Sensory play is more than just fun and games. It's a vital component of childhood development.
Sensory play is more than just fun and games. It's a vital component of childhood development. Adult Sensory Toys
The rich neural pathways formed through sensory play facilitate learning and growth in all children, regardless of their neurotype. Research shows that exposure to sensory-rich environments positively influences cognitive development.
"Sensory play is adaptable and accommodating, making it beneficial for sensory-sensitive and sensory-seeking children," said Dr. Krystal Starke, Child Testing Researcher. "It allows them to meet their unique sensory needs and adapt their environment to their preferences, promoting self-regulation and comfort."
This type of play, where children explore various materials, textures, sounds, smells, and visual stimuli, can transcend the traditional boundaries of structured activities and invites children into a world of unbounded exploration.
Leanne Papadopoulos is the Founder and director of My Creative Box, a team of dedicated teachers, parents, and qualified learning experts with over 20 years of experience in childhood development.
“We use various tactile materials, including colors, textures, smells, and sounds, in our activities," explained Papadopoulos. "These are crucial in brain development in the early years but also promote creativity, exploration, and learning. Our products help promote responsive interactions between parent and child while helping families engage their child in deep and meaningful interactions using the 'serve and return technique,' shaping a child's brain architecture and boosting social, emotional, and communication skills.”
In childhood development, sensory play promotes inclusive, open-ended play that cultivates vital ... [+] skills, promotes self-regulation, sparks exploration, enhances problem-solving abilities, and nurtures creativity.
In childhood development, sensory play promotes inclusive, open-ended play that cultivates vital skills, promotes self-regulation, sparks exploration, enhances problem-solving abilities, and nurtures creativity.
"It also stimulates the brain through inclusive, open-ended play that allows self-regulation, exploration, problem-solving, and creativity," said Corinne Eggleston, Ph.D., Manager, Early Childhood Development Research at the Fisher-Price Play Lab. "It fosters the development of essential skills in all children, supporting their growth and learning. Sensory toys that offer tactile sensations, soothing sounds, and visual features can effectively promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in children."
Christina Kozlowski, is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Founder of Sensory TheraPLAY Box. Each month, she and her team carefully curate various toys to help develop important sensory motor skills and stimulate the senses.
When asked about the benefits of sensory play, Kozlowski responded, "Sensory toys can benefit children by engaging multiple senses, encouraging sensory integration and processing abilities. They promote physical development, including hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. Sensory toys aren't just for learning purposes; they're fun and soothing to play with and encourage social interactions among children!"
Self-Regulation: One of the key benefits of sensory play is its capacity to foster self-regulation. Allowing children to control their sensory experiences empowers them to manage their emotions and reactions.
Exploration: Sensory play provides a safe space for exploration. Children can investigate new textures, smells, and sounds, building their curiosity and expanding their understanding of the world. This form of inquiry nurtures their cognitive and sensory processing abilities.
Problem-Solving: Sensory play often involves open-ended materials that encourage problem-solving. Whether figuring out how to manipulate a squishy sensory toy or creating a masterpiece with colored sand, children constantly solve challenges through their play.
Creativity: "Sensory toys can naturally inspire creativity due to the variety of sensory elements included," Courtney Peebles, CEO of Solobo Toys, stated. Solobo is a Montessori-inspired educational children's toy company owned and operated by a neurodivergent wife and husband team, Courtney & Daniel.
Creativity, in particular, flourishes when engaging in sensory play. The freedom to experiment with different sensory inputs inspires imaginative play and self-expression. Sensory experiences can stimulate children's creative thinking, allowing them to think outside the box and envision new possibilities.
"Parents often look at a sensory toy and see that it can and 'should' be used one way,” advised Peebles. “However, the creative possibilities are endless when children are offered the space and freedom to exercise their creativity. When creativity is unleashed, those are the richest environments for a child's development."
Research supports this. One online survey study done of 100 autistic adults highlighted a wide range ... [+] of reasons for stimming, including a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety (72%), overstimulation (57%), or to calm down (69%).
It's important to note that sensory play holds immense promise for neurodiverse children, including those with autism or sensory processing disorders. The versatility of sensory play makes it an effective tool for addressing these children's unique needs and challenges.
"Many autistic children stim, which refers to self-stimulatory behaviors such as shaking, spinning objects, hand flapping, rocking, pacing, twirling, and humming," said Dr. Kozlowski. "Children who experience sensory sensitivity often stim to help reduce uncomfortable sensory input in overwhelming environments. Offering them a sensory toy to fidget with can help support them during these situations."
Research supports this. One online survey study done of 100 autistic adults highlighted a wide range of reasons for stimming, including a coping mechanism to reduce anxiety (72%), overstimulation (57%), or to calm down (69%).
Another study showed that using a fidget spinner helped improve fine motor control (at least in the short term), and children with ADHD saw enhanced cognitive performance.
In addition, Dr. Starke believes that sensory toys can create a common ground for children of all neurotypes to bond and understand each other. They enable children to play together, regardless of sensory preferences, fostering inclusivity and social interactions.
Selecting the right sensory toys for your child, whether they are neurodiverse or neurotypical, ... [+] involves careful consideration of their unique preferences and sensitivities. Prioritizing toys that align with their sensory needs and play style is essential.
Selecting the right sensory toys for your child, whether they are neurodiverse or neurotypical, involves careful consideration of their unique preferences and sensitivities. Prioritizing toys that align with their particular sensory needs and play style is essential.
Dr. Starke explained that the customization and consistency of sensory toys make them effective tools for children with varying sensory needs. This is why finding the right toys for your child can make all the difference.
"Tactile toys where children engage their sense of touch, including ones where they can rub, fidget, and feel new textures, are popular tools for managing stress and overstimulation," shared Dr. Eggleston. "If your child is anxious, with the repetitive features, the toy becomes a means to help neutralize their anxiety."
"I constantly research and attend toy fairs to discover the latest products," said Ms. Kozlowski. "I prioritize toys with various textures that provide strong tactile sensory input. Most importantly, the toys must be fun and quirky."
Sensory Toy It's also important to note that you can use items in your house like paper towel rolls, pots, straws, and toys to encourage your children to engage in sensory play. Allowing your children to follow their imagination, whether with a sensory toy or an item at home, helps nurture their senses.