Help them find a variety of stims to use. Talk to them if their stimming is destructive (e. g. ripping the wallpaper) or broaching others’ personal space (e. g. playing with his sister’s hair without her consent). Help them find an alternative stim.
Expect them to be hyposensitive to some things and hypersensitive to others. For example, maybe they need lots of touch and activity, but bright lights bother them. [1] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Even within sections, some steps may not apply to them. Autistic people are very diverse!
Make sure rooms are brightly lit, or that there are extra lamps the person can turn on. (The person may benefit from a nightlight in rooms at night. )
Snow globes, glitter jars, or a bottle with food coloring, water, and cooking oil (Simply shake) Lava lamps Mobiles Sparkly beads and objects Moving fans Animated gif patterns (e. g. the “Mesmerizing Gifs” and “loadingicon” threads on Reddit[5] X Research source [6] X Research source )
Help them create a routine around self-care, including showering, brushing teeth, and applying deodorant. Teach children how to clean themselves after using the bathroom and during showers. (Try offering wet wipes if they have motor difficulties. ) Help preteens and teens build new hygiene routines once they reach puberty. Offer strongly-scented hygiene products, like soap, shampoo, and deodorant.
Scented candles and air fresheners Strong-smelling soap, shampoo, body wash, and lotion Spicy or strong food Campfires
Children can be taught to ask for candy/gum when they want something to chew on. Give them a package of gum so they can get some whenever they want it. Try buying them chewy jewelry if they do this often. These can be found at special needs stores like Stimtastic or Fun and Function. Make sure that the jewelry does not fall apart easily or has small parts that could be choking hazards.
Always have spice on the table, even if people don’t usually add spice to a given meal. This way, if the autistic person refuses to eat a food because it is “bland” or “tasteless,” you can offer them the spices.
Physical chores, like moving or lifting heavy objects Exercising together Football and baseball Jumping on trampolines Martial arts Wall push-ups Horseback riding Swimming Dragging children around on blankets
Stim toys, like stress balls and tangle fidgets, can also help with focusing and sitting calmly. Try keeping a box of stim toys that your loved one can grab from as needed.
You can also make your own solutions, like putting an exercise band on the legs of the chair or “horseshoeing” a pool noodle on the seat. [13] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source Teachers can get this as part of the student’s IEP or special needs plan.
This can vary greatly—from not feeling a bug that landed on their arm to not realizing that their leg is broken. Some autistic people may self-injure to get sensory input. [15] X Research source Integrating more sensory experiences into their schedule and redirecting harmful stims can help them keep safe.
Make it clear that others have different pain thresholds, and if they need input, they should push against walls (not people). If they like to hug for a long time, teach them to limit the hug to a few seconds (like counting down from three, and then letting go). [16] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Offer them something to squeeze, like a big stuffed animal, if they like tight hugs.
Provide a weighted vest for them to wear. Have weighted blankets, lap pads, or beanbag chairs available. Massage them or hug them tightly. (This also shows them that you love them. )
Try out the “crash pad” together. It may be more fun than you think!
