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Stocking Your Neurodivergent Tool Chest
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items The neurodiversity runs deep in my immediate and extended family. From ADHD to autism and sensory processing disorder, I've learned to navigate the sometimes wild world of living with my own and parenting other brains that experience the world differ...
Sections
6
Ideation Station
Managing Sensory Overload
Positively Proprioceptive
Crossing the Midline
Fidgets
Learning About Neurodivergency
Ideation Station
Whether you have an ADHD brain, autism, or another neurodivergency, your thinking may be just that…divergent. High ideation is wonderful, but getting those ideas and thoughts organized and under control so that you can harness them can be a challenge...
I love that my brain can come up with so many new ideas and process concepts faster than I sometimes even detect, but this ability can also quickly get away from me and turn into overwhelm. Making a brain dump is one great tool for reclaiming and tam...
The Power of a Brain Dump: How to Untangle Your ADHD Mind - Never Defeated Coaching
These Japanese notebooks are the best I've found for a brain dump. The “soft spirals” are jelly-like rings that make it easy to flip pages back and forth. The perfectly-sized pages are lined and micro-dotted to make writing easy, and the paper is so ...
KOKUYO Campus Soft Ring Notebook, Semi-B5, B 6mm Dot Ruled, 34 Lines, 40 Sheets, Green, Japan Import (SU-S111BT-G)
I actually designed these PDF digital pages to remind myself to not take myself so seriously. There are pages for daily and weekly to-do's and plenty of space for a quick, on-the-go brain dump. I can print them, but I often use them in GoodNotes to take notes on my iPad.
Funny Daily & Weekly To-Do Checklist Printable - Editable PDF for Digital Planner| GoodNotes or Notability (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)
If you prefer a hardcover option to write in, this brain dump journal is sturdy and so cute.
Brain Dump Hardcover Journal, Cute Funny Kawaii Brain, Mental Health ADHD Diary
This visual timer is so helpful when I need to rein in the divergent thinking. It comes in a bunch of cute different colors, and I like that you can see at a glance how much time you have left. You can turn the buzzer on or off. This is great for so ...
TIME TIMER Home MOD - 60 Minute Kids Visual Timer Home Edition
Infodumping and a brain dump should not be confused. But a brain dump can actually be a good tool to help manage infodumps. When my autistic loved ones share an infodump about something their passionate about with me, it's actually a form of love lan...
Infodumping in Autism: What You Need to Know
My best ideas always seem to come when I'm either in the shower or ironing. Waterproof notepad? Yes, please.
Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad
Managing Sensory Overload
One of the hallmarks of many different neurodivergencies is the tendency to experience sensory overload. Here are some of my favorite tools to help calm the overwhelm and reset my nervous system. (may contain affiliate links)
Sensory overload can be scary and overwhelming, especially if you haven't developed your toolbelt to manage it when it strikes. Thankfully, there are increasing number of resources available to help manage it.
Sensory Overload and Emotions
Sound sensitivity & hypersensitivity can be overwhelming and distracting for those who are neurodivergent. Loop earplugs are comfortable, discreet, and dampen noise just enough to make it more comfortable.
Loop Earplugs
One of my kids likes to wear noise-cancelling headphone but doesn't like ear buds. These lightweight, comfy noise-cancelling headphones have been a great option.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset with Microphone and Alexa Built-in, White New
When you have sensory issues, your feet can be a particularly oversensitive part of your body. Finding a pair of socks without seams to dig and poke can feel like a miracle. Here are a good pair of kid socks.
Jefferies Socks Boys 2-7 Seamless Sport Crew Half Cushion 6 Pair Pack
For myself, I've found that actually wearing socks designed for people with diabetes has provided the best sock option. They're not binding, the toe seam is as smooth as I've found, and they're very soft.
MediPEDS PEDS Women's Diabetic Crew Socks with Non-Binding Top and Cushion Sole 4 Pairs
Being under- or over-sensitive to temperatures is a frequent issue with neurodiverse people. I tend to feel overly cold, so I have quite a few comfy items to help keep me more comfortable.
Anne of Green Gables Writing Gloves - Fingerless Gloves, Arm Warmers, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Literary, Book Lover, Books, Reading
Weighted pads, blankets, and clothing can be an extremely helpful tool for dealing with sensory overload. I especially like that this weighted eye mask can be used cold or hot and has both lavender-scented and unscented varieties (for those sensitive...
WASHABLE Weighted Eye Pillow, Liberty of London floral, soft fabric, filled with Flax, Lavender or Unscented Hot Cold pack
Using weighted pads was one of the first tools that we discovered as a family to help with sensory overload. I love the portability of the weighted lap pad for both school and work.
Weighted Lap Pillow with Soft plushy side, Calming Lap Pad for anxiety and mealtdowns, Weighted Lap Cushion for Classroom & Sensory Room
Compression can be very calming for sensory overload. These shirts (also available in long sleeve) are a great option and are well-designed with extra length in the torso
Sens-ational Hug Tee - Short Sleeves
Weighted blankets are one of my biggest weapons against sensory overload. They provide deep, calming pressure that can be very soothing to your nervous system.
Blue Ridge Home Fashions Weighted Blanket
I can't say enough about these wonderful little devices. TouchPoints provide a soothing vibration alternating between the two sides of your body called “bilateral stimulation” that is clinically proven to quickly calm you during times of anxiety and ...
Wearable Stress Relief Device | TouchPoints
A fabric swing is one of the best investments we made. It's like a little cocoon. I actually got a removable doorway pull-up bar to hang it from, and it works great, but they can easily be mounted from the ceiling or a specially designed hammock stan...
SWING - Double layered Autistic Therapy Compression Reversible Swing holds up to 165 pounds, Indoor or Outdoor (C-Stand Frame NOT included)
This is a great, thorough compilation of activities to help calm your central nervous system.
Nervous System Regulation Workbook, Somatic Exercise Polyvagal Theory Ladder Vagus Vagal Nerve Therapy Techniques Worksheets Co-regulation
Another weighted calming object. This has the added fun of being a cute stuffed animal that kids will love.
Weighted Plush Koala
Compression socks are another type of sock I enjoy, especially if I'm needing more proprioceptive feedback on my joints to help calm me.
Alpaca Socks - Athletic Alpaca Compression Knee High Sock for Men and Women
This is my favorite background focus music to listen to while writing. It truly helps me to get into a flow state.
Focus Music
Many classrooms have “calm down corners” to help kids have a spot to self-regulate, and they're a great addition to a home, too.
30 Calm Down Posters School Counselor Office Therapy Decor Boho Classroom Calming Emotional Regulation Coping Skills Mental Health Prints
This “calming canoe” provides pressure and a cozy pod to help calm the nervous system.
Fun and Function Cozy Canoe - Inflatable Sensory Peapod for Kids with Sensory Issues & Special Needs - Therapeutic Compression & Calming Pressure - Sensory Chair for Kids Ages 3+ - Blue - Medium
Your phone is a potential hotbed of sensory overload. One way to make it less so is to turn the screen greyscale or black-and-white. I wrote this quick tutorial for how to switch your phone to b&w on iOS phones, but you can easily google it for o...
Quick ADHD Tip: Make Your Phone As Boring As Possible
Positively Proprioceptive
Proprioception is often called the “hidden sixth sense” (which is funny as we have a lot more senses than five or six. It's often an area that neurodiverse folks have challenges, so it's a great area to build your toolbox. (may contain affiliate link...
A good, brief explanation of proprioception and why it's so important.
Let's talk about proprioception - our hidden sixth sense!
These chair bands (or “kicky bands”) are great for bouncing feet and giving an outlet to proprioceptive-seeking behavior at school or work without distracting others with your bouncing feet.
Fun and Function - Chair Fidget for Feet - Chair Bands for Fidgety Feet - Fidget Bands Help Kids Focus in Classroom - 9 Inches Long, Stretches to 16 Inches (Pack of 2)
These stretchy “body pods” are a great way to get instant pressure and proprioceptive feedback on your joints.
Fun and Function - Space Explorers - Body Sock - Calming Sensory Sack for Kids & Adults - Promote Sensory Integration & Self-Regulation Skills for Fidgety Kids - Orange - Large (56"L x 28"W)
There's a very good reason that you'll see a trampoline in most occupational and physical therapy offices for kids. Nothing beats it for intense proprioceptive feedback. It's fun and relaxing for adults, too!
TRIPLE TREE 10 FT Trampoline with Safe Enclosure Net, 660 lbs Capacity for 3 Kids, Outdoor Fitness Trampoline with Waterproof Jump Mat Ladder for Indoor Park Kindergarten Toddler Trampolines
If you don't have the space or flat land for a full-sized trampoline, a mini trampoline is another great way to get intense proprioceptive feedback, and you can have it inside year-round.
BCAN 40/48" Foldable Mini Trampoline Max Load 330lbs/440lbs, Fitness Rebounder with Adjustable Foam Handle, Exercise Trampoline for Adults Indoor/Garden Workout
This doorway swing mount system is great! Easily removable and easy to switch out the components (including a fabric swing from the section above).
Gym1 6-Piece Indoor Doorway Gym Set for Kids | Professional Grade Steel Holds 300 Lbs | Includes Sensory Swing Chair, Pull-Up Bar, Rings, Hanging Trapeze, Ladder & Knotted Rope | Kids 3 & Above - Blue
Great proprioceptive feedback with compression bands, and they're very versatile.
Compression Band
My kids LOVE to be burrito-wrapped when they're proprioception-seeking.
BLANKET BURRITO: A SIMPLE SENSORY CALMING STRATEGY
Super versatile wobble board. I actually like to use it myself to practice balance.
Wobble Board by Bunny Hopkins, Wooden Montessori Balance Board, Balance and Developmental Toy, Made in USA
Crossing the Midline
“Crossing the midline” is a concept in occupational and physical therapy, and it's so important to both development and building connections within our brain. (may contain affiliate links)
A good, brief intro to “crossing the midline”
Crossing Midline: What is it and why is it important?
Some great crossing midline activities.
Crossing Midline Activities
There are a ton of fun crossing midline activities you can do! Toss & Catch is a great one, and this is a fun set.
Ayeboovi Toss and Catch Ball Game Outdoor Toys for Kids Yard Games Beach Toys Outside Games for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old Boys Girls (Upgraded)
Fidgets
“Stimming” is an activity common to many neurodivergent people. While it's very normal, it can be a hard time finding healthy, non-damaging outlets for stimming. Here are a few I've found. (may contain affiliate links)
Great “fidget” for people who stim by skin picking. (And better for your skin). The squishy texture is more pleasing than a picking stone, but some people prefer the harder texture.
Picking Popping Fidget Pick Palette Toy - Black and Red Stocking Stuffer Texture to Pick, Dig and Peel - Ladybug - Skin Picking Toy
It's not much to look at, but the picking stone is super-satisfying as a fidget or stimming tool.
The Original Pick 'N Peel Stone
These are such fun fidgets and great for working on visual field observation.
Find it® Original Version Find it Games Search Gift Autism Calm down I Spy Hidden Object Focus Contained Adventure Travel Fun
Squishy and useful. These are a great option for school.
Writing Squish Panels, Classroom Set of 10 or 20
Slime comes in all different textures, colors, scents, and even with embedded items to pick at. It's a great fidget or stim device!
Bye Bye Stress, Therapy Dough, Stress Toy, Sensory Toy, Aromatherapy Purple Butter Slime, Gift For Her, Slime Shops, Slime Fantasies
You use your fingers to guide the internal marbles through these felt mazes. A nice, quiet, and calming fidget.
Bulk Sets- Marble Maze Finger Fidget
These are like the ultimate fidget toy for adults. Discreet and sturdy, and you can manipulate them endlessly and mindlessly to help you focus.
Brass “Micro” Stackable Magnetic Haptic Slider Fidget Toy | Metal Fidget Toy | Haptic Slider Toy | Stress Toy | Toy for Adults
An infinity fidget cube that lets you keep your hands infinitely busy.
Weighted Infinity Fidget Cube - Personalize up to 6 Colors - 3D Printed Sensory Toy
Learning About Neurodivergency
Education around neurodivergent individuals has grown over the years, and I'm so thankful for that. Here are some great resources to educate yourself.
A great TED talk from Temple Grandin, a vocal advocate for autism and neurodivergency education.
The world needs all kinds of minds | Temple Grandin
Another great TEDx talk focusing on education and the autistic brain from Temple Grandin.
Educating Different Kinds of Minds | Temple Grandin | TEDxCSU
This is a YouTube channel that I really enjoy, with lots of concrete hacks, tools, and tactics with those who have an ADHD brain.
How to ADHD
A lot of great info about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) - familydoctor.org
KC Davis is a licensed counselor who teaches tools and tactics for performing care tasks for people who are struggling (for many reasons, including challenges involved in neurodivergency).
KC Davis - Struggle Care