questions about sensory lights

[Natasha Stratford]

What materials are more suitable for the lights?

Do flashing lights make the child feel more unsettled or is a gradual colour change
better?


What is the maximum price you would pay for a sensory light?


Are there particular colours that will help the child to feel more focused and calm?

 

[Gritches]

I don't know that colors really matter, but yes flashing lights can be distressing. I find them entrancing, but many others report that they're distressing.

As far as lighting in general, you don't have to necessarily spend a fortune on "sensory lights". Just realize the different types of light:

Incandescent: on its way out, but it's fine as long as it's dim
LED: a better choice, and an energy efficient + cost effective choice too. Better as in it doesn't seem to trigger any sensory issues, at least not for me.
Fluorescent: the bane of my existence, it is absolutely awful

I'm sure others will post more well-formed opinions about lighting. There have been threads about lighting though, and I think it was general consensus that fluorescent is unpleasant.

 

[DesertRose]

Toys with flashing lights bug the stuffing out of me, but moving colored ones are less annoying and mesmerizing, but can still bother me. My son on the spectrum loves any kind of lights, flashlight, strobe light, laser light pens, colored lights, moving or not.
I have a bit of trouble at times. He almost always will shine a flashlight in my eyes. Each person has different preferences.
Apparently, some folks can have seizures from blinking or strobing lights.

 

[the_tortoise]

What materials are more suitable for the lights?

Suitable for what? (Durability, color hue, brightness?) Opaque white plastics create a more even distribution of light than transparent ones, LEDs are usually coolest (temperature-wise).

Do flashing lights make the child feel more unsettled or is a gradual colour change
better?

Depends on the child and the nature of the flashing light. Flashing lights that are matched to the tones and rhythms of music are awesome for me (not unsettling), but I love the gradual color changing ones and do find them more more relaxing.

What is the maximum price you would pay for a sensory light?

RIght now, probably nothing but that's because I'm poor and I don't want more stuff.

Are there particular colours that will help the child to feel more focused and calm?

I think this is individual, too.

 

[Gracey]

Swarovski Crystal light catchers can be hung in the window.
One off cost.
Uses natural sunlight.
Full spectrum of colour

Solar, colour changing garden lights for evenings?
Limited colours but slow change (not flashing)

Both the above have an initial outlay after which only sunlight/light is needed.