Sensory lights are becoming more popular in sensory rooms and classrooms across the world. But what are they? And what benefits do they offer adults and children with autism or ADHD? In this article, I will discuss the different types of sensory lighting available, and explain the benefits of each one. I will also provide tips on how to choose the right type of sensory light for your needs. So, if you're looking to create a sensory room or improve the lighting in your classroom, read on!
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How Sensory Lights Help with Calming and Focus
One of the main benefits of sensory lights is that they calm and focus individuals with autism and/or ADHD, as well as those with sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, etc. These conditions can make it difficult for people to regulate their senses, manage their emotions, pay attention, and follow directions. Sensory lighting can help by providing a soothing environment that promotes relaxation and concentration.
The Benefits of Sensory Rooms
Studies show that sensory rooms have proven, measurable benefits. A study from Oregon found that students with sensory processing disorder (with or without a co-occurring condition such as autism or ADHD) were 56% more engaged in classroom activities after spending time in a sensory room.
Giving neurodivergent children and adults control over the environment in their sensory room is key. A study published in the National Autistic Society journal found that having control over changes in a sensory room was “associated with increased attention and reduced repetitive motor behaviors, sensory behaviors, activity levels, stereotyped speech, and vocalizations.” For this reason, many of the sensory lights we're featuring here are interactive or can be adjusted using a remote to meet your or your child's specific needs.
There isn't as much research about sensory rooms for autistic adults, but a literature review in the Journal of Mental Health Nursing found that sensory rooms reduced the distress level of patients in psychiatric hospitals.
Sensory lights are just one component of an effective multi-sensory room. For more ideas to create the ideal environment for yourself or your child, check out our articles on sensory swings, sensory chairs, fidget toys, fidget blankets, and chewelry.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sensory Lighting for Your Needs
When choosing the right type of sensory lighting for your needs, it is important to consider things like light intensity, color saturation, and ease of use. Autism-friendly lighting is usually associated with calming tones, but sensory-seeking children and adults may enjoy patterns and flashing lights. If you don't know your own preferences (common among late-diagnosed teens and adults who spent years trying to mask and suppress their neurodivergent traits) try a multifunctional light with a remote.
To get the most out of a sensory room, you should also be aware of the types of lighting to avoid. Some vary by individual — such as avoiding flashing lights if you/your loved one has co-occurring epilepsy — but one is pretty much universal. Fluorescents! Fluorescent bulbs are the enemy of people with sensory processing disorder, migraines… you name it. Many of us can see them flickering when neurotypicals can't. They can make concentrating at school or work next to impossible. They're just pure evil!
Types of Sensory Lighting
There are many different types of sensory lighting available, each with its own unique benefits. I've organized them by category and included a few examples of items I own or have tested at a neurodivergent friend's house.
Sensory Lights with Soothing Movement
Bubble Tubes and Lamps
A sensory bubble tube is one of the most calming autism-friendly lights you can choose for all ages, but especially for kids. Most sensory bubble tubes come with a remote control so you can set a solid color or adjust the speed of the color shift. Bubble tubes are a key component of an autism-friendly environment to create a fun and engaging sensory experience for any age. You can buy multiple bubble lamps or enhance the impact of a single bubble tube by placing it in a corner with mirrors around it. Some bubble towers come with optional plastic fish that can swim up and down with the movement of the water.
SensoryMoon 3.9 ft Bubble Tube Floor Lamp w 10 Fish, 20 Color Remote and Tall Water Tower Tank is Best LED Aqua Night Light for Kids Bedroom, Autism or Fake Aquarium Column Stand for Living Room Decor
Bubble Panel Wall Mount Hanging Fountain 300WM Bubble Wall (Silver with Smartphone Controller)
Jellyfish Lamps
Jellyfish lamps are another great choice for sensory rooms, as they mimic the soothing motion of real jellyfish swimming in water. These lights provide a soft glow that can be used to create a calming atmosphere. The quality of jellyfish lamps varies tremendously, but I've tested these two and they are the best options by size that are most likely to last for a few years without the motor breaking.
Jellyfish Lava Lamp Bluetooth Speaker, White Noise LED Jellyfish Aquarium Table Lamp 7 Colors Changing with 4 Light Modes, Mood Lamp for Home Office Sleep Relax, Gifts for Kids Teens Girls Boys Adults
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps are a popular option for sensory lighting, as their wax oozes in a slow yet endlessly fascinating manner. I collect lava lamps and own 32 in total! They were a big special interest of mine for years and I still love them. One caveat — lava lamps are best for teens and adults who can understand their safety considerations. They are made of glass, get hot, and the contents would be toxic if ingested. They are not a safe choice for small children or people with intellectual disabilities who might grab or pull at them impulsively.
Lava the Original 16.3-Inch Silver Base Lamp with Yellow Wax in Purple Liquid
Tornado Lamps
These lamps have a small light bulb at the bottom and create a spiraling effect using air flow. They work well in sensory rooms, as they provide a mesmerizing visual display that can help with focus and concentration. They are a safe alternative to lava lamps as they don't get hot.
Interactive Sensory Lights
Touch Sensitive Modular Sensory Lights
These interactive lights let you control your sensory experience. They're fun for neurodivergents of all ages!
HEXlights Hexagon Lights Premium Set Sensory Touch Activated LED lights, Remote Controlled RGB Wall Panels Great for Kids Bedroom or as Wall Activity Panel for Sensory Room 7 Pack Sensory Lights
Hexagon Lights, RGB Hexagon Wall Lights with Remote, Smart Hexagonal Wall Panels, Touching LED Wall Lights with USB-Power, Splicing DIY Color-Changing Gaming Lights Used in Gift, Bedroom Decor-6 Packs
1 used from $26.69
Lite Brite
Who doesn't love a Lite Brite? They encourage creativity and you can use your favorite colors that you find soothing. They can help kids with ADHD settle down and focus. I've included one option for kids and another for teens and adults. Note that Lite Brites aren't a good choice for young children or people with pica who might eat the small pegs.
Lite Brite Stranger Things Special Edition - Best of 4 Seasons - Featuring Icons & Themes from The Netflix Series Includes High Definition Grid, 12 HD Templates, 650 Colorful Mini Pegs, Fans 14+
$14.99
Lite Brite Ultimate Value Retro Toy, Bigger and Brighter Screen, More Pegs and Templates, Storage Pouch, Gift for Girls and Boys, Ages 4+ (Amazon Exclusive) , Black
Handheld Sensory Lights
Looking for portable sensory lights? You can take these anywhere and they double as stim toys.
Flashing Panda Meteor Storm LED Changing Pattern Spinner Wand
12 Pack LED Light Up Pop Tubes Sensory Toys, UrChoice Fine Motor Skills & Learning for Toddlers, Party Favors Decorations Pull and Stretch Toys for Kids Halloween Christmas Party Goodie Bag Stuffers
Sensory Lights That Respond to Music
Music is a major ingredient in my “sensory diet” as an adult on the autism spectrum. Electronic music is my favorite. I use lo-fi beats to relax or defuse meltdowns before they get bad, and dubstep to pump myself up when I'm depressed or have to interact with lots of people. Lights and speakers with changing colors that go with the music enhance the experience, and might help you too.
50ft LED Lights for Bedroom FONEWE Music Sync LED Light Strips Color Changing Lights for Bedroom LED Strip Lights with APP and Remote Control
Visual Stimulation for Sensory Rooms
Wall Projector
If your loved one on the autism spectrum has behavioral challenges and has a history of damaging TVs during sensory meltdowns, a projector hanging from the ceiling provides a safe alternative for them to enjoy their favorite programs.
HAPPRUN Projector, Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector with 100''Screen, 9500L Portable Outdoor Movie Projector Compatible with Smartphone, HDMI,USB,AV,Fire Stick, PS5
$84.99
7 used from $55.65
Ceiling Light Projectors
Projection lights are a great option for autism-friendly multi-sensory rooms, as they can be used to create soothing patterns on the walls or ceilings. When I'm experiencing a panic attack or on the verge of a meltdown, I turn on my blue aurora borealis projector and it helps me calm down. Autistic children and adults often struggle with insomnia, and night sky and ocean projectors can help us fall asleep.
Star Projector, Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom, Bluetooth Speaker and White Noise Aurora Projector, Night Light Projector for Kids Adults Gaming Room, Home Theater, Ceiling, Room Decor (Black)
3 used from $35.83
Northern Lights Aurora Projector, AIRIVO Star Projector Music Speaker, White Noise Night Light Galaxy Projector for Kids Adults , for Home Decor Bedroom/ Ceiling/Party (Black)
1 used from $33.06
Table Lights
If you need a sensory light for an end table or to use as a nightlight, consider these options. I have the galaxy light and it's beautiful, affordable, and fits in well in your home as an adult.
BRIGHTWORLD Moon Lamp Galaxy Lamp 5.9 inch 16 Colors LED 3D Moon Light Lava Lamp, Remote & Touch Control Star lamp Moon Night Light Gifts for Girls Boys Kids Women Birthday
$19.99
3 used from $19.19
Colorful Bonsai Tree Light for Home Table Decor, 16 Colors Fiber Twinkling Blossom Flower Lamp Remote Timer Tabletop Christmas Decorations Night Light for Living Room Wedding Party
$24.99
Volcano Night Light, Color Changing Night Light for Kids, Kids Night Light for Bedroom, LED Night Light with Touch Sensor, Night Lamp for Kids Room, Kids Night Light Toy, Volcano Lava Lamp
High-End Sensory Lights for Adults
So you just found out you're autistic or have ADHD. Maybe you're self-diagnosed because finding a doctor that can test an adult is hard. Even if you did get an official diagnosis, treatment and support for adults can be difficult to access. You want to try some sensory stims without your home looking like a daycare center — but how?
I've listed quite a few lighting options that work for adults, but here are a few more to create a high-end sensory room that reflects your style.
Turkish Moroccan Mosaic Table Bedside Lamp,Unique Gold Lamp Handmade Conical Cage Metal Shape Bohemian Vintage Desk Nightstand Decor Night Light Size 11"H &7.5" D Great for Bedroom Kids Room.
Turkish Mosaic Glass Decorative Table Lamp Moroccan Lantern Home Decor Night Light for Living Bedroom Room (Multicolour)
COMMODA Stunning Handmade Moon Shape Turkish Moroccan Mosaic Glass Table Desk Bedside Lamp Light Gold Base Unique Table Lamp Room Decoration (Blue)
Crystal Table Lamp Touch Control Dimmable Accent Desk Lamp Bedside Modern Table Light with Silver Lamp Shade Night Light Fixture for Living Room Bedroom Kitchen, by Seaside village
$25.99
What are your favorite sensory lights?
Let us know in the comments.
Hey I'm Olivia and I'm a proud Autistic woman. My special interests are cats, stim toys, and electronic music! I love to write and help other Autistic adults find ways to enjoy life in this LOUD world!
