As parents and caregivers of children with autism, we are always seeking new ways to support our children’s needs and well-being. One of the most important aspects of managing autism involves creating an environment where our children feel calm and secure. Calming tools are designed to help children with autism manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.
The Importance of Calming Tools for Those on the Autism Spectrum
Creating a calm, supportive environment for children with autism is vital for their emotional and sensory regulation. The consistent use of these tools, along with books about autism to increase understanding and awareness, can make a noticeable difference in behavior, improving emotional well-being and supporting better interactions with family members and peers.
Calming tools, however, are not one-size-fits-all solutions but can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. These tools can address various issues related to sensory processing, self-regulation, and focus. Let’s explore the benefits of calming tools in more detail:

Sensory Tools
Sensory tools are essential for managing the sensory needs of children with autism. These tools can help reduce anxiety and create a calming environment. Below are some key sensory tools that can provide comfort and stability.
Weighted Blankets and Vests
Weighted blankets and vests provide deep pressure stimulation, which can have a calming effect on children with autism. The weight of these items helps release serotonin and dopamine, hormones that promote relaxation and well-being. When choosing weighted blankets or vests, it’s important to select an appropriate weight for your child’s comfort. Here are some general guidelines:
- Weighted Blankets: These blankets typically weigh between 5 to 15 pounds and provide deep pressure across the body.
- Weighted Vests: These vests range from 2 to 6 pounds and provide pressure to the upper body, promoting relaxation.
Both weighted blankets and vests are great tools for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation during times of stress or sensory overload.
Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are small, handheld objects that children with autism can use to focus their attention and reduce anxiety. These toys come in various forms, such as stress balls, spinners, and textured items. Fidget toys offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Stress Balls: These soft, squeezable balls help release tension and improve focus.
- Fidget Spinners: These rotating devices can help children concentrate by providing sensory stimulation.
- Textured Objects: These toys feature different textures that can soothe and calm children, offering sensory input that helps them stay grounded.
Fidget toys are particularly helpful during activities that require sustained attention, like homework or classroom tasks.
Visual Tools
Visual tools are valuable for providing structure and predictability in the daily lives of children with autism. These tools can help reduce anxiety and enhance understanding by creating clear expectations. Below are two types of visual tools that are essential in autism management:
Visual Schedules
Visual schedules are one of the most effective tools for creating a structured environment. These schedules use pictures, icons, or symbols to represent different activities or tasks throughout the day. By seeing what activities are next, children with autism can anticipate transitions and feel more secure. Here’s how visual schedules can be broken down:
- Morning Routine: Waking up, eating breakfast, dressing.
- School Activities: Class times, recess, and lunch breaks.
- Afternoon Tasks: Homework, chores, free time.
- Evening Routine: Dinner, bath time, bedtime.
Visual schedules help children feel more in control of their day, reducing anxiety around unexpected changes.
Choice Boards
Choice boards are another valuable visual tool that helps children with autism express preferences and make decisions. These boards display options using images or symbols, allowing children to choose from different activities, snacks, or even clothing. Some common uses of choice boards include:
- Snack Choices: Images of food items like apples, crackers, or yogurt.
- Activity Options: Choices like reading, playing outside, or watching TV.
- Clothing Options: A selection of clothing items like t-shirts, sweaters, or jackets.
Choice boards empower children with autism to make decisions, fostering a sense of independence and reducing frustration.
Communication Tools
Effective communication tools are vital for reducing anxiety and promoting understanding. Many children with autism experience challenges with verbal communication, and using visual methods can help bridge these gaps.
Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) use visual symbols to represent objects, actions, and emotions, enabling children with autism to communicate their needs. By creating picture cards for daily routines, emotions, and requests, children can express themselves and participate more actively in their daily lives. The benefits of PCS include:
- Reducing frustration: Helps prevent communication breakdowns by providing clear visual cues.
- Enhancing understanding: Aids children in understanding their daily routines and expectations.
- Promoting independence: Encourages children to express their needs and preferences.
PCS is a customizable tool that can be tailored to fit the unique communication needs of each child.
Social Stories
Social Stories help children with autism understand social expectations in a way that is clear and easy to grasp. Social Stories are particularly helpful in preparing children for events like doctor visits, birthday parties, or transitions between activities. Benefits of Social Stories include:
- Preparing for events: Reduces anxiety by helping children understand what to expect.
- Facilitating social understanding: Helps children understand social cues and interactions.
- Reducing anxiety: Provides clear expectations to decrease uncertainty.
Social Stories are an invaluable tool for helping children with autism navigate social interactions and reduce the stress of unfamiliar situations.
Movement and Exercise Tools
Movement and exercise tools play a significant role in calming children with autism by providing sensory input and promoting overall well-being. These tools can help manage energy levels, reduce anxiety, and improve physical coordination.
Yoga and Deep Breathing Techniques
Yoga and deep breathing exercises are effective methods for calming children with autism. Yoga promotes flexibility and balance while deep breathing techniques help lower anxiety levels. Simple yoga poses can be incorporated into daily routines to encourage relaxation. Paired with deep breathing, these activities can amplify the calming effects. Benefits include:
- Yoga Poses: Improve physical flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance overall relaxation.
- Deep Breathing: Promotes relaxation, improves focus, and helps reduce anxiety.
These tools can be an excellent addition to daily routines, helping children regulate emotions and improve physical health.

Sensory Swings and Trampolines
Sensory swings provide vestibular input through rhythmic movements, which have a calming effect on children with autism. Trampolines and bouncing balls offer proprioceptive input, helping children release energy and reduce stress. The benefits include:
- Sensory Swings: Help organize the sensory system and promote a sense of security.
- Trampolines: Improve motor skills, coordination, and balance while releasing excess energy.
These movement-based tools help children manage sensory input and reduce anxiety, promoting a more balanced and calm state.
Using Calming Tools to Improve Autism Management
All in all, by utilizing calming tools such as sensory tools, visual aids, communication tools, movement-based activities, and environmental modifications, we can provide children with autism the support they need to thrive. Each tool can be personalized to meet the unique needs of your child, creating a more predictable, peaceful, and supportive environment.
At A Better Way ABA, we offer specialized ABA services in New York, tailoring our approach to your child’s individual needs. Contact us today to learn how our expert ABA therapy can help your child succeed and reach their full potential!
Sources:
https://nationalautismresources.com/calming-products
https://funandfunction.com/calming-toys-and-tools
https://www.sensorydirect.com/condition/autism-asd/best-for-calming-and-relaxation