Published August 2025 • 15–20 min read

A Therapist's Guide to Sensory Toys: More Than Just Play

For children with sensory processing differences, the world can often feel like a confusing mix of overwhelming and underwhelming sensations. Sensory toys are not just playthings; they are powerful tools that can help a child regulate their nervous system, engage with their environment, and build critical developmental skills. This guide, informed by occupational therapy and ABA principles, will help you understand and choose the right sensory tools to support your child's unique needs.

Sensory processing, or sensory integration, is the neurological process of organizing sensations from one's own body and from the environment for use in everyday life. For many children with autism and other developmental differences, this process is atypical. They may be over-responsive (hypersensitive), under-responsive (hyposensitive), or a combination of both across different sensory systems. The right sensory toy provides the "just right" level of input to help a child feel calm, alert, and ready to learn.

Understanding the Sensory Systems

Beyond the five senses we all know, occupational therapists focus on three additional "power" senses that are crucial for regulation and motor control:

  • Tactile System (Touch): Processes information from the skin about touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
  • Vestibular System (Balance and Movement): Located in the inner ear, this system tells us where our head is in space and how we're moving.
  • Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness): Receptors in our muscles and joints tell us where our body parts are and what they're doing without us having to look.

A child might be a seeker in one system (e.g., constantly moving and crashing into things to get vestibular and proprioceptive input) and an avoider in another (e.g., refusing to touch anything sticky or messy).

A Curated Guide to Sensory Toys by System

For the Proprioceptive System (Calming and Organizing Input):

Proprioceptive input, or "heavy work," is generally calming and organizing for the nervous system. It's a great place to start for almost any child.

  • Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets: Provide deep pressure that can be very calming during seated activities. (Note: Should be used under OT guidance and should not exceed 5-10% of the child's body weight).
  • Body Sock or Lycra Tunnel: These stretchy fabric tubes provide full-body deep pressure and resistance as a child moves inside them.
  • Play-Doh, Therapy Putty, or Kinetic Sand: Squeezing, rolling, and pulling these materials provides excellent heavy work for the hands, which can improve fine motor skills and attention.
For the Vestibular System (Movement and Balance):

This system is powerful and input should be introduced carefully. Observe the child's reaction closely.

  • For Seekers: Swings, mini-trampolines, and scooter boards can provide the intense input a child might be craving in a safe and structured way.
  • For Avoiders or for Calming: Slow, rhythmic, linear movement is organizing. A gentle rocking chair or a therapy ball to slowly rock on can be very calming.
  • Wobble Cushions and Balance Boards: These can be used during seated activities to allow for small movements that can improve focus without being overly disruptive.
For the Tactile System (Touch):

This is a very common area of sensitivity. The goal is to gradually expand a child's tolerance for different textures in a playful, non-threatening way.

  • For Seekers: A sensory bin filled with materials like dried beans, rice, or water beads can provide a rich tactile experience. Fidget toys with various textures are also excellent.
  • For Avoiders: Start with dry, non-sticky textures. Kinetic sand is often a great starting point as it is less messy than regular sand. Use tools like scoops and paintbrushes so the child doesn't have to touch the material directly at first.
  • Textured Books: Books like the "That's Not My..." series by Usborne are fantastic for exploring textures in a predictable format.
For the Visual and Auditory Systems (Calming and Focusing):
  • Visual Timers: These can make transitions easier by providing a clear, visual representation of how much time is left.
  • Liquid Motion Bubblers: The slow, predictable movement of the colored droplets can be very calming and help a child regulate when they are overstimulated.
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones: An essential tool for children who are sensitive to auditory input, allowing them to participate in noisy environments without becoming overwhelmed.
  • Musical Instruments: For auditory seekers, simple instruments can be a great outlet. For avoiders, instruments with volume control or softer sounds (like a rain stick) are better choices.

Integrating Sensory Toys into Therapeutic Play

The toy itself is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you use the toy to target specific skills:

  • Communication: Model language related to the sensory experience. ("The putty is so stretchy." "The trampoline makes you go up and down.")
  • Social Skills: Use sensory toys in turn-taking games. ("My turn to jump, then your turn to jump.")
  • Regulation: Teach your child to recognize their own sensory state and request a tool. ("It looks like you're feeling wiggly. Do you need a trampoline break?")

Choosing the right sensory tools requires careful observation and often, the guidance of an occupational therapist. If you have questions about your child's sensory needs, we encourage you to contact Aspire Spectrum for a consultation.