Reset Emotions with Brain Break Baskets

ADHD Essentials
Written By Tanya Keto

Children with ADHD, Autism (ASD), or sensory processing challenges often need intentional breaks to avoid meltdowns or zoning out. Having a curated set of tools and activities nearby, a Bran Basket, helps children reset, especially during transitions or when big emotions surface.

A Brain Break Basket is filled with calming and focusing items:

  • fidget toys

  • stress balls

  • coloring sheets

  • putty

  • noise-canceling headphones

  • scent jars

Use Brain Break Baskets between homework tasks, after returning home from school or before a stressful event. Offer a menu of break options (active vs. quiet) so children can choose what their body needs. You can even make different baskets for different instances, for example: one for home, one for school, one for car rides.

Resetting the brain before pushing forward is part of learning, not a break from it.

Tanya Keto
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