The Ultimate Sensory Toys & Tools Guide
There are so many tools and toys for sensory processing disorder so I wanted to create an ultimate sensory toys and tools guide. Each tool has different benefits for a child's development.
Using sensory toys and tools can have a significant impact on a child's development. They can help children become more regulated and focused.
Sensory toys and tools can also improve a child's coordination, motor skills and balance and emotional regulation. Sensory tools can provide a calming activity to help children regulate their emotions and behavior.
A sensory diet is a schedule for a child's sensory activities throughout the day. A sensory diet is created by an occupational therapist. These activities may involve using tools like a trampoline, weighted blanket or a sensory bin.
The sensory activities scheduled will depend on the individual child and what their sensory needs are. Sensory activities scheduled everyday will help the child to stay regulated. Sensory toys and tools are designed to stimulate the senses. Sensory toys are important to a child's development and have endless benefits for children who struggle with sensory processing disorder.
Tactile input is the sense of touch. Tactile toys can help children with sensory processing disorder learn to cope with touch. Some examples of tactile toys include playdough, slime and sensory putty.
Visual input is the sense of sight. Visual toys can help children with their visual processing skills. Some examples of visual toys include kaleidoscopes, sensory lights and spinning toys.
Olfactory input is the sense of smell. Olfactory tools include scented playdough or sensory bins with different scents. These tools can help children process different smells.
Auditory input is the sense of hearing. Auditory sensory toys include noise canceling headphones, sound puzzles and musical instruments.
Gustation is the sense of taste. Gustation sensory tools can be used to introduce new food textures gradually. Gustation tools include chewelry, vibration oral tools, whistles or chewing on sour candy.
Proprioception is our body awareness and coordination sense. Proprioceptive tools include weighted vests, sensory putty, body sock, compression clothing or toys you can squeeze.
The vestibular system is the sense of balance. Vestibular tools help children improve their balance. They can also help with coordination too. Vestibular toys include balance boards, scooters and sensory therapy swings.
Interoception is the internal physical sensations sense. This is the sense that helps us feel what we feel inside like if we are thirsty, need the bathroom or if we are hungry. Interoceptive tools can help kids become aware of these internal sensations. When they learn new ways to cope with their interoceptive sense they will be more regulated.
Listed below are each of the eight sensory systems, click on each to discover sensory toys and tools for all eight senses.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists give you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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