An easy, affordable, and effective way to help support some of the individuals with special needs in our local churches is to provide sensory bags (sometimes referred to as “Buddy Bags”).

These bags are a portable collection of materials designed to help manage sensory sensitivities in overstimulating environments. Bags include items that provide sensory experiences which can help individuals self-regulate, find comfort in overwhelming environments, and communicate their needs. When the sights, sounds, and crowds of a church become overstimulating,  sensory bags may be a helpful tool. Individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, memory impairments, and other special needs can find helpful readily available items in their personal bag. Here are some ideas of items to include in a sensory bag:

Item Ideas:

1. Fidgets
   • Examples of fidgets are stress balls, squishy toys, beanbags, textured items, spinner devices, etc.
   • Fidgets are helpful in the way that they provide a tactile way to focus and release nervous energy.
2. Feeling & Needs Communication Card
   • These cards can help individuals to communicate by displaying their needs or wants when speech may be hard.
   •  Communication cards could include symbols for “break”, “help”, “loud”, etc.
   • Cards could also include symbols for emotions that the individual is feeling.
3. Visual Schedule
   • A visual schedule could include pictures or icons that represent activities, the times that the activities will occur, and what activities will happen in the future.
   • A visual schedule can help provide structure, communicate tasks, and communicate the timing of events. 
4. Noise Canceling Headphones
   • Over-ear headphones with active noise cancelation as well as passive noise cancelation, which can help prevent sensory overload. 
   • Noise canceling headphones can be helpful to block out distracting noises and to create a calmer auditory environment.
5. Sunglasses
   • Sunglasses with polarized lenses could be a helpful addition to a sensory bag.
   • Sunglasses are a helpful item to include in a sensory bag because they can reduce harsh lighting and make a more comfortable environment for individuals who experience light sensitivity.
6. Safe Snacks
   • Snacks that are crunchy or chewy can provide stimulation and smooth foods can calm sensory sensitivities.
     • Some church snacks that could be used are popcorn, crackers, or  pretzels.
     • Chewy foods such as fruit gummies or chewing gum could be included in sensory bags
     • Some soft foods that could be included are apple sauce, bananas, or other fruits such as pears or berries.
   • Snacks could be a helpful item to include in sensory bags because hunger can worsen sensory symptoms.

Providing sensory bags can be a helpful tool to help individuals with special needs to self-regulate in potentially overstimulating environments. These bags could help individuals have a sense of participation and inclusion. Every individual has different sensory needs, so customizing the bag to fit the specific needs of the person would be helpful to consider when making sensory bags. One individual may find a tactile tool more helpful than noise canceling items. The needs of each individual are important to be taken into consideration when putting together sensory bags. Sensory bags are just one way to help provide support to individuals with special needs in the local church. Providing this option for individuals with special needs clearly communicates a desire for a culture of inclusion and accessibility. 

Although the cost for Sensory Bags is not extravagant, funding for the bags can be a challenge for some churches.  A simple Amazon Wish List with all the supplies and equipment can be created and shared with the church family.  This allows everyone an opportunity to help provide the drawstring bags and supplies while communicating the importance of an inclusive church family acknowledging the image of God and the supreme value of EVERY life. The image at the top of this article is an example of what sensory bags may look like.