5 Calming Strategies to Help with Autism

For people with autism, there are several things that can cause extreme emotional reactions...

Autism
May 8, 2025

For people with autism, there are several things that can cause extreme emotional reactions.Although it is possible to manage some of the triggers, there are times when you need calming strategies to help with autism.The calming strategies might provide a little therapy for autism.One of the most effective calming strategies to help autism is meditation.There are different forms of meditation that help bring clarity and focus.Meditative techniques such as deep breathing or counting to ten would help regain composure.Certain acts related to autistic persons could come from various emotions.It is possible that the trigger might be a desire to engage in physical activity.In this situation, one of the calming strategies to help with autism is to engage in physical activity.A sensory environment is a very comforting and relaxing place for a person with autism.An autistic person has different sensory needs from other people.A sensory environment is a great calming strategy to help with autism because it provides a place for people with autism to relax.Find out calming strategies to help with autism below.‍

Meditation

Mediation is a very effective method to gain clarity and serenity.Meditation helps to release stress on a consistent basis.One of the best calming strategies to help with autism is to rely on meditation.Trying to learn meditation might be a bit challenging, but the benefits are substantial.Music is a great way to begin meditation.The objective is to introspect and relax.There are many benefits to meditation.For instance, deep breathing can help the body relax and release built-up tension.Meditation could be done before or during an extreme emotional outburst.It is important to note that meditation might not be effective for every autistic person.However, it would help to try various techniques of meditation.At least one meditative technique will likely be effective.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of several calming strategies to help with autism.There are certain times when autistic people have strong physical reactions to emotional distress.A helpful method to release emotions could be through physical activities.It is possible that the outburst of emotions is even due to a lack of physical stimulation.For instance, an autistic person might be throwing out an object repeatedly.It is worth considering alternative means to exert force.Physical activity and exercise could be an effective calming strategy in this circumstance. Jumping on a trampoline or swinging on a swing could ease these feelings.Over time, the emotions might pass.It is important to know when this calming strategy will be effective.Consider the results of physical activity during periods of outbursts of emotions.Physical activity might benefit the child as it allows them to exercise their body.

Tailored Sensory Environment

In a world not tailored to autistic people, having a place suited to the sensory needs of an autistic person is calming.A sensory environment is a place or space where autistic people feel calm, relaxed, and stimulated.It is one of the most effective calming strategies to help with autism.A sensory environment does not need to be massive.It can be a full room, a corner, or just a place with the help of a few products.Some items that might help your sensory environment include sunglasses, earplugs or headphones, and a wide hat, all to block sensory stimulation.However, each sensory environment must be tailored to one person.Different autistic people have their preferred amount of stimulation.Thus, it is natural to try out and test various adjustments.Consistent exposure to a sensory environment helps people with autism to manage their feelings.This means it might help prevent even emotional outbursts.

A woman engaging in physical exercise.

Distractions

Although it might appear unlikely, it is possible to use distraction or refocus on other subjects to calm a person with autism.The distraction might channel the attention from extreme emotions to other things.When the source of extreme emotional display is trivial, consider it a distraction.Sometimes it is possible to calm an autistic person with a distraction.This distraction will have to be over a strong interest of the autistic person.For instance, a documentary about penguins might be enough to switch focus.Alternatively, you could consider other activities that refocus the mind on other topics.It is possible to use drawing as a means to be distracted.An additional benefit of a distraction is that it might turn into a calming strategy,Like most calming strategies to help with autism, distractions are not always effective at calming an autistic person.It is possible for the autistic person to be too focused on the disruption.However, this calming method is still worth considering, especially because it can be fast-acting.

Routines

Routines are very important for some autistic people.They provide a sense of safety and security.Interruptions to the routine can cause emotional disruptions for a person with autism.One of the calming strategies to help with autism is to maintain a routine.In essence, by sticking to the daily routine, the autistic person might enjoy calmness.Even when there is a short departure from the routine, it might be best to get back to the routine.It is difficult to live a rigid routine.A way to address changes is to plan ahead of them before they occur.For instance, an autistic person might need preparation before going for a meal at a restaurant.Planning also helps both people if there is an outing with more than one person.Consider adding schedules and little gaps in the routine planned out.It is important to avoid the anxiety that can come from falling behind in a routine.

Conclusion

A way to provide support for autism is to understand that autistic people have unique challenges trying to manage their emotions.An outburst could be due to sensory overload, anxiety, or obsessions.There are calming strategies to help with autism that include meditation, physical activity, a sensory environment, distractions, and routines.

Resources

https://autismawarenesscentre.com/calming-strategies-to-support-a-person-with-autism/

https://autisticmama.com/calming-strategies-for-autism-meltdowns/

https://www.hopebridge.com/blog/avoid-overstimulation-children-autism/

https://www.experia-usa.com/blog/7-calming-strategies-autism/

https://www.hopebridge.com/blog/avoid-overstimulation-children-autism/

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Autism

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