Sensory Regulation and Coping Tools
ZVOX Noise Cancelling headphones
Kim’s Preferred Noise Cancelling Headphones!
- AccuVoice technology. The AV50s use ZVOX AccuVoice technology to give a boost to voices while they reduce unwanted noise.
- aptX Bluetooth. You can connect AV50s using the supplied cord, or connect to your phone, tablet or laptop computer using aptX Bluetooth technology. With an optional Bluetooth transmitting device, you can also connect to your TV.
- Light and comfortable. The AV50s are lighter than many noise cancelling headphones — less than half a pound.
- Hands free phone calls. The AV50s have a microphone in the right ear cup that allows you to make hands free phone calls with your cell phone. You hear the caller – but not the crowd around you.
- Slim carrycase. It’s easy to travel with AV50 headphones because they fold flat. Stick them in their padded carrycase and the whole package is about the size of a large-ish paperback book.
Bose Noise Cancelling headphones
Kim uses the Bose noise cancelling headphones to reduce ambient noise. The headphones allow her to stay focused and regulated in busy, auditory rich environments like airports, schools and anywhere with loud noises. These have been a game changer for Kim. Before noise cancelling headphones, she was not able to enjoy restaurants or bookstores. Now she is able to tackle the supermarket without being auditory overwhelmed.
Sonic Defender Ear Plugs
Sonic Defender ear plugs are another of the most important tools in Kim’s arsenal. We never leave the house without a pair of these in a purse or pocket. The sonic defender ear plugs are great because they are small and unobtrusive, but they block enough noise that Kim can deal with loud sensory environments. For really noisy places, Kim will wear both the Sonic Defenders and Bose Quiet Comfort noise cancelling headphones.
Decibullz
The moldable ear plugs are another option for ear protection if your child or loved one has sound sensitive ears. These are not for everyone. They have to be heated on the stovetop and then placed in the ear while warm for a proper mold. Small children might rebel at having something warm and wet shoved in their ears (Kim certainly did), but these plugs block a lot of sound.
Sensory Sock
This simple and inexpensive sensory sock has proven incredibly beneficial in helping Kim stay regulated. It provides positive full-body proprioceptive input and helps her stay calm. These socks are even finding use in therapeutic sessions at doctor’s office now as doctors realize the benefit of light resistance and compression for patients.
Weighted Vest
Weighted vests are fantastic options for kids (and adults) with sensory sensitivity issues. These wonderful vests provide both weight and positive pressure to help keep kids calm. Kim had a custom vest made from an orthotic professional, but some of the options available on Amazon are cheaper and just as effective.
Weighted Fleece
These are easy on, easy off, weighted garments that are great for cool fall evenings and provide much needed proprioceptive input for kids with autism or sensory processing disorder. They are also great for kids who are getting a little older and starting to worry about their appearance. These vests look like regular garments.
BONGERS!
If you have been to one of our talks, you’ll know how much Kim likes her Bongers. (Yes, actually called bongers.) She uses them for complete proprioception input, to help calm and center herself. They are great for children and adults alike.
Stretch-Eze
The Stretch-Eze band is one of Kim’s favorite sensory tools. It helps to give her input and it is one of the tools she can carry around with her, use in public, and it simply looks like a shaw or scarf. She often uses this in her talks.
TheraPutty
TheraPutty is a strong elastic playdough used in therapies to help improve hand strength. It also makes an excellent fidget for individuals with Autism or sensory processing disorder. Anyone who has seen Kim speak, has seen her use theraputty. It helps clam her down and gives her something to do with her hands while she’s talking to crowds. Kim uses the black Theraputty which is the heaviest resistance there is. For younger people, check out the different colors. Generally the lighter colors are lower resistance.
Mad Matter
Mad Matter is a great (and cheaper!) alternative to Theraputty. It never dries out and it a lot of fun to mold in your hands. This is another one that Kim uses often when speaking to crowds or stuck in waiting rooms. It gives her something to do with her hands and something to focus on. Plus, kids love this stuff! We highly recommend it.
Fidgets
Kim finds it helpful to have some sort of fidget either in her hands or her purse. It gives her something to do and focus on while she’s out and about. Sometimes a fidget can be as simple as a smooth rock or interesting sea shell that she finds. These twisty bracelets are great options for young kids who need something to do with their hands.