Sensory Toys are specially designed items that stimulate one or more of the senses: touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, and movement. They're used to support children's development and can be especially helpful for children with sensory processing challenges, autism, ADHD, or anxiety.
Multi-Sensory Engagement
- Touch: Varied textures, weights, and materials.
- Sight: Bright colours, patterns, and visual stimuli.
- Sound: Gentle sounds like crinkling, bells, or soothing music.
- Smell: Safe and pleasant scents.
- Taste: For chewable toys, ensure they are made of non-toxic, safe materials.
Aquarellum Painting Sets can make very effective sensory toys by engaging the following senses:
- Tactile / Fine Motor - Brushing paint across textured paper, manipulating a brush and controlling water flow helps strengthen hand muscles and improve hand-eye coordination.
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Visual Sensory Input - The bright colours and detailed designs with the predictable patterns to fill in offers focused visual engagement, which can be calming and grounding.
- Proprioceptive Feedback - Pressing and manoeuvering the brush provides body awareness through hand movement, which some people find regulating.
- Mindful, Repetitive Motion - Painting is slow and rhythmic, similar to therapeutic art activities and so can be useful for reducing stress and anxiety.
Sensory Toys should be captivating and keep the child's interest. Ideally they can be used in various ways to prevent boredom and provides an appropriate level of challenge and stimulation. Lightweight and easy to carry these toys are perfect for on-the-go use such as restaurants, travel and boring shopping trips!
Read our blog for more ideas - What Are Sensory Toys?
