We were taught that organising everything the night before, waking up earlier, or announcing plans in advance would solve these difficulties. Yet for many households, these strategies barely make a difference. The reason is simple: our sensory systems do not process the world in the same way, and this core truth is often overlooked.
我們從小被教導：晚上先準備好所有東西、提早起床、事先告訴孩子行程，就能解決這些問題。然而對許多家庭來說，這些方法的效果十分有限。原因很簡單：我們每個人的感官系統處理世界的方式都不同，而這個最核心的事實，經常被忽略。

Too often, the needs of neurodivergent children and adults are misunderstood as misbehaviour, stubbornness, or being “difficult.” In reality, these expressions are signals of sensory overload, emotional discomfort, or an internal system working hard to stay regulated.
神經多樣性的孩子，以及成人的需要，太容易被誤解為行為不佳、固執、或「難搞」。事實上，這些表現都是感官過載、情緒不安，或內在系統努力維持平衡時所發出的信號。

Sensory Processing
感官處理

Our senses extend far beyond sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. They include spatial awareness, balance, proprioception, interoception, and our sense of safety. When these systems are overwhelmed, overstimulation arises: the brain may freeze, thoughts scatter, and the body may struggle to respond. When input is too low, understimulation leads individuals to seek sensation through movement, chewing, or fidgeting.
我們的感官遠不止視覺、聽覺、嗅覺、味覺和觸覺，還包括空間感、平衡感、本體感覺、內感受，以及安全感。當這些系統被過度刺激時，就會出現過載：大腦可能停滯、思緒混亂、身體難以作出反應。相反地，當刺激不足時，便會出現欠刺激，個體會透過走動、咀嚼、擺弄手部等方式尋找更多感覺輸入。

Supporting sensory processing requires both personal strategies and an environment that understands and accommodates these needs. Families, schools, and workplaces all play a role. And because cultural norms and available resources vary across countries, not every tool will be accessible everywhere. The following suggestions offer a starting point—families may adapt as needed based on local context and what feels supportive for their child.
支援感官處理需要個人的調節策略，以及能理解並配合這些需要的環境。家庭、學校和工作場所都必須參與其中。由於不同地區的文化習慣和資源差異甚大，並非所有工具都可隨處取得。以下建議可作為起點，家庭可按當地情況和孩子的實際需要自行調整。

Sensory Essentials
感官支援基礎工具

For Sight & Visual Input
視覺及光線刺激

Sunglasses or Light-Blocking Glasses
太陽眼鏡或阻光鏡片
Light sensitivity can cause headaches, sinus irritation, tearing, and, for some, seizure triggers. Protective or transition lenses help minimise strain and ease discomfort. (Seek medical advice if seizures are present.)
對光敏感會引起頭痛、鼻腔不適、流淚，甚至對某些人來說可能觸發癲癇。防護鏡片或變色鏡片可減輕負擔並舒緩不適。（如有癲癇情況，請尋求醫療建議。）https://www.transitions.com/

For Sound & Noise
聲音及噪音管理

Vibes Ear Plugs
Vibes 耳塞These ear plugs soften background noise while keeping voices clear, reducing overwhelm in busy environments without muffling the world.
這款耳塞能柔化背景噪音，同時保持人聲清晰，在嘈雜環境中減低過度刺激，而不會完全隔絕外界。
https://brightautism.org/products/vibes-noise-cancelling-earbuds

For Oral Sensory Needs
口腔感官需要

Chewable Gem Necklace
可咀嚼寶石頸鏈
From ARK Therapeutic, these discreet chew tools help with self-regulation, focus, and calming during transitions or stress.
來自 ARK Therapeutic 的這款低調咀嚼工具，有助於在過渡或壓力時調節情緒、維持專注並達到平靜。
https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-krypto-bite-chewable-gem-necklace/

Chewing Gum or Mints
口香糖或薄荷糖
Aspartame-free options, such as The Pur Company’s gum and mints, can aid concentration and ease tension.
不含阿斯巴甜的選擇（如 The Pur Company 的口香糖及薄荷糖）有助提升專注力並緩和緊張。
https://thepurcompany.com

For Hands
手部刺激支援

Rubik’s Cube
魔術方塊
A classic fidget that supports fine-motor coordination and problem-solving. “Quiet cubes” may be more suitable for quiet settings.
經典的手部小玩具，有助促進小肌肉協調及解難能力。「靜音方塊」更適用於需保持安靜的場合。
https://rubiks.com

Fidget Tools
手部紓壓工具Accessible in many forms, from cubes to wearables. These help the nervous system stay regulated.
有多種形式，包括方塊或可穿戴式工具，有助神經系統維持穩定。
https://amzn.to/3QmDa2L

For Feet
腳部及步行感官支援

No-Tie Shoelaces
免綁鞋帶
Ideal for children who avoid or struggle with tying laces, saving time and reducing frustration.
適合不喜歡或難以綁鞋帶的孩子，節省時間並減少挫敗感。
https://amzn.to/3BkuR33

Vans ComfyCush Slip-Ons
Vans ComfyCush 套腳鞋Soft, cushioned, and easy to wear. Some prefer the snug feel; others may choose classic fits depending on sensory preference.
柔軟、有良好緩衝、易穿脫。有些人喜歡貼服感，有些則偏好傳統款式，視乎個人感官喜好。
https://www.vans.com/en-us/search/product?q=comfycush

Vessi Kids Weekend Sneakers
Vessi 兒童 Weekend 運動鞋Lightweight, waterproof, machine-washable, and lace-free—supportive for all-weather comfort.
輕身、防水、可機洗，而且無需鞋帶，適合任何天氣穿著。
https://ca.vessi.com/products/kids-weekend-latte-beige

For Safety & Security
安全感及保護

Weighted Hoodie
加重連帽外套
Provides deep pressure support that calms the nervous system and offers a grounded sense of safety.
提供深層壓力，有助平靜神經系統並帶來穩定的安全感。
https://www.autism-products.com/product/weighted-hoodie/

Retractable Key Rings
可伸縮匙扣Helpful for children and adults who misplace items when switching tasks quickly.
適合在快速切換活動時容易遺失物品的孩子及成人。
https://amzn.to/3er1Wl4

Secure Backpack with Anti-Theft Design
防盜設計背囊Reduces anxiety about losing items or being pickpocketed; helpful for travel and busy school environments.
減少遺失物品或被偷的焦慮，適用於旅行或繁忙校園環境。
https://www.xd-design.com/

Backpack Chest Strap
背囊胸扣Keeps straps secure on shoulders for those who need additional support.
為需要額外支撐的人確保背囊肩帶穩定不滑落。
https://amzn.to/3epL2mR

For Emotion & Sleep
情緒及睡眠支援

GABA Calm
GABA CalmCombines GABA, glycine, taurine, and other amino acids that support relaxation before bed.
結合 GABA、甘胺酸、牛磺酸等胺基酸，有助睡前放鬆。
https://bit.ly/3TRDMR2

Mana Blend – Physical + Emotional Pain Eraser
Mana Blend – 身心疼痛舒緩配方For anxious nights or emotional heaviness, this botanical blend offers comfort and reduces both physical and emotional tension. No cannabis leaves or buds included.
適用於焦慮的夜晚或情緒沉重時，這款植物配方能帶來安慰，減輕身體與情緒上的緊張。不含任何大麻葉或花苞。
https://shop.noirstone.club/products/mana-physical-emotional-pain-eraser

Weighted Blanket
加重毯A foundational support for autistic, ADHD, and highly sensitive children and adults. Provides deep pressure, warmth, and a continuous sense of safety.
對自閉、ADHD 及高度敏感的孩子與成人而言，加重毯是一項基礎支援工具，提供深層壓力、溫暖以及持續的安全感。
(Note: Fleece is often preferred for comfort.)
（備註：抓毛布料通常較為舒適。）
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