Sensory comfort choices

Ear coverings that make surrounding sound quieter.

When you might choose it: You might choose them in a crowded store, a loud hall, or near a hand dryer or vacuum.

Safety and age note: Use in moderation: take them off now and then so the person can hear voices and surroundings. Not for crossing roads, riding bikes, or swimming. Pick a size made for the child's head, and keep an adult nearby for young children. If they play audio, keep the volume low.

A card a person can hold up or point to that means "I would like a quieter spot." Print the break card below, or make your own.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when words are hard to find and a quieter place would help.

Safety and age note: A quiet space is always a choice, never a punishment. An adult knows where a young child is and stays close. Pick a spot with an easy way out, not a locked or closed-off room.

Go to the printable sheet

A short list of gentle sounds or songs the child picks and starts and stops themself.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when a steady, familiar sound makes a space easier to be in.

Safety and age note: This site has no audio today, so nothing here plays. If a player is added later, it will use only original or properly licensed audio, never start by itself, let the child press stop at any time, and keep volume at a low cap. At home, use music you already own and set a volume limit on the device. Young children need an adult to set that limit.

A lamp with a dimmer, used instead of the bright overhead light.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when overhead lights feel too bright or flickery.

Safety and age note: Use a cool-running bulb and keep cords and bulbs out of reach of young children. No candles or open flames. Keep enough light to see steps and floors safely.

Clearing surfaces, covering open shelves, or using plain bins so there is less to look at.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when a room feels busy or it is hard to find a place to rest your eyes.

Safety and age note: Keep walkways and exits clear, and keep safety items easy to see. Keep lidded bins out of reach if they hold small items and a young child is around.

Changes the background color of this page only. Pick a tint, or use the stop button to go back.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when the white or bright page feels harsh to read.

Safety and age note: A tint can be gentler on the eyes for some people, but it does not fix every problem. It needs JavaScript and is not saved, so it resets when you leave or reload this page. If eyes hurt or headaches keep happening, talk with a pediatrician or eye doctor. Motion settings on your device are respected, and this page adds no motion.

A few boxes showing what happens first, next, and then. Print the schedule below and fill it in with words or drawings.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when not knowing what comes next makes a day harder.

Safety and age note: Offer it as a choice and let the child help fill it in. Keep it short and allow changes. It is a guide, not a rule list. Young children use it with an adult.

Go to the printable sheet

A tray or page with a few things to feel, such as a soft cloth square, a corduroy swatch, a smooth wooden block, or a bumpy rubber mat.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when hands want something to feel while waiting, listening, or winding down.

Safety and age note: For children under 3, or anyone who puts things in their mouth, use only pieces too big to fit through a toilet-paper tube. Leave out strings, ribbons, and loose pieces. Check for allergies, such as latex. An adult checks the board for wear.

Soft modeling material to squeeze, stretch, or press.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when your hands want to push or squeeze.

Safety and age note: Not for eating. Skip it or stay close with young children who mouth things. Read the label for the age range and for allergens, since some dough contains wheat. Keep it out of hair and carpet. Wash hands afterward.

Small hemmed squares of fabric the person likes the feel of.

When you might choose it: You might choose them when a favorite soft feel helps, or to bring along to a new place.

Safety and age note: Hem the edges and trim loose threads. Keep them palm-sized or larger and without ties, cords, or loops. Wash before first use and check for allergies.

Small hand toys that are quiet to use, such as a smooth ring or a squeezable ball.

When you might choose it: You might choose one when busy hands make it easier to listen or stay seated.

Safety and age note: Check the package age label. Avoid small magnets, button batteries, and tiny parts for young children, since swallowing them can cause serious harm. Pick quiet ones for shared spaces. An adult checks for cracks.

Picture or word cards for simple moves, like reaching up slowly or pushing both hands against a wall.

When you might choose it: You might choose them after sitting for a while or when your body feels wiggly or stiff.

Safety and age note: Keep moves slow and gentle, with clear floor space. Stop if anything hurts or feels strange. Young children move with an adult nearby. Never force a move.

A short pause to walk, march in place, or stretch before going back to the activity.

When you might choose it: You might choose one when sitting has gone on a while.

Safety and age note: Use safe, open space with an adult nearby for young children. Skip spinning and swinging unless an occupational therapist has suggested them for that child. Offer a break, and do not use it as a reward or a penalty.

Other places to sit, such as a floor cushion, a standing spot, or a stool with a back.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when a regular chair is uncomfortable or hard to stay in.

Safety and age note: Choose stable seats sized for the child, with feet supported. Stay close with young children. Swings and hammocks are not covered here, and they need individualized guidance from an occupational therapist.

A card the person can hold up or hand over to say "I need a break" without using words. Print the break card below.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when talking feels hard in the moment.

Safety and age note: Agree ahead of time what the card means and what happens next, and answer it every time, right away. Keep it within reach. It is a way to ask for help, never a way to be in trouble.

Go to the printable sheet

Items made for chewing, for people who chew on sleeves, pencils, or toys.

When you might choose it: You might choose one only if chewing is already something the person does and a safer option would help.

Safety and age note: Use only with an adult watching. Pick items made for chewing, with an age label that fits. Replace any that crack or wear. No chewable necklaces for young children because of the strangulation risk. If you are unsure, ask a pediatrician, dentist, or occupational therapist.

Choosing unscented soap, laundry products, and cleaners, and holding off on candles, sprays, and diffusers.

When you might choose it: You might choose it when strong smells are hard to be around.

Safety and age note: Strong scents can trigger headaches, breathing trouble, or allergic reactions for some people, so do not add scents to "help". Open a window or use a fan to freshen a room. Do not use strong cleaners when a child is near.

A small bag with a preferred object, headphones, a visual break card, and a quiet activity. Print the checklist below.

When you might choose it: You might choose it for outings, appointments, school, or any place that is hard.

Safety and age note: Let the child choose what goes in. For young children, leave out small parts, loose batteries, and magnets. Check the bag now and then and swap out worn items. Bring the kit the same way each time, never as a reward.

Go to the printable sheet