10 Best Sensory Tools for Autism Special Education Classrooms

In this blog post, I’m excited to share my top 10 favorite sensory tools for autism that have proven to be invaluable in my classroom. These tools not only support sensory regulation but also promote positive behavior, enhance learning experiences, and foster a sense of calm and comfort for all students. Let’s dive in and explore these must-have resources that can transform your teaching practice and create a more inclusive learning environment. Disclaimer: These links include affiliate links in which I make pennies for your purchase.

sensory tools for autism

1. Marble Maze Mat – Sensory Tools for Autism

One of the standout sensory tools for autism special education classrooms is the Marble Maze Mat, which you can find here. This quiet fidgeting aid is ideal for students who need to channel their excess energy in a non-disruptive way. The Marble Maze Mat provides a tactile and engaging activity, allowing students to push a marble through a sewn-in maze.

2. Marble Mesh Fidget

Another excellent sensory tools for autism special education classrooms is the Marble Mesh Fidget Toy, available here. This compact and discreet fidgeting aid is perfect for students who need a quiet, hands-on activity to help them stay focused and calm. The Marble Mesh Fidget Toy consists of a marble encased in a sturdy, yet flexible mesh tube, allowing students to move the marble back and forth with their fingers. This repetitive motion is not only soothing but also helps enhance fine motor skills and sensory processing.

3. Bubble Wands

Bubble wands are an excellent sensory tools for autism special education classrooms, and you can find them here. These simple yet effective tools can offer a calming and mesmerizing experience for students. The act of blowing bubbles and watching them float gently through the air can significantly reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. For students with sensory processing issues, the visual stimulation of the bubbles can help ground them and provide a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the classroom.

4. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is an outstanding sensory tools for autism special education classrooms, available here. This versatile putty provides a calming tactile experience that can help students manage anxiety and sensory overload. The putty’s soft, malleable texture allows students to squeeze, stretch, and mold it in their hands, which can be incredibly soothing and help to redirect nervous energy.

5. Pop Tubes

Pop tubes are an excellent sensory toys for autism special education classrooms, available here. These colorful, flexible tubes can be bent, twisted, and stretched, providing a satisfying fidgeting experience that can help students with attention and sensory processing needs. The popping sound and the tactile feedback from pulling and pushing the tubes can be particularly engaging, offering both auditory and physical stimulation.

6. Slug Fidget Toy

The fidget slug toy, available here, is an exceptional sensory tools for autism designed to provide calming and engaging fidgeting for special education students. Its flexible, segmented body moves fluidly in the user’s hands, creating a soothing tactile experience that can help alleviate anxiety and improve focus.

7. Star Projector Galaxy Light

The star projector galaxy light, available here, is a transformative sensory tools for autism that creates a tranquil and immersive environment for special education students. By projecting a mesmerizing array of stars and celestial patterns onto the walls and ceiling, this device provides a visually soothing experience that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

8. Hedgehog Balance Discs

The hedgehog balance discs, available here, are an innovative sensory tools for autism that provides an excellent avenue for incorporating movement-based calming strategies for special education students. These textured discs engage the feet and promote balance and stability while offering a tactile experience that can be both stimulating and calming.

9. Rainbow Sensory Mats

Rainbow sensory mats, available here, are an excellent sensory tools for autism that incorporates vibrant colors and varied textures to engage special education students in movement-based activities. These mats provide a visually stimulating and tactile-rich environment that encourages students to explore through touch and movement. By navigating across the different textures and patterns, students can develop their gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.

10. Bouncy Bands

Bouncy Bands for desks and chairs, available here, are a fantastic sensory tools for autism designed to facilitate movement strategies for special education students. These durable, stretchy bands attach to the legs of desks or chairs, allowing students to quietly bounce their feet or stretch their legs while seated.

Read more about sensory tools for autism classrooms:

Sensory Friendly Classrooms

Sensory Space Ideas

Supporting Autistic Students

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