12/13/2025
💙 Emergency Bag for Overstimulation Support
Outings can be overwhelming for our sensory-sensitive kiddos — restaurants, stores, family gatherings, even quick errands can escalate fast. One of the BEST tools to help prevent and de-escalate overstimulation is having an Emergency Bag ready to go.
At The ATA Lopez Foundation, we always remind families that preparation isn’t just helpful… it’s empowering. ✨
Here are a few items you can keep in your child’s emergency bag to help them feel calm and safe while out in the community:
🎧 Noise-canceling headphones – Reduce loud, unpredictable sounds
🫧 Fidget toys – Keep hands busy and regulate sensory input
📘 Calming notebook / coloring book – Helps ground and redirect focus
🟦 Stress ball or sensory squish toy – Releases tension
🧃 Preferred snack or drink – Hunger can make overstimulation worse
🧣 Small comfort item – A favorite toy, blanket, or familiar scent
🖼️ Visual schedule – Helps them understand what’s happening next
🌬️ Portable fan or cooling tool – Great for heat sensitivity
💬 Communication cards – For nonverbal or overwhelmed communicators
Having these tools on hand doesn’t just help your child — it helps YOU feel more calm, prepared, and supported during unpredictable moments.
You are NOT alone. 💙
We’re here to help families thrive, not just survive.
— The ATA Lopez Foundation
