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Writer's pictureLeigh Ann Johnson

Hack Your Way to Calm: Personalizing Your Sensory Toolbox

Updated: Oct 24

I recently discovered a new sensory tool that holds essential oils in a little stone so that I

Close up photo of water droplets on a pink flower petal.

can receive their calming effects anywhere and I love it! It’s so wonderful that sensory system awareness has reached the mainstream enough for me to find such a tool at Target! 


But I thought about how one could easily spend a small fortune trying out all the different tools and toys out there. Hacking your sensory system to find what calms it can be a huge game-changer by increasing regulation and calm throughout your day, so how about some tips for skipping the trial and error and buying only what will work for you?


  1. Pay attention to the sensory hacks you’re already doing, possibly without even realizing it. For example, do you chew on your pens? Try some chewelry to satisfy your need for oral stimulation. Do you touch certain items over and over in your home because you like how they feel? Find a sensory toy with similar properties that you can take wherever you go.

  2. Test how you feel using a temporary version. Are you thinking of buying a weighted blanket? Try putting heavy books or other items on your lap and seeing if you feel more regulated. 

  3. Take a more systematic approach and go through each of your senses to see what appeals to you in each. This is something you could do with an Occupational Therapist or you could do it with me during our coaching. I find this to be a really fun process that can unlock huge revelations for autistic adults.


Try these things and let me know what you find! 


And remember, there's so much more to working with your sensory system than buying the latest fidgets and earplugs. Next week I'll give you a peek into sensory diets, the most important tool in your sensory toolbox!


And if you haven't already, be sure to check out my ​Sensory Empowerment Program​, an 8-week one-on-one coaching journey designed for autistic adults who want to transform their relationship with their senses. I lead this program as a proud autistic adult who has balanced their own life using these techniques. This program will empower you to understand, manage, and harness your unique sensory profile. Whether you are sensory avoidant, sensory seeking, or some of both, you will gain the skills and knowledge to work with your sensory system to create the life you want.


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