Sensory Kits for Autistic Children and Adults

For many Autistic people, the world can feel like a constant assault on their senses. Everyday environments can be overwhelming due to unexpected noises, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces. An Autistic Sensory Pack, often referred to as a "sensory kit", "go-bag" or "calm-down kit", is a highly effective tool designed to provide a sense of calm and control in these situations. It is a collection of items that helps to regulate sensory input, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort and focus when the world becomes too much to handle.

Sensory packs are particularly useful for navigating new or challenging environments, such as a busy supermarket, a doctor's waiting room, a school assembly, a new workplace, public transport, or a crowded concert. They are needed when an individual anticipates or experiences sensory overload. The items within the pack are not a luxury; they are a vital form of support that can prevent meltdowns, help people to stay present and engaged, and ultimately allow them to participate more fully in their daily lives.

We're going to explore a range of items that are beneficial for both children and adults, and see how each item helps autistic people. We've also researched the most commonly available options and provided a (very) rough price range for each, to help you plan what's practical.

Choice and needs must always come first

Before we start looking at what you might want to include in the pack, think carefully about the person you're making the pack for. Before you decide what to buy, and which brands, features, or colour choices, you should do your best to show them all the options you've identified and ask them to choose the ones that they would prefer. For many autistic people, offering that level of choice will make the difference between them using (and benefitting from) the kit or simply not wanting to use it. In other words, if it's not primarily about them and what they want, why are you doing it at all?

So let's start by looking at what might go into a child's sensory kit, and afterward we'll look at adult sensory kits...

A child's autism sensory backpack

Although each autistic child is different, and they may want or even ask for other things, you might consider putting some of these into their sensory backpack:

• Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders

  Auditory overstimulation is a common challenge for Autistic children. The sudden sound of a fire alarm, the constant chatter in a classroom, or the loud music in a shop can be distressing. Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders work by either actively cancelling out background noise or by physically muffling sounds, creating a quieter, more manageable environment. This allows a child to reduce overwhelming noise without becoming completely isolated. For example, a family is visiting a busy shopping centre. The child starts to become agitated by the loud music, the chatter of the crowd, and the noise of the escalators. Putting on the ear defenders immediately reduces the volume of these sounds, allowing the child to feel calmer and more secure, enabling them to continue the outing without distress. In terms of pricing, ear defenders cost around £15-30 / Eur.17-35 / US$18-36, while noise-cancelling headphones can cost £30-230 / Eur.35-270 / US$36-280.

• Fidget toys

  Fidget toys provide a repetitive physical action that can help an individual to self-regulate, focus, and release nervous energy. The tactile feedback they provide can be very grounding and calming. They can be used to help with concentration during a long meeting or to provide a distraction from overwhelming sensory input. Fidget toys come in many forms, such as: fidget spinners, fidget cubes, stress balls, tangles, squishy toys, flippy chains, infinity cubes, fidget rings, wacky tracks, pop-it toys, marble fidgets, Begleri (worry beads), fidget sliders, haptic coins, slime or thinking putty, stretchy strings, 'chewelry' (chewable jewellery or pencil toppers), pop tubes, knucklebones, and ONO rollers. For example, a child is sitting in a classroom during a maths lesson. He finds it difficult to concentrate and feels a need to move. The teacher gives him a small fidget toy, such as a tangle toy. By quietly manipulating the toy in his hands, he can channel his restless energy and focus on the teacher's instructions without disrupting the class. In terms of pricing, a simple fidget toy (e.g. a spinner, a pop-it, or a stress ball) costs about £2-10 / Eur.2-12 / US$3-12, while more complex or multi-part toys can cost £10-40 / Eur.12-47 / US$12-48.

• Sensory chewable items

  For some Autistic children, oral stimming-such as chewing on clothing, pencils, or fingers-is a way of self-regulating. Sensory chewable items, which are made from safe, non-toxic materials, provide a socially acceptable and hygienic alternative. They can help to relieve anxiety, improve focus, and provide proprioceptive input (the sense of where our body is in space) to the jaw and mouth. For example, a child is feeling anxious about an upcoming doctor's appointment. She begins to chew on the collar of her jumper. Her parent offers her a chewable pendant. The child is able to chew on the pendant, which helps to calm her nerves and prevent damage to her clothing. In terms of pricing, chewable jewellery (pendant or bracelet) can cost £about £5-25 / Eur.6-29 / US$6-30.

• Visual schedule or PECS cards

  A lack of predictability can be a major source of anxiety for many Autistic people. Visual schedules or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards provide a clear, visual representation of the day's or a specific activity's events. They help children understand transitions and what is expected of them, which can greatly reduce anxiety. PECS cards, in particular, are also a valuable communication tool for non-verbal or minimally verbal children. For example, a child is going to a friend's house to play. To help him understand the sequence of events, his parent shows him a visual schedule with cards that show "Car journey", "Playtime", "Snack", and "Go home". This clear, visual plan helps the child to feel prepared and in control of the situation. In terms of pricing, digital or printable cards tend to cost £2-10 / Eur.2-12 / US$3-12, while pre-made physical kits and boards can cost £5-70 / Eur.6-82 / US$6-85 depending on how complex they are.

• A weighted item

  Weighted items, such as a weighted lap pad or a small, weighted toy, provide deep touch pressure. This type of sensory input can have a calming and organising effect on the nervous system. The sensation of weight can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and restlessness, promote a sense of security, and improve focus. For example, a child is sitting in a school assembly hall, which is a loud and overwhelming environment. He is feeling fidgety and anxious. His teacher places a weighted lap pad on his knees. The deep pressure from the pad helps him to feel more grounded and secure, allowing him to sit quietly and feel less overwhelmed by his surroundings. In terms of pricing, weighted toys/lap pads can cost £15-50 / Eur.17-58 / US$18-60.

• A soft blanket or a favourite comfort item

  Tactile comfort is a powerful tool for self-regulation. A soft blanket or a favourite comfort item, such as a cuddly toy, can provide a familiar and soothing texture. This helps to reduce anxiety and provide a sense of security and familiarity in new or stressful situations. For example, a child is at a family gathering where he feels overwhelmed by the number of people and the noise. He retreats to a quiet corner and wraps himself in his favourite, soft blanket from his backpack. The familiar texture and the physical comfort of the blanket help to soothe his nervous system and calm him down. In terms of pricing, a soft blanket can cost £5-20 / Eur.6-23 / US$6-24, while a good comfort item or toy can cost £5-25 / Eur.6-29 / US$6-30.

• Sunglasses or a hat

  Visual overstimulation can be a significant challenge. Bright lights, sunlight, or a visually cluttered environment can be disorienting and stressful. Wearing sunglasses or a hat can help to reduce this sensory input, making the environment more tolerable. For example, a child and his family are at an outdoor event on a sunny day. The bright sun and the many colours of the event are overwhelming for him. By wearing his sunglasses and a hat from his backpack, the visual input is reduced, and he is able to enjoy the event more comfortably. In terms of pricing, cheap sunglasses (not prescription) can cost £5-30 / Eur.6-35 / US$6-36, and a cheap hat (e.g. a beanie or a baseball cap) can cost £5-20 / Eur.6-23 / US$6-24.

• A water bottle and snacks

  Hunger, thirst, or low blood sugar can trigger sensory sensitivities and feelings of being overwhelmed. Having a familiar water bottle and preferred snacks in the pack can help to address these physical needs immediately, providing a simple but effective way to regulate emotions and energy levels. For example, a child is on a long car journey and starts to become agitated. He is not used to the sounds and sights of the motorway. His parent offers him a familiar water bottle and a favourite snack from the sensory pack. The act of drinking and eating provides a welcome distraction and helps to address his physical needs, which in turn helps him to calm down. In terms of pricing, a tough, durable, leak-proof water bottle or flask can cost £5-20 / Eur.6-23 / US$6-24. The price of snacks vary greatly, but a small supply of preferred snacks is typically inexpensive.

An adult's autism sensory backpack

Although each autistic adult is different, and they might want or ask for other things, you might consider suggesting putting some of these into their sensory backpack:

• Noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs

  The need for auditory regulation does not diminish in adulthood. In fact, many Autistic adults rely on this tool to navigate public transport, work environments, and social gatherings. High-quality ear plugs, such as the reusable kind, can be a more discreet alternative to headphones. They reduce the overall volume of the environment while still allowing an individual to hear important conversations. For example, an adult is attending a large work conference. The constant chatter and background noise of the event are making it difficult for them to focus and are causing a great deal of stress. They put in their discreet ear plugs, which reduces the noise to a manageable level, allowing them to participate in the event without feeling overwhelmed. In terms of pricing, good noise-cancelling headphones can cost £30-500 / Eur.35-540 / US$36-560. However, reusable ear plugs or non-electronic 'ear defender' ('ear muffs') can be a much cheaper option costing only £15-40 / Eur.17-47 / US$18-48.

• Discreet fidget toys

  Fidgeting is a common self-regulatory behaviour. For adults, it is often necessary to have items that are less conspicuous than children's toys. Discreet fidget toys can include a small spinner ring, a smooth stone, a magnet, a small squeezy stress ball, or a small piece of tactile material that can be held in the pocket. They serve the same purpose as children's fidget toys, providing a way to channel nervous energy and improve focus in a subtle manner. For example, an adult is in a tense work meeting. To help them stay calm and focused, they keep a small, smooth stone in their pocket. They can rub the stone with their thumb, a quiet and discreet action that provides the sensory input they need to self-regulate and process the information being discussed. In terms of pricing, discreet fidget toys can cost £5-25 / Eur.6-29 / US$6-30.

• Chewable jewellery or a chewable stim toy

  Oral stimming is a need that can persist into adulthood. Chewable jewellery provides a discreet and appropriate way for adults to meet this need. It helps to relieve anxiety, improve concentration, and provides grounding proprioceptive input. For example, an adult is sitting in a cinema, feeling anxious about the loud noises and bright images. They begin to chew on the discreet chewable pendant they are wearing. This provides the oral input they need to feel calm and settled, allowing them to relax and enjoy the film. In terms of pricing, Chewable jewellery can cost £5-30 / Eur.6-35 / US$6-36.

• A weighted neck or lap pad

  Just as with children, deep touch pressure can be incredibly calming for Autistic adults. A weighted neck or lap pad can be used at a desk, on public transport, or in a waiting room to provide a sense of groundedness and security. The weight can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and restlessness, providing a sensory anchor in a chaotic environment. For example, an adult is on a long bus journey and the unfamiliar sounds and movements are causing them to feel agitated. They place a weighted neck pad around their shoulders. The pressure helps to calm their nervous system and provides a comforting weight that helps them feel more settled and less overwhelmed by the journey. In terms of pricing, weighted neck or lap pads can cost £30-60 / Eur.35-70 / US$36-72.

• Sunglasses or blue-light-blocking glasses

  Visual sensitivities can also be a significant challenge for adults. Sunglasses are essential for managing bright sunlight, while blue-light-blocking glasses can help to reduce eye strain and sensory overload from artificial lighting, such as fluorescent lights in an office or shop. For example, an adult is working in an office with bright, flickering fluorescent lights that are causing them headaches and feelings of sensory overload. They put on their blue-light-blocking glasses. The glasses reduce the intensity of the light, making the environment more comfortable and allowing them to focus on their work without distress. In terms of pricing, basic non-prescription sunglasses can cost £5-30 / Eur.6-35 / US$6-36, while blue-light-blocking sunglasses can cost £10-40 / Eur.12-47 / US$12-48.

• A favourite hand lotion or aromatherapy item

  A familiar and pleasant scent can be a powerful tool for grounding and calming the senses. A favourite hand lotion, a small bottle of a specific essential oil, or an aromatherapy rollerball can be used to provide a positive and calming sensory experience, which can help to distract from overwhelming or unpleasant environmental smells. For example, an adult is in a public restroom where the smell of cleaning products is overwhelming and unpleasant. They take out a small pot of their favourite hand lotion, apply it, and take a moment to enjoy the calming and familiar scent. This helps to mask the unpleasant smell and provides a sensory anchor that helps them to feel more settled. In terms of pricing, hand lotion or balm can cost £3-15 / Eur.3-17 / US$4-18, while an essential oil rollerball can cost £5-25 / Eur.6-29 / US$6-30.

• A soft scarf, beanie hat, or pair of gloves

  Many Autistic people have sensitivities to certain textures or temperatures. Having a soft scarf, beanie hat, or pair of gloves in a sensory pack provides an immediate way to address these needs. These items can be used to provide a comforting tactile sensation, regulate temperature, or block out unpleasant sensations, such as an unexpected draught. For example, an adult is waiting in a cold, air-conditioned waiting room. The cold temperature is a source of sensory discomfort so they put on their soft beanie and gloves from their backpack. The familiar soft texture and the warmth help to calm their nervous system and make the waiting time more tolerable. In terms of pricing, soft scarves, beanies and gloves can all cost £5-30 / Eur.6-35 / US$6-36.

How to find the right items online or in the shops

Finding the right items for an Autistic Sensory Pack is a personal process, as everyone's sensory needs are unique. The first step is to identify the specific sensory challenges that need to be addressed. Is it noise, light, textures, or a need for deep pressure? Once you have identified these needs, you can begin to look for items that will help. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

1. Start with the bag!

   Before you begin shopping, first find a suitable backpack or bag that suits the person's choices, preferences and personality. Children often choose cartoon, nature, or superhero themed backpacks, while many adults prefer something that stands out less (such as a small dark-coloured backpack or tote bag. The size of the chosen bag will obviously affect how much stuff you can fit into it. Remember that an overcrowded bag makes it hard to quickly find a specific item when you need it!

2. Finding things online

   Online shopping offers a vast range of products specifically designed for sensory needs. Start your search on platforms like Etsy (www.etsy.com), which has a large community of independent sellers creating unique and handmade sensory items, including discreet fidget jewellery and weighted products. Specialist sensory shops, such as Sensory Direct (www.sensorydirect.com) or Sensory Education (www.sensoryeducation.co.uk), are also excellent places to find items. These retailers often categorise their products by sensory need, making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for. When searching online, read product reviews from other parents or Autistic people to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the item. You can also find sensory tools for very reasonable prices on eBay (www.ebay.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.com), although delivery times and postage fees can be a bit unpredictable. Make sure you read the reviews before buying.

3. Finding things in the shops

   For a more hands-on approach, visit local shops. Hobby and craft shops can be a great source for fidget toys and tactile materials. Supermarkets and department stores often have sections with inexpensive sunglasses, soft blankets, and water bottles. Some larger retail chains are beginning to offer products specifically for sensory needs, often in their toy or wellness sections. If you are a parent, involve your child in the shopping process to ensure the items are appealing to them and that the textures and colours are right for their needs. For adults, a similar approach can be taken by visiting a variety of shops to find items that feel right and can be used discreetly if needed.

Regardless of where you shop, always prioritise the safety and quality of the item, and make sure that chewable items are made from food-grade, non-toxic materials and that any weighted products are the correct weight for the user's body size.

A well-stocked and thoughtfully assembled sensory pack can be a life-changing tool for an Autistic person of any age. What are you waiting for?