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Sensory toys

NAS69965

What is the purpose of sensory toys?

My child has no issues with textures, sounds, light or with having others in the room.

The school which my child attends has given him sensory toys, because they say he enjoys playing with them. 

Maybe I'm wrong, but I always believed that sensory toys where only for children with sensory issues.

Should I discuss this with the school 

  • Sensory issues are usually negative, that's why they're 'issues'. For instance I have a sensory issue with nylon fabrics, if I touch one I feel an overwhelming physical revulsion, which lasts for minutes. Sensory toys are just pleasant, and for autistic people can be used to 'stim' - though non-autistic people also stim to some extent. Stimming is a, usually repetitive, movement that helps with self-regulation and calming.  The use of sensory toys will not harm or stigmatise your child. I regularly use a particular pebble as a stimulatory toy, it is just right in size, shape, density and texture in the hand, and I'm a 60 year old former research scientist.

  • in reply to miaxx

    I didn't know this. Thank you. Possibly that could be why he enjoys playing with them 

  • Sensory toys can also be used for people with anxiety, or ASD people with anxiety. Not just for sensory issues :)

  • in reply to Ladybird

    That's a really good point, and I never even thought of that.

    Yes as long as it makes him happy and develops his verbal communication.

    Thank you for this

  • Purpose of toys is playing with them. Doesn’t matter if they are called “sensory” or not. Is trampoline a sensory toy or just a trampoline? Something that plays music? Or has lights? Or has a nice texture? If he likes playing with some toy that’s it, a toy he enjoys playing with.

    Thinking about it,a radio can also be a sensory toy. Or just a radio. Christmas lights are just a Christmas lights or a sensory lights. Depends how you name them.