Kids are naturally curious — this is a wonderful thing. But they also haven’t mastered social cues. This can make parents uncomfortable.

Once a week from 10:30 to 11:30am, the harsh fluorescent lights in 173 Coles stores across the country will dim, the blaring cheeriness of Coles Radio will be switched off, and more staff will be on hand to help at registers. This is Quiet Hour, a concept developed in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Australia to better accommodate customers with sensory issues, and it's now being expanded to more than twice as many stores as were initially included.

Little kids are notoriously difficult to dress. Any parent who’s experienced a closet standoff with a naked child six minutes before they’re supposed to be at the bus stop can confirm. It could be that the kid is extremely picky or acting out of defiance, but what if it’s more than that? What if the issue is seriously impacting your family?

Most teenagers find it hard to develop a self image. When you live on the autism spectrum you are basically slapped with a label whether you like it or not. What would you say if I said that video games were the answer to this identity-crisis?

Flying almost always comes with some anxiety, but for parents travelling with kids with special needs such as autism, the mere thought of navigating the sensory hurricane that is a busy airport can be terrifying.

While not everyone was thrilled about the fidget spinner explosion of 2017, one thing it did bring is more awareness about tactile aides for kids with ADHD, autism and other disorders, or those who may simply be feeling overstimulated and anxious. There are all kinds of items that occupational therapists keep in their tool bags to help children calm down and stay focused.

Here are five products that parents say have made a big difference in their kids' lives.

It's hard to say exactly why children with autism are some of the greatest devotees of Minecraft, the computer game in which you build endless worlds out of LEGO-like blocks. Stuart Duncan, a father of two, believes it's because it's a perfect union of two opposites. On one hand, Minecraft offers structure - everything from the water to the doors to the falling lava behaves with a certain predictability that they need. On the other hand, it gives the player infinite freedom. There's no story, no levels, no bosses presenting participants with quests to complete. Behind the shield of their computer screen, players can do whatever they want to do in a sensory-friendly space - recreate the Taj Mahal, light up a house with torches, or hide in a cave.

Royden James has had the thought before. He's sure other parents in his situation have, too.