The most successful material I have been using to encourage a sensory response is the commonly known heat pad or handwarmmer. The substance inside is called sodium acetate and is a cool liquid. When this liquid has physical change (usually a metal disc inside to react the substance change) it changes to a solid and emanates heat. People completely change and become more relaxed or usually tell you what part of their body is sore – like a hip or a knee. For me its a very comforting feeling and helps me relax.
I tried making a costume with a pocket inside for the handwarmer. The jersey material I began with is too light for the weight. I will test out using a heavier fabric.
