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Trusted by families & educators — sensory, learning & support tools.
Trusted by families & educators — sensory, learning & support tools.
Sensory overload can be sneaky. It can creep up on you and then seemingly out of nowhere “appear” quite quickly. A room feels too loud, too bright, too busy — and suddenly a child’s (or adult) nervous system hits capacity. If you’re supporting a child who becomes overwhelmed, you are not alone. It is very common for children with sensory processing disorders, autism, ADHD or anxiety — and it can happen to any child on a big day.
One gentle way to support regulation is throughvisual tools — calming objects to look at that help the brain slow down and feel regulated again.
Visual tools are resources that providesoft, predictable visual input — usually through slow movement, gentle light or soothing colour changes. They’re not meant to excite kids. They’re meant tosettle.
They can help because they:
They’re especially helpful for children who:
Visual tools can be used anytime a child needs help settling — but they’re especially powerful in moments when the nervous system is already running high. Having a few calming visuals ready to go can prevent overwhelm from building and give kids a gentle way to reset.
After school decompression:The day takes a lot of sensory energy — visual calming tools help kids shift into “home mode.”
Before bed / wind-down time:Soft lights and slow movement signal safety and help the body slow down for sleep.
Transitions and tricky moments:Moving between tasks, rooms, or routines can spike overwhelm — a visual anchor helps regulate.
Calm corners or sensory breaks:In a classroom, clinic, or home, visual tools give kids a quiet, non-verbal way to reset.
Waiting or during downtime:Waiting rooms, car rides, appointments, or quiet breaks can be tough for overwhelmed kids — a visual tool keeps the nervous system settled and gives them something calming to focus on.
Here are a few calming options that we find work well in homes, classrooms and clinics:
These are beautiful visual calmers because the movement is slow, rhythmic, and predictable. Soft colour changes combined with gentle “underwater” drift give the nervous system something steady to watch and settle with.
Liquid timers offer slow, soothing movement that kids can quietly track with their eyes. They’re especially handy for calm corners, desk breaks, or whenever a child needs a quick visual reset.
A simple bottle filled with water, glitter or slow-moving beads can be surprisingly regulating. Watching the contents drift and settle helps children slow their breathing and return to calm — especially after busy moments. You can even add the light up cubes for extra “sparkle”.
This classic fibre-optic lamp creates a soft, colour-shifting glow that’s soothing to watch. The gentle light travelling through the strands (with a sparkling base) gives children a calm visual focal point — perfect for sensory spaces, quiet time or bedtime wind-down.
A beautifully mesmerising visual tool — each slow turn creates a new drifting sand “landscape” with soft LED lighting behind it. The predictable, gentle movement makes it a lovely calmer for overwhelmed or busy brains, and a great desk or bedside visual reset.
Some children find visual tools calming, while others may find them alerting. If a child seems more energised or distracted, try:
The right tool should help their body soften, not ramp up.
Visual tools are simple but powerful supports because they help children regulatewithout needing words. Used at the right time, they can ease overwhelm, support transitions, and create calm in busy days.
If you’re not sure which visual tool is the best fit, you’re welcome to reach out. Tell us a little about your child (age, setting, what overwhelms them, what usually helps) and we can suggest a few options that suit your needs. Contact us here.
Warm regards,
Kirstie
Starfish Store
Kirstie Wishart M.Ed (Special Education).
Owner and founder of The Starfish Store. Kirstie’s professional life has included: teaching (in both public and private schools in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand), lecturer and subject coordinator at the University of Wollongong, Educational consultant (working with children and young people with a trauma background), OoHC Case Work Manager, and Specialist Tutor (working with children and young people with significant learning difficulties and/or disabilities).
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