Living with a child on the autism spectrum, it’s important to prepare for heighted emotions and meltdowns. Planning is key and there are many effective strategies that can help children regulate their emotions and feel more comfortable. These strategies are known as “calming techniques.”
1. Deep Pressure
Activities that provide a sense of security and comfort, such as hugging, using weighted blankets, or wrapping up in a tight blanket, can be very soothing for children with autism. Deep pressure helps regulate the nervous system and promotes a sense of calm.
2. Sensory Bins
Sensory bins filled with materials like rice, beans, or sand allow children to play and manipulate the contents, providing sensory stimulation that can help them feel more grounded.
3. Quiet Spaces
Designate a quiet space at home equipped with items that your child finds calming, like books, soft lighting, or a cozy chair. This provides a retreat for them to escape from overwhelming stimuli.
4. Exercise
Physical activities like yoga, swimming, or going for a walk can help children burn off excess energy and feel calmer. Regular exercise also promotes overall health and well-being.
5. Music Therapy
Listening to soothing music and engaging in activities like drumming or singing can regulate breathing and reduce stress. Music therapy is a powerful tool for emotional regulation.
6. Aromatherapy
Using scented candles, essential oils, or diffusers with calming scents like lavender or chamomile can create a peaceful atmosphere and help reduce anxiety.
7. Massage Therapy
Gentle touch through massage therapy can help regulate the nervous system and provide a sense of comfort and relaxation. This technique can be incorporated into daily routines.
8. Mindfullness
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or meditation can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage your child to engage in mindfulness exercises regularly.
9. Creative Activities
Creative outlets like drawing, painting, or crafts can help children with autism feel more relaxed and focused. These activities allow them to express themselves in non-verbal ways.
10. Yoga
Yoga combines deep breathing, grounding, and elements of meditation, making it an excellent practice for children on the autism spectrum. It encourages both physical and mental relaxation.
Incorporating calming techniques into your child’s routine can help them learn to regulate their emotions and feel more comfortable and confident in their environments. If you need further guidance or personalized advice, Blue Bird Day, Eyas Landing, and Merlin Day Academy are here to help!
Blue Bird Day fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2-7 years in therapeutic rotations that simulate preschool and kindergarten settings. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.
We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy. A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.
Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well.
Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!
