I use calming bottles for autism all the time at my autism center here in Paris. A calming bottle is also known as a calm down bottle, a sensory bottle, a glitter jar, a glitter water bottle, a glitter mason jar, a discovery bottle or a glitter bottle. Whatever you call it, it’s a lot of fun and an essential tool for children with autism who have specific sensory sensitivities and sensory needs that require sensory regulation.
I love this video of a mom and her autistic son showing you how to make a sensory bottle! Glitter sensory bottles for autism are so much fun! Watch the video to get an idea of what a calming bottle is and how you can make one too. Then scroll down to see my list of 23 DIY calming bottles for autism and choose your favorite to make today.
Our favorite calming bottles for autism (that I use at my autism center on the regular)
(Choose your favorite calming bottle for autism to make and click on the link below!)
Glitter Jars that Help Kids Control Their Feelings
Frozen-Inspired Snowstorm Sensory Bottle
Mini Aquarium in a Bottle : Ocean Sensory Play to Learn and Explore
Slow-Falling Beads Sensory Bottle
Shake and Search “I Spy” Bottle
Gold and Silver Glitter Sensory Bottles
Slow Falling Hearts Sensory Bottle
Good Night Moon Sensory Bottle (you guys, this one is in a honey bear bottle, so cute!)
How to use a calming bottle with kids with autism
- Sensory break
- As part of a sensory box activity
- In your Progress Nook
- While traveling with your child with autism (waiting, car trips, train adventures, flights)
- While waiting
- During medical visits (waiting again)
Pros of using calming bottles for autism
Cons of using calming bottles for autism
Important Takeaways
- Benefits
- Careful – cons
- If you’re feeling stressed, these will work for you too! (No joking – these are so relaxing to look at.)
More Sensory Play Ideas for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
- Sensory Boxes for Autism
- Calming Bottles for Autism
- Sensory Break Cards
- Animal Playdough Mats
- Pointing Book
More Autism Learning Resources
- The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
- Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
- Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
- How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
- Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!
Enjoy these DIY Calming Bottles for Autism
Make a DIY calming bottle for your child with autism and get started learning, playing and relieving stress today.
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