Sensory toys

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 

Parents
  • 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.

Reply
  • 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.

Children
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