Your Sensory-Friendly Toolkit
We will likely all, at some point in our lives, face sensory challenges. Sometimes it’s an over-responsiveness to sounds, smells, touch, sight, or taste. Other times, we are under-responsive and have difficulty seeing, hearing, etc.
Whatever the case, sensory challenges can have a huge impact on daily life. They can change the way we relate to others and affect our well-being. Luckily, as society gets more responsive to these differences in brain processing, we are seeing the rise of products designed to help with these issues. So, let me show you some of the things that have worked for me, and a few ideas and items that friends and family swear by.
Explore Sensory Toys by Type
Sensory fidget toys are widely used by children and adults to provide tactile, visual, or auditory stimulation through repetitive motion. If you want to learn more about the advantages, disadvantages, and age recommendations for each of these toys, please use this article: Different Types of Sensory Fidget Toys and Their Advantages >.
Small handheld devices that spin around a central bearing.
Compact cubes with buttons, switches, dials, and rollers on each side.
Soft, squeezable toys made from foam, gel, or rubber.
Silicone toys with pushable bubbles that make a soft popping sound.
Interconnected curved pieces that twist and bend endlessly.
Small magnetic pieces that click, snap, or connect.
Includes liquid motion bubblers, glitter tubes, or color-changing toys.
Understanding Sensory Issues
Understanding the vocabulary around sensory issues is really important because it gives us the words to describe experiences that can otherwise be hard to explain. When we know terms like hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, sensory seeking, or sensory avoiding, we can better recognize what we or someone else is feeling and how to get better support.
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory Processing has to do with how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input. Here’s an easy explanation.
Hypersensitivity vs Hyposensitivity
Understanding hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity patterns to see why us and others react differently in daily life.
Common Conditions with Sensory Issues
Learn how many people with sensory processing differences experience challenges in everyday life, often alongside certain conditions.
The Behavioral Signs of Sensory Issues
How covering ears, picky eating, avoiding textures, constant movement, or difficulty with transitions have to do with sensory issues.
Noise-canceling headphones can be invaluable for prople with autism and hypersensitivity challenges, as they can help reduce sensory overload and provide a sense of calm in noisy environments. They work by either blocking out background noise or playing soothing sounds, aiding in focus and relaxation. If you want to learn more, click here to explore the key features to consider when picking the perfect pair of noise-canceling headphones! Read More >
More Articles & Guides
A little bit of everything, including some personal suggestions and experiences. I will show you product comparisons (with real user stories and ratings), in-depth articles exploring specific technologies and tools, and how-to guides to learn more about sensory challenges.
Autism-Friendly Bras and Where to Get Them
Bra options that are helpful for neurodivergent people, including those with sensory sensitivities or autism-friendly preferences.
Skincare for Neurodivergent Folks: Simple, Gentle, and Doable
Skincare can be a bit tricky because of sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, and differing routines. Here are some tips.
Different Types of Sensory Fidget Toys and Their Advantages
Fidget toys are widely used by children and adults. Here are the most common types of sensory toys and the specific advantages each offers.
Helping Kids with Autism Thrive: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Learn how occupational therapy helps children with autism improve daily skills, manage sensory challenges, and build independence and focus.
Guides by Kids Age
A breakdown of sensory toys and tools by age group, from infants (0-12 months) through toddlers, pre-schoolers, and early school age to teens (13+ years).
Recommended Sensory Toys for Infants (0–12 months)
Learn more about toys that stimulate sight, sound, and touch in gentle ways (like soft rattles, textured teethers, crinkle toys).
Recommended Sensory Toys for Toddlers (1-3 years)
Toddlers (ages 1–3) are at a fascinating stage: they are more mobile, curious, and eager to explore their environment than ever before.
Recommended Sensory Toys for Preschoolers (3-6 years old)
Learn how sensory toys in playtime can significantly benefit preschoolers by supporting their sensory, motor, and emotional development.
DIY Sensory Corner
Tips, hacks, and printable guides for creating sensory-friendly spaces at home.
Sensory DIY Spotlight: Noise-Free Zone – Create a Simple Quiet Corner
A quiet corner is a small, cozy space set aside for calm and regulation. Here are some ideas to create your own noise-free zone at home.
Sensory DIY Spotlight: Build a Sensory Swatch Book
Different textures can either calm, stimulate, or help us refocus when our senses feel a little overloaded. Here are some DIY ideas.
Sensory DIY Spotlight: Weighted Lap Pad with Household Items
You don’t need sewing skills or supplies to make your own weighted blanket—just a pillowcase, beans/rice, and something to keep it secure.
Sensory DIY Spotlight: Make Your Own Calm Jar
A calm jar (glitter jar or sensory bottle) is a tool that can help you focus, grounding, and emotional regulation. Here’s how to make one.
Featured Products
Discover a world of tools and products designed to support your sensory needs and enhance your daily life. Curated by a fellow neurodivergent person who struggles daily with overstimulation and sensory input.
3D Stress Balls Pop-It Fidget Pack of 4
This colorful collection of sensory poppers blends hands-on play with soothing tactile feedback, making it ideal for stress relief.
Aluminum Alloy Metal Infinity Fidget Cube
The Lifidea Aluminum Infinity Cube Fidget Toy is a durable, handheld stress-relief tool designed for smooth, continuous motion.
Hundred Board Sensory Bubble Popper by hand2mind
This innovative educational tool combines the classic hundred chart with the satisfying “pop” of a sensory bubble toy, making it ideal for young learners.
Sensory Fidget Slug Toy by Cevioce (3 Pack)
The Cevioce Fidget Slug Toy is a sensory toy designed for both kids and adults. This set includes three individual slug toys.
Alpine Muffy CE & ANSI Certified Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Kids
The Alpine Muffy Kids Noise-Canceling Headphones are designed to provide effective hearing protection for children aged 3 to 16 years.
Sensory Fidget Tubes by hand2mind
These transparent, liquid-filled tubes create mesmerizing visual effects as the contents gently flow, swirl, or shift, and encouraging relaxation.
Double-Sided Silicone Sensory Activity Board
This board is made of soft, flexible silicone and features a unique double-sided design, with each side perforated to allow threading and weaving.
Tonoshark Active Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids
These TONOSHARK headphones are designed with kids aged roughly 8-16 in mind, but many features make them suitable for those with sensory sensitivities.
Calming Sensory Sea Lamp by Bright Autism
A night light projector with 7 light modes, color-changing music player, and soothing nature sounds for relaxation.
Yogi Silent Sensory Spinner for Adults & Kids
The Yogi Fidget Toy is a premium, silent sensory spinner designed to provide discreet stress relief and enhance focus for both adults and children.