Autism.org.uk
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