Supporting Self-Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Sensory Perspective

Written by: Angela HJ Lee, OT Reg. (Ont.)

Self-regulation is a critical skill for all children, but it can be particularly challenging for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many children with ASD experience difficulties with sensory processing, including heightened sensitivity to interoception—the internal sense of body states such as arousal, fatigue, pain, and hunger. This sensitivity often results in fluctuations in arousal levels, making it difficult for children to be ready to learn or engage in daily activities. Moreover, due to challenges in communication, these children may find it hard to express their needs or seek help, often relying on repetitive or stimming behaviours as self-regulation strategies.?

Sensory activities are powerful tools for regulating arousal or emotions. For example, many people instinctively bite their nails or shake their legs when feeling nervous, or chew gum or walk around when feeling sleepy. Since individuals have different preferences for self-regulation, it is important to identify the appropriate strategies for each child. Parents and therapists must carefully observe each child’s arousal level or regulations and provide tailored sensory activities to support self-regulation in children with ASD. Sensory activities can be broadly categorized into calming and alerting activities. The effects of these activities depend on how specific sensory inputs are applied, and the goal is to create a balance that helps the child achieve a regulated state.?

Sensory Activities for Self-Regulation?

Below are examples of calming and alerting activities organized by sensory modalities:?

1. Tactile (Touch)?

Calming Activities:??

• Using soft tactile items like fleece blankets or sensory toys.?

• Providing deep pressure touch through weighted blankets or firm massages.?

• Playing with warm items, such warm water with toys.??

• Alerting Activities:??

• Exploring textured surfaces, such as sand, beans or bumpy materials.?

• Using light, quick touch activities like brushing fingertips or tickling.?

• Engaging in cold items, such as cold water or ice.??

2. Auditory (Hearing)?

Calming Activities:??

• Playing soft, rhythmic music or nature sounds.?

• Using noise-canceling headphones to reduce overwhelming sounds.?

• Whispering or using low-volume tones during interactions.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Playing upbeat or fast-tempo music.?

• Using instruments like tambourines or drums.?

• Introducing sudden sounds, such as clapping or bells.?

3. Visual (Sight)?

Calming Activities:??

• Providing dim lighting or lava lamps.?

• Watching slow, repetitive movements like fish swimming in a tank.?

• Using visual schedules or soothing colors like blue and green.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Engaging with bright, flashing lights or contrasting colors.?

• Watching fast-paced videos or animations.?

• Using high-contrast patterns in activities.?

4. Olfactory (Smell)?

Calming Activities:??

• Introducing calming scents like lavender or chamomile.?

• Using scented putty, lip gloss or gum with mild scents.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Providing sharp or energizing scents like peppermint or citrus.?

• Using scratch-and-sniff stickers with strong odors.?

5. Gustatory (Taste)?

Calming Activities:??

• Offering warm, bland foods like oatmeal or mashed potatoes.?

• Encouraging slow sipping of warm drinks.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Providing sour or spicy snacks, such as lemon slices or chili crackers.?

• Offering crunchy foods like pretzels or carrots.?

6. Proprioceptive (Body Awareness)?

Calming Activities:??

• Deep-pressure activities, such as bear hugs or pushing heavy objects.?

• Engaging in yoga or slow stretching exercises.?

• Using resistance bands or body socks for calming input.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Jumping on a trampoline or hopping on one foot.?

• Climbing or hanging from monkey bars.?

• Performing quick push-pull activities, like tug-of-war.?

7. Vestibular (Movement)?

Calming Activities:??

• Rocking in a chair or using a slow swing.?

• Engaging in slow, rhythmic movement, such as gentle bouncing.?

• Using balance boards for controlled motion.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Spinning in circles or swinging quickly.?

• Running, skipping, or jumping jacks.?

• Participating in obstacle courses or sports with fast transitions.?

8. Oral Motor (Mouth)?

Calming Activities:??

• Chewing on chewy tubes or sipping thick liquids through a straw.?

• Blowing bubbles or slow, controlled blowing through a pinwheel.?

• Using a vibrating toothbrush for gentle oral input.?

Alerting Activities:??

• Eating crunchy or cold foods like ice cubes or frozen grapes.?

• Blowing through whistles or party blowers.?

• Chewing gum or sucking on sour candies.?

Practical Tips for Success?

• Observe Individual Responses: Each child’s sensory preferences and thresholds are unique. Monitor their reactions and adjust activities accordingly.?

• Provide a Balanced Approach: Incorporate both calming and alerting activities as needed to help the child achieve a regulated state.?

• Create Predictable Routines: Use visual schedules or timers to help children anticipate sensory activities, reducing anxiety.?

• Foster Communication: Teach the child simple ways to indicate their sensory needs, such as using choice board, gestures, or communication devices.?

By understanding and using sensory activities effectively, caregivers and therapists can empower children with ASD to better regulate themselves, leading to improved engagement, learning, and overall well-being.?