Yes, even the subtle flicker from overhead fluorescent lights has been shown to cause headaches, distractedness, and repetitive behaviors for many people on the spectrum - who tend to be more sensitive to sensory stimulation than the average person.

On the flipside, purposefully designed lighting systems in enclosed spaces such as sensory rooms have been shown to be tremendously therapeutic for kids with sensory processing difficulties.

Research on the effect of lighting on children with autism might also explain why there has been such an uptick in building sensory rooms in recent years. Sensory rooms --- filled with such lighting as color changing bubble tubes, fiber optics lights, LED strips, disco ball lights, projectors, and light-up furniture --- simultaneously calm children's nervous systems, stimulate the sensory centers of their brains, and help train self-regulation - the ability to receive sensory input from the outside world, process it, and react to it appropriately.

It's no wonder that everyone from the NBA and NFL to major airports have started building them in their facilities.

Perhaps the best thing special needs parents can do for their children with sensory processing needs is to consider purchasing sensory mood lighting for their own homes. This can include such creative lighting as tornado twister lamps, artificial jellyfish aquariums, plasma ball globes, or even the well-known, taller bubble tube floor lamp with fish.

When placed in the bedroom or sensory room, these lights can help create a sensory calming experience while simulatenously stimulating creativity and capturing a child's imagination. These lamps also include much color and movement, which can aide in object tracking and visual development. Interactivity is also a prominent feature in these lamps - as they typically include a remote control or in the case of lamps like the plasma globe, are sensitive to touch and sound. This is a great way to teach cause-and-effect reasoning.

A competition was recently held in the UK by Valuelights to raise awareness of the positive effects of sensory mood lighting in homes. The idea was to reject the idea that lighting can't be something fun, creative, and exciting within a household environment. Competition winner Simon Knuckley had this to say about how sensory lighting benefited his son with autism, Kian.

“Ensuring Kian’s sensory needs are met on a daily basis is so vital and it’s great that for a few moments in my son’s day-to-day life he can get happiness simply through lighting!”

SensoryMoon offers a range of night lights that feature color changing effects, dazzling aquarium motion, and remote interactivity to help children concentrate and focus in a positive, fun, and creative way. These make for the perfect holiday gifts for children who would benefit from more stimulating, engaging sensory input, or just need the gift of sensory relaxation in their lives.

So if you're ready to get your loved one the dazzling sensory mood lighting gift that they won't ever want to turn off, then check out SensoryMoon's mood lighting range below and see if one is right for you!