Choosing sensory supports for your child's needs

Start with observation

Write down what happens before the behavior, what the child does and what seems to help afterward. Look for patterns involving sound, light, movement, touch, crowds, hunger, fatigue or transitions. The same behavior can have different causes on different days.

Reduce the demand before adding a gadget

Sometimes the most useful support is quieter seating, removing a scratchy label, dimming a light, giving more transition time or leaving a crowded space. Products can help, but changing the environment may be simpler and more effective.

Know what problem a tool is meant to solve

Hearing protection may reduce overwhelming noise. A movement option may give a safe way to seek motion. A tactile item may keep hands occupied. These are not interchangeable, and a tool that helps one child may irritate another.

Keep an exit option

A support should not trap the child in an uncomfortable experience. Introduce unfamiliar items gradually and watch the response. If something increases distress, stop and reassess rather than assuming the child simply needs to “get used to it.”

Specialized equipment deserves extra care

Weighted, compression, climbing, swinging and other specialized products can have safety considerations. Seek guidance from an appropriate professional when a product's fit, weight, movement or use could create risk.