Soften the lights.
- Give a hug or give yourself a hug.
- Minimize visual and auditory stimulation, particularly alerting activities.
- Create a cozy “chill out” space or “time-in” space or a “relaxation space.”
- Be aware of temperature and make adaptations accordingly… open a window, turn on a fan, remove a sweatshirt. Be sure the child hasn’t over-heated.
- Hum along to a song or hum your own tune.
- Enjoy soft, slow, rhythmical background music, particularly with no words.
- Repeat an affirmation rhythmically, such as “It’ll be okay. It’ll be okay, it’ll be okay…..” (no other talking on ANYONE’S part until everyone is very calm.)
- Dampen extraneous noises by closing the door or putting headphones on or removing oneself to quiet environment.
- “Swaddle” by rolling in a blanket or curling up under heavy blankets.
- Have someone cuddle, rub or rhythmically pat the back firmly.
- Apply deep pressure with cushions or bean bag chair.
- Sit in a rocking chair, bouncy chair, or on a ball chair.
- Jumping activities, inclusive of jump roping, jumping jacks, or trampoline-jumping.
- Do wall or chair push-ups.
- Suck on hard candy, lollypop, or milkshake. A straw requires increased sucking.
- Chew on crunchy foods, like carrot sticks, apples, goldfish or pretzels.
- Blow whistles and march to music.
- Blow bubbles.
- Deep Breathing….. ahhhhh.
– From “Integrations” Bright Ideas