Soothing Your Child

• Some children may squirm when held.
• Some children resist certain positions.
• Some children become easily overstimulated.

This is normal. Try different approaches to find what works best.

Comfort Techniques

• Gentle holding: hold your child close and adjust positions for comfort.
• Swaying and rocking: move slowly and match your movement to the rhythm of the song.
• Soft singing: use a calm, gentle voice and repeat as needed.
• Swaddling for infants: use safe swaddling practices.

Sensory Needs and Gentle Care

• Avoid loud or sudden noises.
• Use soft lighting when possible.
• Choose clothing that does not irritate the skin.
• Watch your child’s reactions and adjust as needed.
• Choose clothing without tags and socks without seams.
• Tolerance to textures may develop over time; do not force it.

Support your child without causing unnecessary stress.

Family members need to understand your child’s sensory experiences.

Build Empathy Through Comparison

• Think about sticky substances, scratchy clothing, or loud noises.

Then explain that your child may feel the same level of discomfort from clothing tags or certain textures.

What to Encourage

• Patience
• Understanding
• Respect for the child’s comfort

Key message: supporting your child means listening to responses, respecting sensitivities, and creating a safe, comfortable environment.

Helpful items may include Tinka the turtle, Lamby and Rammy (sheep), a baby doll, a coloring book, and a soft, tag-free shirt. These materials can support comfort, play, and familiarity for your child.

Typical child development follows expected milestones in movement, language, and social skills from infancy through preschool. Children with autism develop over the same stages but may show differences in communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory responses. Support through structure, clear communication, and appropriate environments helps both groups develop effectively.

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