12 Sensory room tips for your child with autism

Sensory activities and spaces can help children with autism calm down and focus. These sensory room tips will help you create the perfect space for your child.

You have probably heard about the benefits of a sensory room for children with autism. You may be worried that creating a sensory room is costly and time-consuming but it doesn’t have to be.

These are of my best sensory room tips that I have put in place in my centre for children with autism – Le Chemin ABA, in Paris :

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1. Have a bean bag chair – I love this one.

2. Prepare some sensory boxes for your child with autism – here are 25 sensory box filler ideas to help you get started (plus you probably already have everything you need to make them in your home).

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3. Use an essential oil diffuser to diffuse organic lavender essential oil into your child’s sensory space. Lavender oil promotes calm and peace.

4. Provide soft textures in the form of cuddly blankets, throw pillows and a cosy rug.

5. Have a selection of calming music. Classical music is my favorite. I love this classical music for babies CD and use it all the time at my center.

6. Provide some calming activities such as puzzles, board books and stuffed animals.

7. Provide visual stimulation. These mini lava lamps are adorable and so relaxing and fun for the children with whom I work. We also love this star night light projector.

8. Choose some soft lighting that is calming and relaxing for your child. Also, provide some sensory lights for your child to engage with such as this lava lamp.

9. Choose some tactile sensory furniture for your child with autism.

10. Leave room for gross motor activities – these foam blocks provide sensory input and are great for climbing and building. I also love this elephant tunnel.

11. Create a small box of fidgets for your child – this post explains how to make your own.

12. Create the full body sensory experience – I love this mini ball pit.

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Tips for using your autism sensory room :

1. Create a sensory schedule for your child. Why not give your little one a sensory break one or two times per day? Schedule it for the same time each day and your child will start to rely on this wonderful sensory break and use it to focus and calm down.

2. Share your child’s sensory moment. This is an opportunity to connect and share a special moment together.

3. Use this space to help your child calm down before bed!