A Bright Idea for Autism: Sensory Lights
Sensory lights are an innovative therapeutic tool that can help children with autism and special needs in a variety of ways such as a sensory room. For many, sensory lights provide calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and agitation. For others, they offer a more engaging and stimulating way to learn about their environment.
Let’s take a look at how sensory lights can benefit kids with autism and sensory processing disorder.
What Are Sensory Lights?
Sensory lights are an interactive lighting system specifically designed for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
They come in various shapes and sizes and often feature multiple color changing settings, allowing users to customize the light’s brightness and intensity as well as its speed and movement patterns. These qualities make them ideal for providing a calming stimuli.
There are various types that can be controlled with traditional switches, remote controls, and bluetooth that work great in sensory rooms and even normal home decor.
- Fiber optic lights
- Mood lights
- Sensory lamps
- Night lights (these work great when paired with white noise)
- Light projectors like star projectors or galaxy lights.
- Light strips such as LED strips (these are great for diy)
- Lava Lamps (be careful, these are hot!)
- Ocean wave projector
The Benefits of Sensory Lights
Sensory lights have been found to be beneficial for those on the autism spectrum in several ways. Studies have shown that the use of sensory lights that provide visual stimulation can help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, increase communication skills, improve sleep patterns, and create other sensory experiences to satisfy the necessary sensory input needed.
Additionally, these lights can be used i sensory play as an educational tool to help kids learn about their environment by taking note of how different colors interact with one another. This is especially helpful when teaching young children basic concepts such as shapes or colors without overwhelming them with too much about their sensory needs.
How Does It Work?
Many parents find it helpful to introduce sensory lights into their child’s daily routine by having them spend 15 minutes per day interacting with the device while being observed by an adult or therapist. This helps children become accustomed to the new device while also allowing adults to track progress and make sure that everything is going smoothly.
When using sensory lights it is important to keep in mind that each individual may respond differently and that not all features may be suitable for every user; therefore it is important to adjust settings accordingly until finding the best combination for your child’s individual needs.
You should also consider the type of room and room decor to ensure the lights are appropriate. For example, you likely won’t put LED strips in a living room and would choose a more appropriate location such as a kids room. The same would go for a bubble lamp, bubble tube, or lava lamp, you just need to make sure you are making the rooms you’re using the sensory lights in a comfortable experience for the entire family.
Conclusion
Sensory lights are an innovative tool that can be used to help children with autism, disabilities, and adhd in a variety of ways from reducing anxiety levels to improving communication skills.
By introducing this device into your child’s daily sensory play routine with other sensory toys, you can ensure that they get the most out of this therapeutic tool while also tracking progress over time so you know what works best to help them calm down and avoid sensory overload.
With proper guidance and use, these devices can be incredibly beneficial for both children and parents alike!