Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Tools & Toys For Sensory Processing Disorder

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Tools & Toys For Sensory Processing Disorder

Jeanette Loftus

Sensory tools and toys are for stimulating our senses and enhancing sensory experiences for children. These tools are usually used by parents, caregivers, occupational therapists and teachers to help children with sensory processing disorder with learning and development.

Sensory toys have come a long way since I first heard about sensory processing disorder. There are so many new products available to help our kids cope with their sensory processing disorder. There are so many different options now for fidgets, sensory bins and weighted blankets. These tools have a range of benefits and are designed to help your child's sensory differences.

Sensory tools encourage the brain to process sensory input. This can improve a child's ability to regulate their emotions, focus and take part in activities. A benefit of for using sensory tools is their ability to soothe children because they are calming.

Many sensory tools provide deep pressure or tactile stimulation and that can have a calming effect on our nervous systems. This can be helpful for children who can become easily overwhelmed by sensory input or have difficulty regulating their emotions. A child may find comfort and calm with a weighted blanket because these tools can also be used for self-regulation for children when they are feeling sensory overload or anxiety.

Many sensory toys are open-ended and that means that they can be used in many different ways and they encourage children to use their imagination while playing. This will teach children to explore and discover new ways of using different sensory toys and tools which will help them to be creative and learn new problem solving skills.

Sensory tools can be great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. There are many sensory toys that require a child to use their fine motor skills like squeezing, twisting, or manipulating objects. When children use these sensory tools they strengthen their hand muscles and improve their hand-eye coordination, which is so important for writing, drawing, and self-care activities too.

Sensory tools have social benefits too because they can be used in group settings like in a classroom to encourage social interaction and cooperation. A sensory bin in the classroom can help children develop their social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and communication too.

Sensory tools and toys offer a very big range of benefits for children of all ages. They can help children who have sensory processing disorder with sensory integration, feel calm, stimulate their creativity and imagination, improve fine motor skills, and enhance social skills. The possibilities with sensory toys are endless and have so many benefits.

Tools and toys for sensory processing disorder can be used in schools, therapy and at home. If you have a child who struggles with sensory processing disorder and want to provide them with a fun and engaging sensory experience, start adding sensory tools and toys into their routine.