Back To School Essentials For Autistic, ADHD, and Highly Sensitive Souls

It can be a challenge to get ready for school or go out without arguments, negotiations, yelling, or tears during 15 minutes that slowly evolve into an hour-long scene before you leave.

Likewise, it would take a long time to get our autistic or ADHD children to concentrate, be still, or just pay attention in class.

It has been taught to us in the past to prepare most things the night before. The alarm clock should also be set 15 minutes earlier or we can notify our kids about upcoming changes or plans in advance rather than on short notice. As a result, many families don't seem to benefit from this.

The reason is that our senses process information differently and are often ignored. Frequently, parents, caregivers, educators, social services, and even medical professionals misunderstand the expressions of our needs as behavioural issues (a.k.a. Being-a-Brat-With-Behaviour-Issues).

SENSORY PROCESSING

Human senses are beyond the box of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch. They also include spatial awareness, sense of safety, balance, proprioception, interception, etc.

Overstimulation is a state of feeling overwhelmed by the situation the person is in. This might take the form of physical or emotional discomfort and feeling like the brain is frozen or is unable to think nor process what is happening.

Understimulation occurs when there is not enough sensory input or feelings, so the person may stimulate themselves by using their own senses.

Support for sensory processing not only requires the individual themselves to gain strategies and skills to live with their surroundings, but also their family, school, and workplace to provide support. However, in many cultures or countries, some strategies might not be applicable. We help fill the gap by bringing ideas and suggesting the following items, but keep in mind that modifications may be necessary based on the availability, accessibility, and attainability within the school where your child(ren) attends.

SENSORY ESSENTIALS

FOR SIGHTS + VISUAL

Sunglasses or Lightblocking Glasses
Light can be overwhelming to us, whether it triggers seizures for some people or aggravates sinusus and eye irritation with tears, it's an uncomfortable experience. In addition to protecting our eyes from light damage, transition lenses can also reduce irritations that we may experience. (Please seek medical advice if experiencing seizures)
https://www.transitions.com/

FOR SOUND + NOISE

Vibes Ear Plug
Help your child manage loud environments and noise sensitivity with Vibes Earplugs. These children's ear plugs reduce the background noise, loud and active noises, volume of noisy areas, etc., allowing them to hear everything that’s going on, but at a safer and more manageable level without blocking or merely muffling anything.
https://brightautism.org/products/vibes-noise-cancelling-earbuds

FOR ORAL

Chewable Gem Necklace
Ark’s Therapeutic has a variety of chewable tools from necklace to pencil cap to help our sensory processing. Chewable Gem Pendant Necklace provides a safe, wearable, and discreet solution for kids and adults who need to chew. The stylish crystal pendant is sure to be a hit for all ages and genders to help calm, soothe, and self-regulate during times of stress, or to better focus during homework and other activities.
https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-krypto-bite-chewable-gem-necklace/

Chewing Gum Or Mint
The Pur Company‘s specialty in Aspartame Free chewing gum and mint help increase attention and also help reduce stress like chewable necklace
https://thepurcompany.ca

FOR HANDS

Rubik’s Cube
This famous puzzle help increase fine motor skills, problem solving strategies, and work really well as a fidget tool (might need to look for quiet cube as an alternative if often in an quiet environment)
https://rubiks.com

Fidget Tools
You might be a no stranger to a lot of fidget tool as these tools have become more accessible in the past few years. The tools can be from a bue to a wearable.
https://amzn.to/3QmDa2L

FOR FEET

No-Tie Shoelaces
It’s common for us not wanting to tie shoes or unable to tie laces. These shoelaces allow us to wear our fave sneakers and save time from the teadous task.
https://amzn.to/3BkuR33

Vans ComfyCush Slip On
Vans has reinvigorated the classic Slip-On by introducing ComfyCush: a new softer, cushiony outsole that gives the ComfyCush Slip-On a first-class fit that feels like walking on a cloud. Newly constructed canvas uppers house simplified one-piece interiors with added arch support and new moisture-wicking lining throughout, resulting in a lightweight experience at all times. The sizes go from toddler to adults. However, since it’s got thicker lining, some autistic people like the snug feeling whereas some would choose classic fits.
https://www.vans.com/en-us/search/product?q=comfycush

Vassi Kids Weekend Sneakers
Say goodbye to clunky rain boots and say hello to the world of dry socks. The first ever 100% waterproof, machine wasahable, no-shoelace kids sneaker is here to provide your little ones with comfort, support, and dry feet all year round.
https://ca.vessi.com/products/kids-weekend-latte-beige

FOR SENSE OF SAFETY/SECURITY

Weighted Hoodie
Weighted Hoodie is stylish and provides deep touch pressure for a calming effect by using weight to offer proprioceptive feedback is effective for children with autism, sensory integration disorders and many other neurological challenges.
https://www.autism-products.com/product/weighted-hoodie/

Retraceable Key Rings
Sometimes we might move on to the next task too fast without knowing keys and wallets aren’t put back in our bags properly. This can result in being forgetful as so many things happen in our minds at once. With a retractable key ring, our belongings remain attached and provide us with a sense of satisfaction when we pull them.
https://amzn.to/3er1Wl4

‍Secure Backpack with Strap
Worrying about losing personal belonging or having things being stolen from our backpacks are quite anxiety inducing. This XD Design Bobby Soft backpack is a well designed anti-thief essential for us to keep our things safe and close to us.
https://www.xd-design.com/

‍Backpack Chest Strap
For kiddos or adults who need extra support to keep backpack straps stay on shoulders, you can easily source the clips in the link below
https://amzn.to/3epL2mR‍

FOR EMOTION + SLEEP

Gaba Calm
Serene Science® GABA Calm® combines two of the main inhibitory neurotransmitters, GABA and glycine, with N-acetyl L-tyrosine, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. In addition, taurine supports the calming effects of GABA. They often are the essentials for calming the little ones before bed.
https://bit.ly/3TRDMR2

Mana Blend
Anxiety can occur when going to bed in a quiet, dark night. It might cause physical and emotional pain, which can make sleep difficult. Pain is often manifested as chronic stagnation or deficiency in the circulatory systems (such as lymphatics, cardio, and primovascular systems) which cause inflammation both physically and emotionally, causing cycles of pain. Infused with traditional plant extracts, essential oils, healing energy, and packaged in an ultraviolet glass bottle, MANA PHYSICAL + EMOTIONAL PAIN ERASER pampers your soul and reduces both physical and emotional pain. There are no cannabis buds or leaves in the blend, so you can use whatever you like.
https://shop.noirstone.club/products/mana-physical-emotional-pain-eraser

Weighted Blanket
There’s no way that we don’t mention about weighted blankets! It is one of the top essentials for Autistic, ADHD, and Highly Sensitive Souls! It provides a sense of safety, comfort, and a long warm hug throughout the night. (Note : Fleece would be an ideal material for most people)
https://hush.ca