Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Sensory Toys & Tools to Help Kids with Tactile Sensory Needs

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

Sensory Toys & Tools to Help Kids with Tactile Sensory Needs

Jeanette Loftus

One of the most common sensory differences seen in children with sensory processing disorder is tactile sensitivity, which is an aversion or hypersensitivity to touch. (tactile defensiveness)

To help children with sensory differences manage their tactile sensitivity, sensory tactile tools have been developed and are widely used in therapy and for at home too.

Sensory tactile tools are toys, equipment, and activities that provide a variety of tactile sensations to a child's hands and body. These tools are used to help children with sensory processing disorder learn to process and respond to different tactile sensations in a more comfortable and effective way.

They can also be used to provide calming and organizing input to the nervous system, helping children with sensory difficulties regulate their sensory responses.

Tactile toys come in a variety of textures, shapes, and sizes, and are designed to provide different tactile sensations to the child's hands and fingers. Some examples of sensory tactile tools include textured balls and squishy fidgets too. These toys can be used in a variety of ways, such as squeezing, rolling, or rubbing, to help children explore and become more comfortable with different tactile sensations.

Sensory tactile activities are designed to engage a child's senses and provide a variety of tactile experiences. Examples of sensory tactile activities include finger painting, playing with shaving cream, and making sensory bins filled with different materials such as rice, beans, or sand. These activities not only help children become more comfortable with different textures but also provide a fun and engaging way for them to explore their senses.

Sensory tactile therapy equipment that is used by therapists to help children with sensory processing difficulties. These tools are specifically designed to provide different levels of tactile input and are often used in a therapeutic setting. Examples of sensory tactile therapy equipment include weighted blankets, vibrating pillows, and brushing that can be used to provide deep pressure.

Tactile tools have been proven to have many benefits for children with sensory differences. They can help them regulate their sensory responses, making them more comfortable and less reactive to different tactile stimuli. This, can help them participate in daily activities that they may have previously found overwhelming or uncomfortable. The use of sensory tactile tools can also help improve a child's fine motor skills, as they learn to manipulate and explore different textures and shapes.

Sensory Diet Tactile Activities

- brushing different textured brushes over the skin
- drawing with chalk on the body
- massage with oils, lotions and powders
- rubbing different fabric textures against the skin
- drawing in sand or salt
- sensory play (water, sand, slime play dough, clay)
- finger painting
- sensory bins (rice, beans)
- face and body painting
- bubble bath and swimming
- body tattoos or stickers on the body
- deep pressure
- gardening and plating flowers
- toys with vibration
- playing in the mud
- cooking and baking

Children with sensory processing disorder often struggle with anxiety due to their sensory differences. The use of sensory tactile tools can help them feel more in control of their sensory experiences, reducing their anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

Sensory tactile tools are an important part of therapy for a child who has sensory processing disorder. These tools provide children with opportunities to explore different textures and sensations in a safe and comfortable environment.

There are so many physical and emotional benefits to using tactile sensory tools and toys. They also make therapy and play more enjoyable for children with sensory challenges. Using the right sensory tactile tools, children with sensory differences can learn to manage their tactile sensitivity and engage in daily activities with more confidence.