Sensory Strategies to Help Children With Autism

Hi, I’m Alicia Clark, a mother of three wonderful children, a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, and the founder of Faith and Function. I am Autism certified and hold certifications in Therapeutic Listening and Astronaut Training. With over 18 years of experience supporting healthcare professionals, educators, children, and families with sensory processing challenges, I’m passionate about helping families navigate the factors that impact behavior and development.

This guide offers easy-to-implement sensory solutions to help children regulate, focus, and thrive at home and in the community.

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Helping Autistic Children Thrive with Sensory Strategies

Sensory processing challenges in autistic children can impact emotions, daily activities, communication, feeding, and mobility, often leading to difficulties at home, school, and in social settings. However, with the right strategies, parents and caregivers can support sensory regulation effectively. Here are practical, evidence-based approaches to help at home and in the community.

Understanding Sensory Processing in Autism

Autistic children often experience sensory differences that impact their ability to self-regulate, communicate, and engage in daily activities. These challenges can lead to meltdowns, anxiety, feeding issues, and difficulty in social situations.

In addition to sensory input from the environment, certain food additives, like artificial dyes, may contribute to sensory sensitivities. Some autistic children may experience behavioral or regulatory changes in response to red dye. You can learn more about this connection in my post on Red Dye and Sensory Sensitivities: What You Need to Know

Common sensory challenges in Autism include:

• Hypersensitivity (Over-Responsive): May react strongly to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. Often feels overwhelmed in busy environments.
• Hyposensitivity (Under-Responsive): May seek movement (spinning, jumping), have a high pain tolerance, or struggle to notice temperature changes.
• Mixed Response: Some children may even have a mixed response, experiencing both under- and over-processing depending on the type of input or their state of regulation.
• Difficulty with Routines & Transitions: Sudden changes may cause distress.
• Personal Space & Touch Sensitivity: May struggle with social boundaries or dislike certain types of touch.

Understanding these patterns helps parents create a structured, supportive environment that reduces anxiety and promotes success.

Top Sensory Strategies for Autistic Children

Providing a variety of sensory strategies can help autistic children regulate their nervous system and improve daily functioning. Below are additional techniques parents can use to support their child's sensory needs.

1. Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home
A structured, calming environment helps prevent sensory overload before it happens. Parents can:

• Reduce noise sensitivity with noise-canceling headphones. 
• Provide a quiet retreat with a white noise machine to create a soothing background sound.
• Minimize visual overstimulation by using soft lighting, like a Himalayan salt lamp.
• Offer cozy seating with a wobble cushion or weighted lap pad for comfort and grounding.
• Encourage movement regulation with an indoor sensory swing.
  
  Learn more in my post: Take Control of Sensory Overload: Preventing Meltdowns Before They Happen
  

2. Deep Pressure Strategies to Help Autistic Kids Stay Calm
Deep pressure input calms the nervous system and improves body awareness.

• Provide proprioceptive input with a weighted blanket or compression vest for all-day regulation.
• Encourage deep pressure play like pillow squishes, bear hugs, or pushing a laundry basket full of books.
• Support oral motor regulation with a chewable necklace to reduce oral sensitivities.

3. Sensory Play for Autism
Sensory play helps children explore new textures and develop tolerance over time.

• Tactile Play – Fill a sensory bin with kinetic sand, water beads, or dry rice for safe exploration.
• Auditory Play – Offer musical instruments or bone conduction headphones for auditory input.
• Movement Play – Use a trampoline or balance board for vestibular stimulation.
• Oral Sensory Play – Blow bubbles, use whistles, or introduce chew tubes for oral exploration.

4. Implement a Sensory Diet Tailored for Autism
A sensory diet provides predictable sensory input throughout the day to help children stay focused, calm, and engaged.

• Smell-Based Regulation: Lavender for relaxation, citrus for alertness.Try a diffuser with calming essential oils to create a soothing environment.
• Visual Input: color-changing lamp or a visual schedule for predictability.
• Auditory Support: White noise, rhythmic music for self-regulation.
• Proprioceptive Input: Heavy work (pushing, pulling), weighted items.
• Movement Activities: Swings, spinning, balance exercises.

5. Encourage Predictable Routines

• Visual schedules & timers reduce anxiety.
• Transition objects (fidget toys) help with changes between activities.

6. Sensory-Friendly Mealtime Modifications

• Use sensory-friendly utensils like weighted utensils to help with motor coordination.
  
• Try textured placemats like the ezpz Mini Mat to encourage tactile exploration.
• Create a calming eating space with soft lighting and blue or green plates to reduce visual distractions.
  
  7. Introduce Sensory-Friendly Clothing
  Opt for seamless socks, tag-free shirts, or compression clothing for comfort.
  
  
  

Why These Sensory Strategies Matter
By incorporating these sensory strategies, parents can help their children:

• Improve participation in daily activities and social interactions
• Feel calmer and more focused
• Reduce meltdowns and sensory overload
• Enhance communication skills by supporting sensory regulation and engagement
• Strengthen gross motor skills through movement-based sensory activities
• Support feeding skills by improving oral motor coordination and reducing sensory aversions
  
  

  I hope this guide provides practical strategies to help you create a more supportive environment for your child. If you found this post helpful, please share it with other parents, educators, or professionals who may benefit.

  What’s Next?

  Beyond traditional sensory strategies, sound and movement play a crucial role in sensory processing. Therapeutic Listening is an evidence-based intervention that supports sensory integration, language development, motor skills, and feeding.

  In my next post, I’ll be diving into:
  ➡️ What Is Therapeutic Listening? How Sound Can Help Kids with Sensory & Attention Challenges. Stay tuned!