Sensory toys are a great way to help children with special needs learn about their environment and the world around them. They can also help develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving skills.
Most of all, though, sensory toys are great for stimulating fun! They help children develop tactile awareness, which can boost creativity and make learning feel like play. Whether you’re helping a child with autism or one who is just learning how to use a fork and spoon, these toys make it possible for kids to discover the world through touch.
Sensory toys are an important part of the special education process. Many children with special needs struggle with sensory integration, a condition that makes it difficult for their brains to interpret sensory information. This can be overwhelming and painful, and many children with sensory integration disorder may use harmful or disruptive behaviors to deal with it.
Sensory toys are a great option for parents who are looking to encourage their child’s development in a fun, engaging way. However, many parents have questions about the appropriate age range for sensory toys and whether they are safe for kids of all ages. To answer these questions, we have compiled an easy-to-read guide that explains the benefits of sensory toys, as well as tips on when they should be used and how to use them safely.
Many parents wonder if there is an appropriate age range for sensory toys. The short answer is no – children of all ages can enjoy sensory toys! Some experts recommend starting with simple items like rattles or teethers before moving onto more complex ones like blocks and puzzles. These help your baby develop fine motor skills while providing them with tactile stimulation in a safe environment.
The Special Needs Pushchair folds up in seconds, making it ideal for busy parents and carers. It is lightweight, weighing only 8 kg and has an easy-fold mechanism which means it can be easily folded into a small package that can be stowed away in the boot of your car or in a small storage area. The Special Needs Pushchair has been designed to be comfortable, durable and easy to use.
It is easy to manoeuvre with large wheels which have a soft, shock absorbing rubber compound making it ideal for use on uneven surfaces as well as being able to cope with all weather conditions. The Special Needs Pushchair has been designed for both adults and children but has also been tested by children under 1m tall (3ft).
The Special Needs Pushchair has been designed to meet the needs of parents and carers who are looking for a wheelchair which can be easily folded up and stored.
The Special Needs Pushchair folds up in seconds, making it ideal for busy parents and carers. The pushchair is suitable for children with special needs, as well as children who have difficulties in walking or standing.
The pushchair comes complete with all the accessories you will need including: A rain cover, footrests and an optional sun shade.
Sensory toys can help these children by giving them healthy ways to cope. They can also benefit children who simply need more visual or tactile stimulation than they’re normally exposed to.
Examples of Sensory Toys for Special Needs
- Oral Motor Tools
These tools help improve oral motor skills for eating or speech. Popular tools include chewy tubes, straws, and chewelry—jewelry made from a safe material that kids can chew on instead of biting their nails or chewing on clothing tags.
- Tactile Toys
These toys engage the sense of touch with textures like fur, cotton rope, and even sticky gel beads. Tactile toys are often used to calm children who have trouble relaxing or focusing.
- Visual Aids
These are useful for both calming kids down and helping them focus on a task.
- Textured Balloons
Textured balloons are popular in special education classrooms because they provide a variety of sensory stimulation: the feel of the material against your hands, the sound when you pop them with your fingers or a pin, and so on. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use. You can even just blow up regular latex balloons for this purpose! Just make sure not to overinflate them so that they don’t pop unexpectedly when someone is touching them.
- Chewy Pendants
These necklaces are designed to encourage children to chew on them instead of their own fingers or clothing. Chewing on the pendant can provide oral stimulation and help manage anxiety.
- Wobble Seats
These chairs have a weighted base with a rounded top on which students can sit. The chair helps offer students support while seated, as well as improve their posture and core strength.
- Sensory Balls
Also known as stress balls, these are great for helping kids with tactile discrimination, muscle development and improving their hand-eye coordination.
- Sensory Blocks
Sensory blocks help develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, as well as improve visual perception and tactile response among students with developmental disabilities.
- Magic Moves Electronic Wand
This wand is perfect for engaging the senses because it uses sound and motion to provide stimulation for kids who need it. It’s a great way to give your child some entertainment while also encouraging physical activity. This type of toy is often recommended for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Fidget Spinners
A great way to keep your kids engaged while improving their motor skills. You can even use them as a reward for good behavior.
- Spiky Balls
Provide tactile stimulation that helps children focus on what they are doing. They can also be used as a stress reliever when your child is feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands.
- Sand Timers
Provide visual stimulation to help children with visual processing disorders focus on what they are doing and remember instructions more easily.