We get a lot of requests for custom toys for special needs/sensory kiddos.
We LOVE making them but we also would love to know what you think about the subject.
We need more education on what is out there and what would be a good toy to create for the market.
We have made a lot of toys ranging from toys for blind children to oral teethers for older kids. We want to make the BEST toys that we can. We want to make toys that will fill a void. {like a teething toy for an older kid that looks like a cool compass or something- nothing babyish?}
We want serve you. Help us? xoxo
5 comments:
That is such a wonderful idea. You might consider contacting schools inyour area who work with children who have a need for Sensory Toys. They could also direct you to local or state organizations that they belong to who would also have knowledge of what was needed. Go to your local school district and inquire as to which schools have "Early Childhood Centers" as they would have students from ages 3 yrs. up who qualify for special services and thus the need for the Made in America Sensory Tools that you would design and create. Hugs!
My 2nd born has Sensory Integration issues, but I know so little. I think the first comment here is great advice,to contact a local occupational therapist. That may also be a good market to sell toys as well. All I know is that if it says the word "sensory," I'm in.
My son has a clay cross that is very smooth that he loves to rub. It has a groove for his finger in the center to just go back and forth.
Just think of it as any texture, on steroids. Bumps, smooth, soft, fuzzy...all of those things make my son comfortable.
LOVE the idea of you doing sensory toys!
It's difficult to give you a concise answer because there are so many different sensory issues and needs. My son, for example, needs lots of heavy work-type input. Things that are good for those issues are weighted toys and therapy putty. He likes to get input through his teeth, too, so non-babyish chew toys would be great for him.
Textures are a big thing for sensory toys. Ridges, nubs, bumps, wave, etc. of different sizes. Incorporating different materials into one toy could be good for textures, too. Some kids need different types of visual or auditory input, so incorporating some variety in those elements in a toy might work, too.
I've found sensory-processing-disorder.com helpful for basic information. Beyondplay.com and southpawenterprises.com both have sections of sensory toys that might give you some ideas and inspiration. I love the idea of talking to an OT, too. Make sure the person you choose has a lot of experience with sensory issues.
Good luck!
Also just realized you're not terribly far from me. If you might be willing to consider a trip to NW Ohio, my son's former OT (who now does craniosacral therapy) is AMAZING with sensory issues and really knows what she's doing. I can get you her contact information; I bet she'd be willing to consult with you.
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