Sensory Soothing Kits for Autism

By Lexi Campbell, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee
​
Sensory challenges are common in neurodivergent individuals, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD). Autistic people can experience both hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) and hyposensitivity
(under-responsiveness) to a variety of environmental stimuli, including sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch,
balance (vestibular), awareness of body position and movement (proprioception), and awareness of internal
body cues and sensations (interoception) (Autism Speaks, 2024). These sensory sensitivities and differences
can create challenges in daily life for Autistic individuals. Sensory overload can occur when stimuli
overwhelm Autistic individuals, either due to a single event or due to an ongoing effort to cope with difficult
environmental stimuli (Autism Speaks, 2024). Living with sensory challenges without support can also leave
individuals on the spectrum vulnerable to Autistic burnout, which includes reduced tolerance to
environmental stimuli, higher levels of stress, chronic fatigue, and other mental health challenges (Raymaker,
2022).

Sensory soothing kits are an impactful way to support yourself as an Autistic person with sensory challenges,
and it can additionally provide support to neurodivergent individuals who are experiencing overstimulation,
anxiety, distress, or navigating emotional regulation challenges. A sensory soothing kit is an easily accessible
collection of items that mitigates sensory overload and supports your unique needs to help you feel grounded,
calm, and comforted. This can be a kit that you take with you on the go, or it can be a kit kept in a specific
place in your home as a dedicated sensory support zone.

To create your sensory soothing kit, take a moment to reflect on your favorite soothing items and consider all
your five senses. Visual sensory support might include sunglasses, bubbles, a deck of cards, or your craft
project. Auditory support could be noise-canceling headphones, earbuds for music, a white noise machine, or
ready-to-go playlists of music, podcasts, or nature sounds. Tactile support may be a fidget spinner, your
favorite pillow, a weighted blanket, a heating pad, or a stress ball. Taste sensory support might include a pack
of gum or your favorite non-perishable snack, and smell sensory support might be essential oils, your
favorite perfume, or a scented candle. Please keep in mind that each person is different— some senses may
be more effective at soothing you than others. Experimentation and play will help identify what works best
for you.

Once you’ve assembled a group of objects for your sensory soothing kit, decide whether you’d like to have a
to-go bag, or if you’d like to create a dedicated zone at home (or both!). If you are interested in the former,
grab a backpack or tote bag to store the items together. Keep the bag by your door to make it easy to
remember and grab on your way out of the house. If you are interested in a dedicated spot at home, identify a
basket or bin, place the items inside, and identify a specific place at home where you’d like to keep the kit.
For example, some people find that keeping a sensory kit near their favorite chair is supportive of sensory
recovery. Keep the sensory kit fully stocked so it is available and ready when you need it. Keeping a sensory
soothing kit updated and well-stocked will foster a routine of sensory self-care, which will provide support
against Autistic burnout and allow for moments of recovery and calm.

Taproot Therapy has several clinicians with extensive experience supporting Autistic individuals and their
unique sensory challenges, among other topics. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to
[email protected] today!


References
Autism Speaks. (2024) Sensory Issues. https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
Raymaker, D. (2022). Understanding Autistic Burnout. National Autistic