You are currently viewing 7 Sensory Toys and Their Benefits

7 Sensory Toys and Their Benefits

Counseling For Kids In Greensboro, North Carolina

Are you searching for a counselor that can help your child learn about their mental health?

Santos Counseling has an amazing team of counselors that work with kids ages 6 and up. The counselors take a unique approach in including the family system in order to improve the treatment outcome. A common session includes the counselor helping your child learn coping skills and a secondary component of the session teaching parents how to support their child with their mental health.

Common reasons kids go to counseling:

  • To learn how to get along with their siblings and family.
  • Gain confidence and a healthy level of self-love.
  • Learn coping skills to address emotional challenges.
  • Understand how to regulate feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

Using Sensory Tools In Counseling

A sensory toy is uniquely designed to help kids, adolescents, and adults express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner. Below are sensory tools that we use at Santos Counseling when working with kids.

1. Fidget Cube

Fidget cubes are designed to give stimulation for the sense of touch and hearing. This one specifically allows the user to click, flip, spin, roll, glide, and breathe. The glide, roll, and spin functions give the user a sensory experience of touch, while the click and flip functions give the user touch and hearing experiences. The breathing function is modeled after worry stones which are ancient tools used for anxiety relief. During a counseling session, this can help the individual relieve anxiety and provide a distraction while giving them a sensory experience.

Ways the Fidget cubes is a sensory toy that help kids with Autism manage behaviors and mood in a healthy way.

2. Liquid Timer

Liquid timers are designed to give stimulation for the sense of sight. The liquid drops in a rhythmic flow and can be calming to watch. Once the liquid gets to the bottom, the user can flip it back over to restart the process. The different colors of the liquid is also soothing because they never mix together.

 

3. Chew Toys

Chew toys are designed to give oral stimulation. They may be helpful for children who bite or chew when overstimulated in order to regain balance. There are several forms of chew toys that are available like the Q and the T tube pictured above. These can also be tied on a necklace or clipped on a lanyard for easy replacement when chewing or biting.

 

4. Kinetic Sand

One of my personal favorites – kinetic sand. Kinetic sand is designed to give stimulation for the sense of touch. This specially designed sand allows the user to mold, build, and create objects out of this sand, however, it doesn’t slip through your fingers like normal sand at the beach. This sand molds and sticks together, but can still fall apart as the user desires. 

learn how kinetic sand helps kids with autism build comfort and express emotions in a healthy way5. Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are designed for children to improve their stability, balance, coordination while also providing proprioceptive sensory feedback. There are different heights of the stepping stones and the user can place them as far apart or close together as desired. These are also great because they can be used inside or outside.

 

6. Push-Pop Bubble Fidget

These bubble fidget toys give the user stimulation for the sense of touch. The bubbles can be popped in and out and are easily portable for traveling. These are also helpful for relieving anxiety, anger, or stress. They are reusable, washable, and water-friendly. 

 

7. Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out undesired noises from the external environment. They are great for individuals who are affected by sensory overload and they also apply slight pressure to the head which can pleasant for those individuals.

Ways sensory toys help kids with Autism manage behaviors and mood in a healthy way.

Your Child Can Be Excited About Therapy

As a therapist, we love finding new items to add to our collection. This is our way of showing up as best as we can. These seven items are great for all ages and can be used for sensory stimulation or relieving anxiety. There is a variety of toys available for replacements of these specific items. Picking a specific toy can be geared towards the individual’s unique preference. Learn how counseling can help your child become their best version.

Interested In Counseling?
If you are not certain, please list what you feel would be the most important primary service to start with. The intake coordinator will support you during the scheduling process.
Please check multiple age boxes if needed. Please only add information you are comfortable sharing. This is not a HIPAA compliant form. The completion of the form does not establish a counselor and client relationship. ​If you're experiencing a crisis that can't wait, please first contact 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency department.