Imagine going to a party where the music is too loud, the lights are too bright, and everything feels overwhelming. For some kids, this is how they feel most of the time, even in calm environments.

This is because they have something called Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). In fact, there are special toys and tools designed to help them feel better and more in control, and we’ll discuss some of those today.

So if you’ve got a kiddo with sensory issues, you’ll learn what SPD is, how it's diagnosed, and we’ll highlight three amazing toys that can make a big difference in your child’s life.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex condition where the brain struggles to handle information coming from the senses. This disorder can affect one sense, like hearing or touch, or multiple senses, and can impact how someone perceives and reacts to sensory information. For instance, everyday noises might be overwhelming, or a light touch could feel uncomfortable. It's as if the volume of the world is turned up too high for some senses, and for others, it's barely audible.

Children with SPD may react in ways that seem unusual or out of proportion to the situation. They might be extremely bothered by tags in their clothes, dislike being touched, or have no reaction to pain that would typically cause distress. On the flip side, they might seek out intense sensory experiences, like spinning, touching everything, or making loud noises. These behaviors are their way of trying to regulate their sensory input and make their environment more comfortable.

How is Sensory Processing Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosing SPD is a nuanced process, as there's no single test that can confirm its presence. Instead, diagnosis often relies on a detailed evaluation of a child's behavior, medical history, and sensory reactions. This evaluation is typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team that may include occupational therapists, psychologists, and pediatricians.

The process begins with gathering a comprehensive history of the child's development and behaviors from parents or caregivers. This history helps professionals understand the child's sensory experiences and how they affect daily activities. Following this, the child may undergo a series of observational assessments and standardized tests designed to evaluate their sensory processing. These assessments look at how the child responds to various sensory stimuli, including textures, sounds, and movements, and how these responses impact their functional abilities.

Occupational therapists often play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating SPD. They use their expertise to analyze the child's sensory processing and provide strategies to help manage sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. The goal is to help the child better navigate their sensory experiences and improve their ability to participate in daily activities.

Understanding each child's unique sensory profile is essential for providing the right support. No two children with SPD are exactly alike; what overwhelms one child may be sought after by another. This individualized approach ensures that interventions are tailored to meet each child's specific needs, helping them to engage more fully with the world around them.

Top 3 Toys for Sensory Processing Disorder

Keeping in mind that each child is different, the following are a few toys and tools that may greatly help those with SPD function more optimally. These tools are great for helping children de-stress and focus, and they’re easy to incorporate into daily life.

1. Weighted Writing Pad for Kids

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Perfect for the littlest kids with SPD, this writing lap pad doubles as both a weighted sensory tool and a learning tool. This pad is an ideal inclusion to your special education supplies, as it can help children focus and feel more relaxed. It features a water drawing mat with a water pen included, so it’s perfect for those little hands that are just learning. It’s mess free, and the pen can easily be filled with water whenever needed. The weight of this pad can help kids with SPD feel more grounded and less anxious. It's like having a calming tool that helps their body understand where it is in space, making everything else a bit less overwhelming.

2. Fidget Marble Maze

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This toy is a small fabric pouch with a marble inside. Kids can move the marble through the maze with their fingers. It's simple but incredibly effective for children who need to keep their hands busy. This movement can help them focus and feel less stressed in situations where they normally would not be. It's also great because it's quiet and portable, making it perfect for situations where they need to stay calm and collected. This maze can be a great tool for home, on the go, or even at school.

3. Weighted Stuffed Animal

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Sitting still can be a big challenge for some kids with SPD. A weighted stuffed animal is a fun solution. This stuffed animal helps children and adults stay calm and focused in any classroom or office setting by providing deep pressure. This makes it a perfect tool for promoting calm and a sense of security. This can help improve focus and provide a gentle form of physical stimulation that's soothing for those with SPD. These stuffed animals can be a great option for a desk at home, the dinner table (where it’s almost always tough to sit still!) and may even be a great resource for classrooms.

Other Helpful Notes for SPD

While toys and tools are great, it's also important to create a supportive environment for kids with SPD. This means being patient, trying to understand their sensory needs, and working with professionals to find strategies that help them navigate their world more comfortably. Every child is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. It's all about finding the right combination of tools, strategies, and understanding.

Sensory Processing Disorder can make the world feel overwhelming, but with the right support and tools, kids with SPD can find their way to navigate it more comfortably. Toys like weighted lap pads, fidget marble mazes, and weighted stuffed animals can make a big difference in their daily lives. Remember, the goal is to help them feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the world around them. With understanding, patience, and the right tools, we can make their world a more manageable place.

Affiliate Information

Sensory Inclusive Classroom is an affiliate for some or all of the products on this page. When you click the link and purchase on Amazon, you support our mission! Sensory Inclusive Classroom is a Behavioral Response to Intervention (RTI) program that addresses students’ needs and enables them to achieve academic goals. The program is founded upon the principle of empowerment and self-regulation: Empowering teachers to enable children to self regulate.

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