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In this episode, we’re diving into our all-timefavorite sensory tools to support autistic children. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, these go-to items can help create a more regulated and sensory-friendly environment!
We’ll share why tools likenoise-canceling headphones, asensory corner,weighted items,Ark Therapeutic chewy toys,tunnels,crash pads,sour spray, and more—including fun products like theBilibo chair andThe Jungle Crawl book—can make such a big impact in your sensory toolbox.
Plus we’ll answer two questions!
Check out all of the links below!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form ->https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
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Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!
ARK Therapeutics - Oral Chew Tools
Supporting autistic children in their sensory journey is a daily process that requires the right tools, the right mindset, and a lot of love. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, having a set of go-to sensory tools can make a world of difference in helping a child feel calm, focused, and empowered.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of our favorite sensory tools for children with autism, explain how they work, and share practical ways to use them. Plus, we’ll answer a common question about how to appropriately integrate these tools into a child’s routine—without turning them into rewards or punishments.
Children on the autism spectrum often experience the world in a way that is more intense or less filtered than their neurotypical peers. Sounds may be louder, touches more jarring, and environments more overwhelming.
Sensory tools help regulate these inputs and offer calming or stimulating feedback to support nervous system balance.
Important Reminder: Sensory tools shouldnever be used as a reward or taken away as punishment. These tools exist to support regulation—not to reinforce behavior.
Ideal for overstimulating environments like grocery stores, classrooms, or sports events.
Reduce auditory input and prevent sensory overload.
Useful for therapeutic listening or calming music.
Often provides proprioceptive input around the ears.
OT Tip: Pair headphones with a sensory corner setup for decompression time.
Create a safe space that encourages self-regulation and decompression.
Include tents, beanbags, crash pads, or pillows.
Add fidgets, weighted tools, bubble timers, and sour spray.
Use after school or during transitions to prevent meltdowns.
DIY Idea: Use a large cardboard box, string lights, and soft blankets for an easy sensory hideout.
From blankets to lap pads, deep pressure tools are calming for the body and brain.
Provide proprioceptive input.
Support focus and reduce anxiety.
Harkla’s Weighted Lap Animal is a travel-friendly option loved by families.
Parent Tip: Great for transitions, like car rides or before bedtime.
Great for children who seek oral input.
Chewy necklaces, pencil toppers, and zipper pulls.
Safe and discreet for daily use.
Arc Z-Vibe or Buzz Buddy tools offer vibratory feedback.
Therapist Favorite: Use during focus tasks to reduce anxiety and oral fixation.
Support sensory integration and reflex development.
Encourages bilateral coordination and body awareness.
Use Lycra tunnels or pop-up play tunnels.
Great for therapy and play at home.
Why It Matters: Crawling is a key foundation for handwriting, reading, and focus.
Perfect for children who crave jumping, crashing, or deep pressure.
Provides proprioceptive and vestibular input.
DIY with blankets and pillows in a duvet cover.
Excellent for playrooms or therapy spaces.
Classroom-Friendly: Beanbags can double as small crash pads.
A powerful tool to activate the nervous system.
Intense taste can help reset focus and attention.
Great for transitions or sensory breaks.
Use in sensory corners or carry in a sensory kit.
Pair With: Vibrating teethers or crunchy snacks.
A movement-based book that integrates sensory play.
Encourages crawling, jumping, and coordination.
Supports primitive reflex integration.
Perfect for early intervention.
OT-Approved: Engaging and educational for kids of all abilities.
Versatile, spin-able seating for movement-based regulation.
Offers vestibular input and movement while seated.
Encourages creative play and sensory engagement.
Portable and great for classrooms.
Teacher Tip: Use during circle time to help children stay focused.
Addresses tactile defensiveness and encourages sensory exploration.
Introduce with utensils or gloves to build tolerance.
Follow the child’s lead using motivating toys or activities.
Use frequently to support sensory modulation.
OT Tip: Don’t avoid textures—gently introduce them instead.
Calming and visually engaging tools for sensory breaks.
Mesmerizing bubbles and changing lights.
Great for classrooms, therapy rooms, or bedtime.
Also includes glitter jars or oil timers.
Sensory Corner Staple: Add visual components to any calm-down space.
Auditory feedback tools that support speech and language development.
Help children hear themselves clearly.
Used by SLPs for articulation and phonemic awareness.
Fun and interactive for early learners.
Try This: Use with rhyming games or speech imitation.
Absolutely not. Sensory tools are therapeutic supports, not behavior management tokens.
Using sensory activities as rewards or removing them as punishment can worsen dysregulation. Instead, proactively build sensory activities into a child’s daily routine.
Use visual schedules with choice-based sequencing.
Alternate structured tasks with sensory breaks.
Offer autonomy in choosing sensory activities.
"It’s not a reward, it’s a regulation tool."
Whether your child is sensitive to noise, seeks movement, or needs help focusing, there is a sensory tool that can help. These tools don’t “fix” a child—they support their journey toward self-regulation and success.
At Harkla, we believe every child deserves to feel calm, confident, and empowered. Explore our tools and expert resources to continue building a sensory-friendly lifestyle.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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