A Parent’s Guide to Sensory Toys for Kids with Sensory Processing Differences

For parents navigating the complex world of sensory processing differences, finding the right toys and creating supportive environments can feel overwhelming. Anne Barber emphasizes that understanding each child’s unique sensory needs is vital for successful play experiences.

“Sensory processing is complex: a single child can respond differently to each of their five senses – being overly sensitive to some sensations (hyper-sensitive) while under-responsive to others (hypo-sensitive). For example, a child might be extremely sensitive to loud sounds but actively seek out deep pressure or touch,” explains Barber.

Understanding Sensory Processing: A Deeper Look

Regarding sensory processing differences, it’s important to recognize that each child’s experience is unique. Here’s what parents need to know:

Hyper vs. Hypo Sensitivity

• Hypersensitivity: Children may be defensive or avoidant to certain sensory inputs
• Hypo-sensitivity: Children may actively seek out additional sensory stimulation
• Mixed responses: Some children might be hyper-sensitive to some sensations while seeking others

Signs Your Child May Need Sensory Support

For children who are sensory-avoiding:

•  Becoming overwhelmed in busy environments
• Showing resistance to touch or certain textures
• Withdrawing from sensory experiences
• Displaying signs of shutdown or freeze responses

For children seeking sensory input:

•  Constant movement or fidgeting
• Seeking deep pressure or touch
• Showing high activity levels
• Demonstrating the need for additional stimulation

“For children seeking sensory stimulation, playing directly with sand offers that feedback they’re looking for,” Barber explains. “But for children who are sensory-avoidant, we take a gentler approach. You might start by placing their favorite toy near the sand, then gradually move it closer. Eventually, you can place the toy in the sand itself. This creates a bridge – using something familiar and comfortable to help them have positive experiences with something that was previously overwhelming.”

Local resources like HobbyTown Santee offer sensory-friendly toys that can help parents address these needs, from kinetic sand sets to tactile fidget tools. However, as Barber emphasizes, the key is understanding your child’s sensory profile and gradually introducing new experiences.

Creating a Sensory-Safe Environment: The Power of Dedicated Spaces

Creating a consistent, accessible sensory space is good for children with sensory processing differences. As Barber explains, establishing a “sensory zone” or “quiet zone” provides children with a reliable safe haven when they need to regulate.

“What you want to do is create a sensory or quiet zone. You could carve out a little area of your house that contains places for calm play versus places where life is happening,” Barber explains.

Essential Elements of a Sensory Zone

• Calming lighting (like jellyfish mood lamps)
• Comfortable seating
• Easy access to fidget toys
• Quiet space away from household activity
• Sensory-friendly toys within reach

“A sensory-avoidant child or some child with sensory overwhelm knows that that space is persistently there,” emphasizes Barber. “And they can use it when they want.” Children should be able to access their sensory space without asking permission.

Types of Sensory Toys for Kids and Their Benefits

Understanding the range of available sensory toys can help parents make informed choices for their children’s needs. HobbyTown Santee offers various options that support different sensory experiences:

Tactile Exploration Tools

• Kinetic Sand: The Zen Box provides a mess-free way to explore texture
• Crazy Aaron’s Putty: Features seek-and-find elements within the putty
• Fidget toys: Various textures and resistance levels for different sensory needs
  
  

Visual and Calming Elements

• Mood lamps
• Jellyfish lighting that doesn’t heat up
• Calming visual displays
• Glow-in-the-dark stars and decals

Interactive Play Options for Special Needs Children

For children seeking more stimulation, Barber recommends games that engage multiple senses simultaneously:

• Simon (combining lights, sounds, and touch)
• Bop It
• Interactive movement games

“If a child is seeking stimulation, try to get as many of their senses involved in that play as possible,” advises Barber. “You’re thinking, okay, they are really seeking stimulation, like with movement, but also give them sound and lights.”

The key to successful implementation is understanding when to increase or decrease stimulation. Barber recommends a gentle exposure approach. So you’re just helping them have these positive, corrective experiences.”

Success Through Strategic Play, Learning & Implementation Strategies

Creating successful sensory play experiences requires thoughtful planning and observation. This is particularly important when preparing children for new experiences, such as family vacations or school transitions.

Gradual Exposure Techniques

As Barber explains from her clinical experience, the progression of using sand might look like this:

• Start with kinetic sand at home
• Move to actual sand in a controlled indoor environment
• Transition to a park sandbox
• Finally, experience beach sand during vacation

“You want to bridge it,” Barber notes. “You go from the kinetic sand to actual sand in the house. And then you would want to go maybe to a park with the sandbox and have them experience it outdoors and then you can bridge to that vacation.”

Special Considerations for Different Environments

Recognizing Sensory States

Understanding your child’s sensory state is crucial for appropriate intervention. Barber identifies two main states:

Hyper-activated State:

• More likely to show disruptive behaviors
• Increased movement
• Irritability
• Seeking conflict or interaction

Hypo-aroused State:

• Shutting down (freeze response)
• Withdrawal
• Appearing to want isolation

“A child’s sensory needs can shift rapidly – they might be overstimulated one moment and under-stimulated within minutes later,” Barber explains. “That’s why it’s so important to check in with your child first to understand what they’re experiencing. Ask them if they need some quiet time or if they’re looking for more activity. From there, you might need to try different approaches to find what works in that moment.”

On-the-Go Solutions

For managing sensory needs outside the home, HobbyTown Santee offers portable options like:

• World’s Smallest Toys series
• Compact fidget toys
• Travel-sized sensory tools

“When you think about having a neurodivergent child, a lot of times what you’re planning for is how to help them when they’re not home,” Barber explains. “At home, you can make the child feel much more comfortable. When you’re out and about, you want to have your fidgets and activities ready to go.”

Product Selection Guide

When choosing sensory toys, consider these key factors:

Adaptability Features

• Volume control for sound toys
• Adjustable resistance levels
• Multiple play options
• Customizable experiences

Texture Exploration

At HobbyTown Santee, customers can often test fidgets before purchasing. “You get to feel different textures and figure out what floats your boat,” explains Danielle of HobbyTown Santee, noting, “Sometimes the squishier ones are less enjoyable for some people than the magnetic ones and vice versa.”

Building a Sensory Toy Collection

Start with these essential categories:

Calming Tools

• Kinetic sand sets
• Mood lighting
• Soft textured items
• Weighted options

Stimulating Options

• Interactive games
• Movement-based toys
• Multi-sensory experiences
• Pattern-based activities

Remember, as Barber emphasizes, “If you think of sensory processing disorder, think of it as like there’s a spectrum.” Each child’s needs are unique, and their toy collection should reflect their individual sensory profile.

Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Play Journey

The journey of supporting a child with sensory processing differences is unique for every family. As our experts emphasize, success comes from understanding your child’s individual needs and creating supportive environments that promote growth and comfort.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Start with observation to understand your child’s specific sensory profile
• Create a dedicated sensory space that remains consistently accessible
• Introduce new sensory experiences gradually and systematically
• Combine familiar toys with new sensory elements for gentle exposure
• Keep portable sensory tools available for outside-the-home situations

“When introducing new sensory experiences to a child who is sensory-avoidant, the key is to start with the smallest possible exposure,” Barber explains. “The goal is to help them build confidence through positive experiences. Each successful interaction teaches them ‘I can handle this sensation that used to overwhelm me.’ These small victories gradually help them feel safe with experiences that were once challenging.”

Finding the Right Support

While online shopping offers convenience, visiting a specialty store like HobbyTown Santee provides unique advantages:

• Hands-on experience with different sensory toys
• Expert guidance in selecting appropriate items
• Opportunity to test textures and interactions
• Access to unique and specialized products

Barber notes  “When you walk into a store and see lots of new options, you can read the labels and talk to the staff members to get an understanding of how toys can help your child.”

Resources and Next Steps

For parents beginning their sensory support journey:

• Consult with occupational therapy professionals
• Visit specialty toy stores to explore options
• Create a home sensory zone
• Start with simple, adjustable sensory tools
• Monitor your child’s responses and adjust accordingly

Remember, supporting a child with sensory processing differences isn’t about changing who they are – it’s about providing tools and environments that help them engage comfortably with the world around them.

About the Expert: Anne Barber, is the founder of Reaware Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing psychotherapy to neurodivergent clients. Her organization focuses on breaking down socioeconomic barriers to accessing care, specializing in supporting individuals with various neurodivergent conditions.

 The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for individualized professional advice. Although not directly compensated for her input to this article, Ms. Barber receives indirect financial benefits from products purchased. Her opinions are her own and are not influenced by any financial incentives.