Finding calm, meaningful activities that support emotional expression can be especially important for individuals with autism. One simple yet powerful sensory craft used in homes, classrooms, and ABA therapy settings is the Mood Color Wheel. This activity encourages self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication—without pressure, noise, or mess.
Mood Color Wheels are often incorporated into ABA services and autism behavior support programs because they are flexible, adaptable, and respectful of individual sensory needs.
What Is a Mood Color Wheel?
A Mood Color Wheel is a circular chart divided into sections, where each color represents a feeling or emotional state. Instead of relying heavily on verbal language, participants use color to express how they feel in the moment. There is no “correct” way to complete a wheel—each one is personal and valid.
This makes the craft especially helpful for children and teens who may find it difficult to label emotions with words, including those receiving ABA therapy or other support services.
Benefits of Mood Color Wheels
Mood Color Wheels offer a wide range of developmental and emotional benefits:
Supports emotional regulation by helping individuals identify and externalize feelings
Encourages self-expression without requiring verbal explanations
Reduces anxiety through predictable structure and repetitive coloring motions
Sensory-friendly: quiet, low-mess, and visually calming
Builds self-awareness and emotional vocabulary over time
Flexible for therapy goals, including check-ins, transitions, and reflection
Respects autonomy, as sharing is always optional
Because of these benefits, Mood Color Wheels are commonly used as part of autism behavior support strategies in both clinical and home environments.
Materials (Minimal & Flexible)
You only need a few simple supplies to get started:
Paper or cardstock (pre-drawn circles help)
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
Optional: ruler, compass, or printable template
Optional: labels or sticky notes
🟢 Tip: Colored pencils are often the calmest option due to low smell and soft sound, making them ideal for sensory-sensitive individuals.
How to Make a Mood Color Wheel (Step-by-Step)
1. Create the Circle
Use a template or pre-printed wheel
Divide the circle into 6–12 sections (fewer sections tend to feel calmer and less overwhelming)
2. Assign Colors to Moods
Let participants decide what each color means to them
No universal meanings are required
Optional examples (never required):
Blue = calm
Yellow = happy
Green = focused
Purple = tired
Red = frustrated
3. Color Gently
Fill sections fully or lightly shade
Blending colors is allowed and encouraged
There is no need for precision or perfection
4. Optional Reflection
One sentence, a single word, or no writing at all
Participants may choose to share—or keep their wheel private
This flexibility makes the activity especially effective in ABA services, where respecting individual comfort levels is essential.
Using Mood Color Wheels in Autism Support Settings
Mood Color Wheels can be used in many ways:
As a daily emotional check-in
Before and after therapy sessions
During transitions or calming routines
As part of ABA therapy emotional regulation goals
At home to support consistent autism behavior support
Because the activity is adaptable, it works well across ages and ability levels.
Mood Color Wheels are a gentle, inclusive sensory craft that blends creativity with emotional learning. Whether used at home, in school, or as part of ABA therapy and ABA services, this simple tool can make a meaningful difference in how individuals with autism explore and communicate their emotions.
Interested in more sensory activities? Checkout our Blog page for more ideas like making Popper Party Hats, Shaving Cream Marble Art, and New Year’s Resolution Vision Board.
