Welcome back to the Sensory Tools Series, where we are exploring the array of items that fall under the umbrella term of “sensory tools.” 

In Part 1 we broke down the broader concept of sensory tools into purpose-oriented categories and in Part 2 we will be exploring how to match sensory tools to needs. 

One reality of exploring sensory tools is that there is both a huge variety of tools out there and a huge variety of nuance to our own personal needs and what works for us and what is genuinely comfortable versus merely tolerable. 

This post aims to start from an understanding that finding the right sensory tool can be a process, and offers some guideposts for starting that process on your own terms.

So let’s get started on that process!

An often overlooked component of seeking out sensory tools is the ever important starting point of identifying our own needs. While in some cases a sensory need might be overwhelmingly obvious, it is also true that many Autistic people are accustomed to reflexively setting aside their own sensory needs or concerns because in the past they may not have been taken seriously or even been punished for bringing it up. 

Whether you are extremely aware of your own sensory sensitivities or it takes some work to get in touch with your own needs, it can be helpful to consciously go through the process of trying to identify those areas, whether they are obviously uncomfortable or tolerable in a way that you know could be better.

Example answers:

• I cannot stand the noise when I go to class.

• It’s not an emergency but I kind of wish I didn’t have to use the overhead light in my room.

• I feel like I’m about to shut down whenever I go on the train and I don’t know what exactly is causing it.

• It’s not that big of a deal but I feel like I’m always dressing too warm or too cold for the weather.

This is another area where the answer might be really obvious or seemingly impossible to decipher depending on the situation. If your favorite restaurant makes you want to cover your ears the second you step inside then you probably don’t need to do any research to know it’s related to hearing! 

Alternatively, if you find yourself shutting down at work at around 3 o’clock every day without much warning, there could be any number of potential explanations including sensory sensitivity that might need to be deciphered with a little more trial and error. 

If you don’t feel certain about your answer here, think of it as a hypothesis that you can try to prove or disprove instead of a definitive statement about yourself.

Example answers:

• It’s very obviously a hearing-related issue.

• I assume it’s because my eyes are a little sensitive, though maybe my mood also had something to do with it.

• I think the smell on the train has something to do with it, and that’s where I’m going to start.

• It’s my interoception, I don’t know I’m cold or overheating until it’s already a big problem.

The good news about sensory challenges is that many people face them, and there are already many tools out there that can potentially help with a variety of challenges! Even if there isn’t an immediate obvious best fit, listing out some common sensory tools associated with a given sense can help us reach a useful starting point. 

Now that we have a list of potentially applicable tools we can begin to evaluate which is right for our needs. Evaluating doesn’t necessarily mean buying and trying. If you are trying to manage the lighting in your room then sunglasses probably isn’t a helpful long-term solution even if it can technically help with the specific issue at hand! Start with options that seem like they have a reasonable chance of working. Even if that tool doesn’t work out, it might help you reevaluate the other tools that are out there from a more informed perspective. 

It can also help with evaluating whether you have correctly pinpointed your sensory needs, or if it turns out something else might be bothering you. This is another case where framing your thoughts as a hypothesis rather than a definitive statement can be helpful!

Example answers:

• I hypothesize that if I were allowed to wear white noise headphones during worktime I would be way less overwhelmed every day.

• I bet a couple lamps with soft lighting will do the trick.

• I am going to try nose plugs on my next trip and see if I feel any better.

• I think this chart that matches temperature to types of outfits will take the pressure off me “getting it right” each morning.

We hope this post has offered a basic outline of how one could go through the process of identifying and choosing potential solutions for a sensory need. 

If you want to share your experience trying out sensory tools, want us to cover more, or want to share some feedback on how this process has worked for you then we would love to hear from you! Just drop us a line at hello@autismgrownup.com and stay tuned for Part 3, where we will be discussing how to evaluate the tools we have selected.