Children on the autism spectrum can find it difficult to express themselves. This can bring about overwhelming frustration and anger that can lead to a tantrum or a full-blown crisis situation. The best strategy for de-escalating a potential meltdown is to anticipate possible events or triggers and head off a tantrum before it begins.
Sleep is so important to the regulation of the nervous system, but sleep issues can plague people with special needs. Tools and techniques to help them relax before bed at night can make the days much better. Strategies and relaxation techniques should include the use of sensory calming toys, which are valuable tools to help a child self-regulate.
Consider what activities your child needs assistance with, actively seeks out, or actively avoids.
Look for behavior patterns that will illustrate what sensory system or systems need the most attention.
If your child shows certain sensory needs at certain times of the day, get toys that can be a part of the environment wherever the child routinely is at that time.
These products help children engage in movement, sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. Sensory toys help children take in the sensory inputs to relax, balance the nervous system, and overcome anxiety to find calm via physical and mental stimulation.
The Experia Fiber Optic Carpet is number 6 on our list. Produce a galaxy of color to create a calming multisensory experience for the user by using tiny fiber optic lights to create a pattern of lights throughout the carpet. It is an excellent addition to any multisensory environment. The calming products generate a constantly changing rainbow of colors, that cycle through slowly. The superactive products come with a dedicated 8-color wireless controller that allows users to choose their color.
These Fiber Optic Carpets are ultra safe and are all handmade in Yorkshire, England and made by a team of skilled craftsmen. The carpets are illuminated with the latest LED technology so the lights are bright and the colors vibrant.
 | Skil-Care Light Sensory Box - 15 x 15 in. Illumated Light Box with Raised Edge, AC or Battery Power View Product |
Entering our list of best sensory calming products at number five is the Skil-Care Light Sensory Box, a versatile tool that combines tactile and visual sensory stimulation with opportunities for fine motor skill development.
The light box measures about 16 inches on each side and seven inches high. It has a large illuminated frosted screen that provides ample space for tracing, color recognition, and sensory play. It can be used on its own or paired with Skil-Care Clear Back Gel Pads and touch-responsive gel shapes (sold separately). These shapes encourage manipulation, strengthening the hands and fingers while also supporting tactile exploration.
In addition to promoting hand and finger strength, the Skil-Care Light Box can help improve color recognition, eye-hand coordination, attention span, and overall engagement. Its soft lighting provides a soothing environment that reduces boredom and encourages focus, making it a favorite among therapists, teachers, and caregivers.
This unique light box made our list because of its ability to support sensory development and fine motor skills in a way that is both engaging and calming. It can be enjoyed by children with sensory processing needs as well as their peers, making it an inclusive and versatile addition to therapy or classroom settings.
 | Sound and Light Visual Stimulation Panel View Product |
At number 4 on our list is the Sound and Light Visual Stimulation Panel by TFH. Not just for people with special needs, this toy encourages talking, singing, and exploring sound in a fun way that engages users of all abilities.
The microphone transmits sounds to the panel, and the lighting effects are affected by the pitch of those sounds. The colors correlate to the sounds, with lower-pitched sounds creating a red glow, mid-pitched sounds glowing orange, yellow, and green, and blue and purple lighting up for the highest-pitched sounds. The brightness is determined by the volume of the sound.
Activated by music or voice, the sound sensitivity of the microphone can be controlled. It is designed to encourage vocalizing and cultivating decision-making skills, since the user can directly influence the brightness of the light panel by the volume of the sound being produced.
For people with sensory processing disorder who seek auditory or visual stimulation, this sound and light panel is a great tool for self-regulation and calming of the nervous system. It can be wall-mounted or freestanding, which makes it easy to move, and as an end-of-the-day activity, it can help people relax before bed.
 | Relaxer Chair - Sensory Lounge Chair by TFH View Product |
Because of the way it distributes body weight and promotes relaxation, the Relaxer Positioning Chair by TFH is our sensory calming number 3 choice.
There are multiple versions of this chair. The Junior Relaxer sits on the floor and is easy for people to get on and off, and is the perfect spot to destress and decompress alone. With room for two, the Double Relaxer encourages socialization and connection as well as relaxation. There is a full-size Raised Relaxer that is shaped with the perfect contour for children and adults to enjoy. It sits higher off the ground and comes with a hook-and-loop strap for safety.
An optional Relaxer Base can be ordered for the Standard Relaxer, raising it 13 inches and making it easier for anyone with a larger frame to move on and off.
Promoting proper posture and spine alignment, this comfortable chair provides even support to relax body tension with the benefit of full-body contact to calm the tactile sensory system. The design makes this chair great for activities like watching tv or reading, or just sitting back and relaxing. It’s easy to clean and there is a model suitable for every member of the family.
 | Color Changing Fiber Optic Multi-Sensory Carpets by Experia View Product |
With three models to choose from, the time-tested Color-Changing Fiber Optic Sensory Chromotherapy Carpet by Experia USA is number 2 on our list. This star-themed carpet engages children with hundreds of tiny color-changing lights to serve their visual sensory systems.
The Calming Model’s LED lights change colors slowly, creating a calming environment to facilitate de-escalation in times of stress. It provides a safe and soothing space so a child can relax. It’s a great place to spend a little time before bed.
The 8-way wireless controller of the Superactive Model governs the sensory environment to reinforce motor control, cause and effect, color recognition, and other learned skills. The wirelessly rechargeable controller doesn’t have to be within reach, as it can be operated from up to 90 feet away.
The IRiS version can be paired with other controllers in the product line to develop deeply personalized experiences in support of multisensory stimulation and learning.
Each of these fiber optic carpets is handmade using the latest in LED technology, ensuring their brightly colored lights are vibrant and impactful. Measuring 39 ½” x 78 ¾”, no matter what sensory input they provide, each of these models can be counted on to deliver chromotherapy comfortably and safely.
 | Skil-Care Sensory Integration Crash Pads View Product |
Universality is a huge plus when it comes to sensory aids - the number one choice on our list, Sensory Integration Crash Pad by Skil-Care, is a great example. Readymade for a wide number of use cases, including jumping, climbing, sitting, resting, and balance practice, the Crash Pad truly offers something for everyone by promoting coordination, relaxation, and play all at once.
The Crash Pad works well in all sorts of multisensory environments due to its elegant simplicity and variety of practical applications. Filled with foam and covered with a rip-stop nylon surface, the Crash Pad is both soft and sturdy, requiring minimal maintenance or supervision even over prolonged periods of use. In fact, the nylon material is easy to clean using household wipes and disinfectants, a useful feature when dealing with small children.
Whether your child is energetic and in need of an outlet for their physical energy or just needs a private place to relax, the Crash Pad can be set on the floor or leaned against the wall of any room, perfectly accessible and easy to utilize.
If needed, a machine-washable cover is available for added safety and cleanability, preventing children from easily accessing the foam inside the pad. The Crash Pad is available in two sizes, depending on the size of the room where it will be used and the number of people who will be using it.
The Crash Pad’s proprioceptive feedback gives it a wide variety of functions, making it easy for us to recommend it at the number one spot on our list. The soft pad gives people with special needs a multi-purpose device to accommodate their diverse behaviors, allowing them to act in a way that feels natural and fosters joy and personal growth.
People with autism and sensory processing disorders are not always understood, which increases stress and anxiety, and the accompanying reactions. Also, their busy nervous systems need rest. These sensory calming toys and tools use visual stimulation, audio stimulation, and tactile stimulation delivered in different ways to help people relax before bed and de-escalate if a tantrum or meltdown is on the horizon. Any of them will serve you well, delivering the right stimulation to induce a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Effective relaxation skills prevent the nervous system from launching into panic mode. When this process is interrupted, the nervous system can be directed from anxiety to calmness. Relaxation techniques can be focused on the mind, the body, or both.
Belly breathing reverses the anxiety-inducing process that speeds up shallow breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm expands the lungs, circulating more oxygen and disrupting the panic response.
In Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), the various muscle groups are tensed and then relaxed, which helps reverse the muscle tension that can be brought on by distress.
Relaxing Imagery is a way to counter the disturbing mental images that can cause or worsen anxiety in stressful situations. Replacing those images with pleasant ones in the mind will counter the scary images and calm the stress response.
Children on the autism spectrum can benefit from the same relaxation techniques that work with any other kid. Some slight modifications in how the above relaxation skills are taught can engage and motivate children with autism and equip them with the ability to better self-regulate.
People on the spectrum want to know why they are being taught something. Participation can be fostered by explaining, in age-appropriate terms, the nervous system’s stress response and the way relaxation techniques work.
Most people with autism are visual learners. Through visual aids like drawings, videos, and charts, children can learn about the body’s stress reaction and accompanying relaxation techniques to counter anxiety.
Accurate and plain language works best, without metaphorical references. For example, “your lungs should fill up with air like a balloon” is better than “feel the energy.”
Transitions, sensory sensitivities, language processing, social anxiety, and frustration from being misunderstood can create a stressful environment. Understanding that people on the spectrum are facing extra doses of anxiety can help design a support plan that includes relaxation techniques.
Emphasize how and when to use a relaxation technique. This will not happen spontaneously or naturally. Specific examples and clear directions need to be taught and reinforced by teachers and caregivers.
With sensory processing disorder, the brain has trouble receiving and responding appropriately to information taken in through the senses, making someone with SPD more sensitive than other people are to sense-related stimulation.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
