We all love to play. But did you know that play is so important to a young child’s development that many experts consider it the real work of childhood? And this is where the role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities comes in.
Did you know that sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste all play an important role in helping our brains develop? From the time we’re born, we use our senses to learn about the world around us. That’s why sensory play is so important; it actually strengthens the neural pathways in kids’ minds, laying strong foundations for learning in the future.
Sensory toys can change the way kids with disabilities learn and grow. They engage the senses, build skills, and boost confidence. Moreover, these toys help kids improve focus and emotional regulation. Parents often ask, “How do sensory toys help?”
This guide explains everything, including expert insights and top products. Let’s explore their amazing benefits now! As we will describe what sensory play is all about, and the role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities, even with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Moving on.
Firstly, About Sensory Play
Sensory play involves many senses: vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. It also includes the movement senses, proprioceptive and vestibular, and the “internal” or interoceptive sense. Sensory play stimulates neural connections in the brain that integrate with the sensory system.
The optimum sensory environment offers fun activities that incorporate the following:
- Different sounds
- A variety of colors and shapes
- Different textures
- A variety of scents and smells
- Opportunities for movement and body awareness
- Activities engaging fine and gross motor skills.
Exciting sensory experiences even include different tastes! Think herb gardens, or fruits and vegetables. Sensory diets are a key aspect of weaving in sensory play throughout a child’s daily routine to help meet needs and teach skills in regular and predictable doses.
These are well thought out and person-specific—an example of one of the many ways that sensory play is vital to developing children and accounts for individual needs.
About Sensory Toys
A sensory toy is specially designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste. Sensory toys also help kids with disabilities explore their surroundings in a safe, enjoyable way.
The role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities is more appealing to children on the spectrum because they can help the child remain calm and provide the sensory experience they want.
These toys are created to engage different sensory systems. For instance, textured toys stimulate the sense of touch, while bright colors activate visual engagement. Similarly, toys that produce calming sounds can soothe kids who struggle with noise sensitivity.
Moreover, sensory toys encourage learning through play. They help kids develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Children can also improve their emotional skills, such as self-regulation and managing anxiety, by using these toys.
Parents often find sensory toys very helpful in managing challenges. For example, fidget spinners or stress balls can improve focus during homework time, and weighted blankets and plush toys help kids feel calm and secure.
Lastly, sensory toys are not only therapeutic but also fun. They make learning exciting and interactive. Incorporating sensory play into daily routines can benefit every child, especially kids with disabilities.
The Role of Sensory Toys for Kids with Disabilities
When activities are more enjoyable, we do them more often. By the way, this is true for adults, too! Varied sensory stimuli offer different ways to learn about the environment, ourselves, and others. The result? A solid foundation for emotional, physical, social, and cognitive development.
Sensory activities can be great for all infants and toddlers, but they’re particularly beneficial for children with a disability. While every child has their likes and dislikes, most find it both fun and therapeutic – and in the process, can help their development in a whole range of ways.
Let’s go into the role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities:
1. Boosts Cognitive Development (Learning)
A variety of sensory experiences stimulate curiosity and exploration. By working with different textures and shapes, for example, kids learn about similarities and differences. Fun activities that require tasks such as matching and fitting pieces together stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for attention and memory.
With progressively complex types of exploration, kids sharpen problem-solving skills. Sensory input also spurs imaginative play, which assists in abstract thinking and academic achievement.
Kids learn about the world around them through exploring, and having plenty of sensory experiences gives kids the chance to discover and share what they’ve seen, heard, smelled, touched, or tasted.
For example, each time a child plays with a texture, they start to identify things that are similar or different. Sand for example is dry and gritty, and in time, they will notice other materials, such as sugar, feel similar to sand.
2. Develops Motor Skills (Physical skills)
Strategically designed sensory activities improve fine motor skills, such as hand-writing and self-feeding. Gross motor skills include running, maintaining balance, and navigating stairs.
Hand-eye coordination is a great example of how the brain uses visual stimuli to move a body part to where it needs to be to complete a task.
Sensory play involves lots of action, from lifting and throwing, to splashing and shaping.
While these actions may seem small, they all support the development of different muscle groups and help kids to build their fine motor skills – this strength and coordination comes in handy in day-to-day life such as using a spoon to eat.
3. Improves Sensory Integration
Sensory processing disorders are often diagnosed when a young child becomes particularly overwhelmed by various sensory stimuli such as bright lights, slippery textures, or loud noises. Sensory tables are extremely helpful for kids with sensory issues because they allow them to experience different objects in an organized fashion on their own terms.
4. Builds Speech and Language Skills
So, what do young children do when their sensory play activities help them make discoveries? Well, they talk about it!
As kids excitedly share experiences with teachers, caregivers, and peers, they practice communication skills. This is a sure-fire pathway to more advanced language development, reading skills, and fluency.
5. Encourages Social Interaction (Social skills)
The improvements in language skills have an extremely positive impact on social skills. Kids learn to take turns, to be empathetic, and learn about the likes and dislikes of others. These experiences help kids to practice positive social interactions before they get into the world of adolescence, employment, and adulthood.
Also, sensory play is most fun when it’s done with friends – and it’s also a great chance to learn! When kids play together, they see how other kids handle the materials, share their ideas and discoveries, learn to make friends, and make friends!
6. Improves Emotional Development
Social interaction, cognition, communication skills, and sensory integration; all abilities coalesce, leading to positive emotional development.
We learn what calms us as well as what makes us anxious. In addition, we learn about collaborating with others for work, recreation, and community activities.
For kids, sensory play can often be very calming and can help them work through troubling emotions such as anxiety and frustration.
Working with materials that require pressure and manipulation, such as play dough, can help kids release physical energy or tension – and other materials can trigger positive feelings like joy and excitement.
7. Develop a Sense of Self
The experiences we describe inform children about their strengths, and challenges and how they can positively fit into the world in which we live.
This results in self-awareness and self-esteem. Science has shown that sensory play helps children grow and develop into confident adults!
We all like and dislike different things – and a great way of finding out your personal preferences is through firsthand experience!
Through sensory play, kids can explore and communicate how they feel, and learn that their feelings are valid – whether they love the smell of lemons or hate the feeling of slime. This leads to a greater sense of self.
8. Communication
Kids have no shortage of opportunities to communicate during sensory play, both verbally and non-verbally – whether they describe what they are feeling, squeal in delight at a new sensation, or share a moment of surprise. After all, who doesn’t like having exciting new stuff to talk about?!
How Can You Make Sensory Toys for Your Children
Making sensory toys at home is fun and budget-friendly. With a few materials, you can create engaging tools for your child. Homemade toys not only save money but also let you customize them to your child’s specific needs.
Here are some simple ideas to get started recommended by expert pediatricians and child counselors:
- DIY Sensory Bottles
Fill a plastic bottle with water, glitter, and small beads. Add food coloring for a colorful effect. Seal the bottle tightly with glue or tape. These bottles calm kids and help with focus. Shake them, and watch the magic happen! - Textured Fabrics
Use old clothes, towels, or felt to create a texture board. Attach different fabric pieces to a sturdy cardboard base. This helps children explore textures and build sensory awareness. - Rice or Bean Sensory Bins
Take a container and fill it with rice, beans, or sand. Add small toys or spoons for digging and sorting. This activity improves fine motor skills and keeps kids entertained. - Homemade Playdough
Mix flour, salt, water, and food coloring to make play dough. Add scents like vanilla or cinnamon for extra sensory input. Playdough strengthens hand muscles and encourages creativity. - Balloon Stress Balls
Fill balloons with rice, flour, or cornstarch. Tie the ends securely and let your child squeeze them. These stress balls help with relaxation and improve hand strength. - Hanging Sensory Mobiles
Attach colorful objects like ribbons, bells, or lightweight toys to a hanger or string. Hang it where your child can see or touch it. This improves their visual and tactile senses. - Noise Makers
Use empty cans or jars and fill them with beans, rice, or pasta. Secure the lid with tape. These make fun sounds when shaken, helping with auditory stimulation.
Check the following article to know more:
Making sensory toys is an easy way to support your child’s growth. These activities are simple, cost-effective, and bring joy. Most importantly, they create special bonding moments for you and your child!
Also, you can make your sensory toys with these tutorials:
How You as a Parent Can Use Sensory Tools to Boost the Development of Your Child Who Has a Disability
Using sensory tools at home can transform your child’s development. These tools are easy to use and incredibly effective. They help children improve motor skills, focus, and emotional balance.
Here are some expert-approved ways to use sensory toys and maximize their benefits:
1. Create a Sensory-Friendly Corner
Set up a cozy corner with sensory tools like fidget toys, textured mats, and sensory bins. This safe space can help your child relax, explore, and learn at their own pace. Moreover, this area can be a calming retreat during overwhelming moments.
2. Incorporate Sensory Play into Daily Routines
Add sensory activities to your daily schedule. For instance, use weighted blankets during storytime to provide soothing pressure. You can also introduce sensory balls during playtime to boost fine motor skills. This makes learning fun and engaging.
3. Focus on Your Child’s Preferences
Observe what sensory experiences your child enjoys. Some kids love the feel of sand, while others prefer squishy toys. Using preferred tools ensures your child stays engaged and motivated.
4. Use Sensory Toys to Teach New Skills
Sensory tools can simplify learning. For example, you can teach colors with textured flashcards or practice counting with sensory beads. These toys make abstract concepts more tangible and easy to understand.
5. Encourage Social Interaction
Invite siblings or friends to join sensory play activities. Group play can improve social skills and teach sharing and teamwork. Using sensory tools together also strengthens bonds between your child and others.
6. Make It a Fun and Stress-Free Experience
Always keep the activities enjoyable. Avoid pressuring your child to use tools in a specific way. Instead, let them explore freely and find what works best for them.
7. Seek Professional Guidance
Consult therapists or educators for tips on selecting and using sensory tools. They can suggest activities tailored to your child’s unique needs. This ensures you get the best results.
A Word of Advice from Us
The role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities is very significant. Sensory toys improve skills, emotions, and confidence. With expert tips and great products, you can give your child the best support. So, choose wisely and watch your child thrive!
By integrating sensory tools into everyday life, the role of sensory toys for kids with disabilities can support your child’s growth in many ways. Consistency, patience, and creativity are key to success!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sensory Play important?
Although sensory stimulation during playtime is important for all children, it’s particularly critical for those with disabilities. Kids who are living with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy experience more barriers to enjoyable and fulfilling sensory activities. Often, they need more practice before their bodies, minds, and neural pathways can fully benefit.
How do these types of toys benefit these children? How does it stimulate their senses?
These types of toys benefit children on the spectrum by helping them engage with their senses, provide feedback to their sensory systems, and regulate their sensory needs.
What types of toys do you seek for children on the spectrum? What makes a toy appropriate or beneficial for a child on the spectrum?
Like all kids, children with autism seek a variety of toys based on their interests and preferences. A toy that’s appropriate or beneficial for a child with autism enables the child to engage in play with their family, friends, or peers. It is also a toy that is designed so the child can interact and use the toy in a way that is accessible to them.