Special Needs Parenting Blog

The number one benefit of a sensory toy is to provide a distraction from what may be causing frustration, distress or anxiety and the best way is through touch.

The sensory toy having calmed the incident can then stimulate other moods such as happiness, playfulness or tiredness.

When it comes to sensory toys there is no one-size-fits-all. Some children prefer toys that they can pull and stretch. Some prefer to fiddle. Some prefer textures. There are just so many options for a sensory toy, so how do you choose the best one for your child?

How to choose? Here are some suggestions and things to consider…

Sensory toys provide necessary stimulation without causing a distraction from the task at hand. Simply put, they can be played with whilst completing tasks or during periods of physical inactivity when stress levels are high. Children with ADHD may need something sensory that calms the whole body, such as a weighted blanket or part of their body, such as a weighted toy, or even something more aligned to specific areas of the body, be it manual or lower body sensations, such as fidget toys and sensory mats (for bare feet).

Picture the scene…Tonight, I’m going to have an early dinner, put my feet up with a hot chocolate and relax in front of the latest series Netflix has to offer. Great. Except…. that is never going happen is it.

For many parents and carers, the evening is the opposite of relaxing and best laid plans are destined to fail. It isn’t through anyone’s fault. Just circumstances.

This is the unlikely story of how my sons special needs opened the door to a world of adventure for us. 

My son is diagnosed with autism, ADHD and anxiety. However, he wasn’t diagnosed right away and the road to where we are today has been filled with both challenges, frustrations and desperation as well as magic, love and adventure.

There are many situations where hugging my son, diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, is the only resolution and way to calm him down. As a hyperactive child he benefits so much from my hugs. And I’m so glad that I found this out early in his life.

To travel with kids with autism and ADHD can be overwhelming. But with a few tips and planning it can be a wonderful experience for both you and your kid.

My son, Jakob, 12, has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and anxiety. He has been traveling around the world with me. I always prepared him for the trip by keeping a detailed travel plan and a visual printed schedule at hand at all times. This way of planning helped him cope with the humidity, heat, loud airplanes, and train stations etc.