It’s Fun Friday on my blog! Sometimes I will stray away from the main theme of my blog, faith and family, to do something off-topic. This week, I’m going to talk about some of the sensory toys we have bought for my son, who has Sensory Processing Disorder. (You can read about our journey on my blog here.)
All of these products were ordered from Amazon, so I will refer you to them, in case you are looking to purchase one or more of them. This post does contain affiliate links, meaning I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you decide to purchase using my link.
Air Stability Wobble Cushion, Blue, 35cm/14in Diameter, Balance Disc, Pump Included
: This one has been a little confusing to evaluate. We mainly purchased it to help at meal times because he was up and down and all over the place when we were trying to have meals, and telling us he needed to get up. After talking with his occupational therapist, we decided to give this a try. Initially our son was hesitant to use it, but we noticed that when he did, it was very helpful. Now, he really doesn’t use it much, if at all, but since we got it, and he used it for a while, he has done much better sitting at the table. I’m not sure if the cushion helped him adjust, but I’d like to think so. It’s something that we can use when he starts school if the need arises, so I’m glad we made the purchase.
AmazonBasics Balance Ball with Hand Pump: Definitely a great buy! I used to have a larger exercise ball that he loved but we lost the plug for it, so I bought this one for him. It’s a little smaller than the one I had before, which actually is a better size for him. He likes to sit on it while he’s watching TV or eating a snack and has used it at the table, too. He also enjoys rolling on it on his belly. It is one of the better purchases we have made as far as sensory items are concerned. (Unfortunately, this item is showing as unavailable at this time, but I will update the link if/when it becomes available. Here is a similar item, although it costs more.)
12 Sensory Processing Tools for Kids; Autistic Toys, Occupational Therapy, ADHD, Anxiety Relief
: This item is a grab bag of sorts, because every order doesn’t have the exact same items. Truthfully, it was kind of hit-or-miss for us, but I do think it was worth purchasing. The little stretchy guys have faced unmentionable torture and their poor little limbs didn’t last long, but he does still like to play with them. The squeeze balls came uninflated and I’m embarrassed to admit we still haven’t gotten around to pumping them up. I think those are something he would love, however. (NOTE: In reading the product page while writing this post, I discovered that the balls now come inflated – yay!) The puzzles that were included would probably be amazing for an older child, but a little complicated for our four year old. We haven’t gotten a chance to use the pencil grippers, but they will be one of his school tools this fall. His very favorite item was the long, stretchy, rubbery toy (a little like a rubber snake) that he plays with constantly. (It was probably worth buying just for that.) They were fun little stocking stuffers for Christmas.
MyBoo Autism/Sensory/Teething Chewable Shark Pendant – Blue: This item was a great hit at first until it made its way down to the bottom of his toy chest. I’m kind of saving it, though, because he loves to chew gum and when he starts 4K in the fall, it will be a great alternative that I’m hoping he will be able to use in school.
12-Plastic Neon Two-Tone Fun Loop Silly Straws
: This purchase is probably the one he uses most often. We put them in his drinks a lot and he likes them, plus I think the oral stimulation does help him a good bit, especially when we give him one in the morning with his milk.
Overall, these were good buys for us, either for now or in the future. If you have a child with sensory issues, what has worked for you?
Love,
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She Who Has Believed 