What’s in yours?
Fortunately, sensory items andstim toyshave become more mainstream in recent years.
Many autistic people use these items toself-regulate, cope with sensory issues, and attend to their sensory needs.
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Here are six sensory items that can be handy to keep with you.
Some are my personal favorites, and some come recommended by my social media followers.
As always, remember that everyones preferences and needs will vary.
Try out different items to see what best meets your sensory needs.
Any repetitive action can be a stim, and many items exist to facilitate stimming behavior.
Spinning Pop Socket
Like many millennials, I keep a pop socket on my phone.
Since I always have my phone on me, I will not forget to pack it.
Another benefit of the spinning pop socket is that it is subtle and easy to hide.
In an ideal world, every person would feel safe being their authentic selves in all options.
However, manyautistic peopleface discrimination or mistreatment for weird behavior in public.
Althoughmaskingcan be exhausting, it is sometimes necessary to make it remain safe.
When these items are viewed as toys, they are often considered optional or unnecessary.
Sensory needs are just as important and valid as other needs!
As such, stim items arenottoys that can be taken away if they are distracting or as a punishment.
What snacks are safe for you to eat?
Keep them on hand to meet your body’s needs wherever you are.
Some autistic people are stronglydrawn to certain smellsand can stim by smelling them.
Scent-related stims can be helpful in multiple ways.
First, of course,particular scentscan help people regulate.
At the same time,deep breaths can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and physiological arousal.
The act of taking deep sniffs of a preferred scent can help the individual bring their arousal down.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just for theoutdoors!
Many autistic people are overstimulated by lights, even in an indoor setting.
If lights tend to overwhelm you, bring sunglasses wherever you go.
Ear Plugs
Similarly, many autistic people are overwhelmed bysoundand may experiencemisophonia.
Carrying noise-canceling headphones, loops, or earplugs can help you manage the volume level inside your head.
Try out different apps and see which ones you like best.
You deserve to be comfortable.
