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Necessities for a Mom of a Sensory Seeker and ADHD Child - Tools, Fun Fidgets, Books, and More Sensory Tools
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items I’m a mom of a sensory-seeking child who is on a journey in occupational therapy learning about deep pressure, vestibular stimulation, special awareness, emotional intelligence, grounding techniques and more! I’ll share the sensory tools, fidget toys...
Sections
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Fidgets and Squishy Things
Deep Pressure Therapy / Weighted Relief
Sensory / Occupational Therapy Tools
Emotional Regulation and Educational Tools and Books
Fidgets and Squishy Things
These are assorted fidgets we prefer in our family - from thinking putty, to fidget rings, to wikki stix! All of these would make great additions to your kids room, maybe your car, or even a calm-down corner!
We love all of the Crazy Aaron’s thinking putty options, but the Hide Inside versions are fun because there’s an objective - you’re hunting certain unique pieces! So fun for a long time, not just minutes. It’s been great for anxiety and fidgeting whe...
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty - Party Animals | Hide Inside!
These squishy maze style fidgets are a great quiet activity for neurodiverse children who need something to keep them busy or distracted in quiet environments, anxious situations, or just long waits or lines. Great for all ages!
Squishy Sensory Fidget Toys 4 Pack Maze
I've found that the different textures on these style of fidgets are really helpful for my sensory seeker (and my anxious/fidgety self honestly). They are a silent fidget toy, which sometimes is hard to find. That makes them really ideal for classroo...
Fidget Sensory Toys 6PC Worry Stone Autism ADHD
Fidgeting in school can be problematic, and sending fidget spinners or toys is not always welcome by teachers. These pencil grippers with different sensory sensations can provide your kids a little extra sensory input during their day, or help them f...
Sensory Fidget Toys for Kids - 24 Pack Textured Silicone Pencil Grips - Great tool for ADHD, anxiety, stress, or just fidgety fingers in class
When teaching kids about emotions, feelings, or setting up a calm down corner, these squishy fidgets with funny faces covering several different emotions are a great addition to your basket! They also make a great sensory play toy or fidget during qu...
Squishy Sensory Toys/Fidgets for Kids - Great for calm down corners, emotional intelligence education, and more with neurodiverse children
One of my all-time favorite fidget toys! They are virtually silent, and so discreet. These are great even for me to keep in my pocket for meetings, church, etc. when I don't want people staring at me and wondering why I can't be still! Plus, my kid l...
Fidget Toys Sensory Rings - 12 Pack - 6 Different Sensory Textures, Colors, and Interchangeable too!
This is one of our other favorite sensory fidget toys! This is a pack of 6 different colors and textures in slap bracelet form! What a perfect way for kids to get sensory input during a quiet school day, right??
Sensory Fidget Toys: Silicone Slap Bracelets 6 Pack
I'm telling you - these are SOOO COOL! I felt them in the package at the store the other day and was instantly envious that these weren't around when my sensory-seeking daughter was a toddler! They are stretchy and squishy, but also little stable blo...
Goliath Jelly Blox Creative Kit - 20 Blocks
These blocks feel like jelly! They are like squishy little blocks in the shapes shown here, but they are gummy and jello feeling, and some of them have interesting things filled inside of them. If I had these when my sensory seeker was a toddler, it ...
Jelly Blox Classic Castle Set | Includes 45 Pieces | Toddler & Preschool Building Blocks Kids Can Squeeze, Stretch, Squish | MESH ACCREDITED | Safety Tested & Ouch-Free | Sensory Play Toy
My kids are too old for these, but I saw them in the store the other day, and could feel them through their package! They are the craziest feelings blocks! They are literally like squishy jelly in the shape of blocks, and have interesting things insi...
Jelly Blox Stash 'N Stack 2-in-1 Case w/30 Blocks
Wikki Stix make a unique and fun sensory play activity. They have a waxy texture with some stickiness, but not as risky as slime or putty. The sticks can be twisted, connected, and crumpled up to build whatever their imagination came up with. The col...
Wikki Stix for Doodlers - Kid's Sensory Essential: Portable Creativity On-The-Go! Pack of 24 Wikki Stix in Neon and Primary Colors
We just got these as a great play activity for kids in the car. These will stay in the care for when we go to restaurants and they need something to help them stay focused and calm, etc. They'll also make great toys for them as we travel and they nee...
Mini Magnetic Tiles with Portable Carrying Tin Box, 40 PCS Travel Magnetic Tiles, STEM Educational Building Set for Kids
Silicone fidget toys are loved in this house! There is something about the way that texture feels to this neurodiverse family. These fidget toys with silicone strings to feed through the sensory board encourage focus, problem-solving, hand-eye coordi...
2 Pack Sensory Rainbow Activity Board Silicone Fidget Toy for Autism, Stress, Anxiety, ADHD, and Sensory Play
Deep Pressure Therapy / Weighted Relief
Deep pressure therapy is comforting for my sensory seeker, and we get that most often through a sensory sock or a weighted stuffed animal. After learning this trick, I just wanted to share with other moms who may not be as familiar - kind of like me ...
Our sensory seeking child loves her new sensory sock. We use it for playtime, exercises, yoga videos, and even relaxing tv or rest time. It provides great proprioceptive sensory input and deep pressure therapy for when she’s wiggly or needs the extra...
Solid Color Human Body Sensory Socks, 1 Count Creative Human Body Sock, Role Playing Dress Up Costume Props, Party Costume Accessories, Womenswear - TikTok Shop
I got my daughter the unicorn vibrating pillow for this coming Christmas! You can set it to play lullaby tunes or even a personal audio recording, PLUS the insert vibrates either constantly or in a pulse pattern like a HEARTBEAT! My girl is going to ...
Vibrating Pillow - Sensory Pressure Activated Calm for Kids and Adults
Lilly's Love weighted stuffed animals are one of our greatest purchases for our ADHD and sensory seeking/neurodiverse family! The weighted arms and legs truly feel like they are giving you a hug back. The deep pressure therapy you get from these help...
Lilly's Love 5lb Weighted Stuffed Animal for Anxiety Relief, Stevie the Sloth, Portable Sensory Plush Companion
Lilly's Love weighted stuffed animals are one of our greatest purchases for our ADHD and sensory seeking/neurodiverse family! The weighted arms and legs truly feel like they are giving you a hug back. The deep pressure therapy you get from these help...
Lilly's Love 5lb Weighted Plush
This is a nice and soft LAYING DOWN weighted stuffed animal. It's lighter weight than the Lilly's Love version my kids adore. It's smaller, so maybe better for traveling, etc. Check it out!
Hugs and Cuddles™ Calmings 18" Weighted 2.5 lbs. Plush Red Panda, Soft Sensory Companion, Ages 3+
I don't have a weighted blanket for my children yet, but they both have weighted stuffed animals that give similar deep pressure therapy. However, my early-riser and ADHD son's pediatrician recently recommended a weighted blanket to see if it would h...
Kids Weighted Blanket - Harkla
I got my daughter the unicorn vibrating pillow for this coming Christmas! It has settings on the insert where it can play lullaby tunes or even your own personal audio recording, PLUS the insert vibrates either constantly or in a pulse pattern like a...
Special Supplies Ladybug Sensory Vibrating Pillow, Pressure Activated for Kids and Adults, Plush Minky Soft with Textured Therapy Stimulation Bumps
My daughter is getting the unicorn pillow that vibrates and plays music when you hug it for Christmas this year! This is the bumblebee, which is also super cute! The fabric is incredibly soft and has some texture for sensory input, and the insert can...
Sensory Vibrating Pillow for Sensory and Emotional Regulation - Bumblebee
Sensory / Occupational Therapy Tools
Sharing some of the tools we have learned about in occupational therapy for my sensory seeker, as well as some other activities that are great for daily improvement on emotional regulation, overstimulation, and sensory input needs.
Sensory brush (Wilbarger brush) therapy has been a huge help since we started occupational therapy for my sensory seeking child. We learned how to brush a few times per day to help her get the additional sensory input she needs to regulate her emotio...
Special Supplies Therapressure Sensory Brush, Stimulating and Calming Tools, Multi-color, 6 Pack
These scissors ONLY CUT PAPER! This is a great activity for teaching littles how to hold scissors and learn that fine motor skill. Such cute little crafts in this set!
Skillmatics Scissor Skills Activity Book - 25 Fun Cutting & Creative Activities
Wilbarger brushing technique really helps our girl when she has had a big day and just needs to level out her senses, and ground herself some. It's our go-to on days when she's melting down about what to wear, can't figure out what to play, or just i...
Special Supplies Sensory Therapy Brush 6 Pack
We've had a spinning chair in our house for about a year now, and when we first got this thing, I couldn't get my sensory-seeking child off of it! Now that we're in occupational therapy, I understand that her nervous system was craving the vestibular...
Sensory Spinning Chair for Kids with Autism
Spinning chairs are great for ADHD, Autistic, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other neurodiversities. If you have a wiggly and “ants in their pants” kind of kid, check one of these out! We've found it really helps regulate our sensory-seeker's syste...
21" Large Spinning Chair for Autistic Kids
Emotional Regulation and Educational Tools and Books
These books and other tools are helpful for moms or kids who are in neurodiverse families navigating fears, anxiety, stress, emotional meltdowns, self control, self esteem, etc.
This feelings flip chart has been a big deal for our family! Our sensory-seeker and impulsive 1st grader is in occupational therapy for some anger issues and sensory issues. This book/chart is so helpful in discussing 22 different emotions she may fe...
Feelings Flipbook for Kids: 22 Moods/Emotions - Emotional Regulation Tools for Kids, Calm Down Corner
My ADHD son was seeing a counselor a couple of years ago for his ADHD, impulsiveness, and FEARS. She recommended this book (knowing that we are a Christian family) to use as a way to approach his fears. It was really helpful and taught us some good g...
Count Yourself Calm: Taking BIG Feelings to a BIG God (Christian book for kids strong emotions and feelings for children 4-7 for anxiety and anger ... regulation, social emotional learning)
This self-regulation workbook has been on my wishlist for a while. I know it will be beneficial for both my ADHD kiddo and my sensory seeker who is highly emotional and is working through some fight or flight issues. I know I really need to just buy ...
The Self-Regulation Workbook for Kids: CBT Exercises and Coping Strategies to Help Children Handle Anxiety, Stress, and Other Strong Emotions
These little sensory play bottles have cute faces on them to teach your kids about emotions and feelings. They can learn about emotions and how to handle them while also fidgeting and getting some calm sensory play with the bubbles and flipping activ...
hand2mind Express Your Feelings Sensory Bottles - Primary Emotions, Sensory Toys, Quiet Fidgets for Calm Down Corner
ItThis breathing buddy is a great addition to calm down corners, or just your kids' bedroom for better focus, relaxation, and calmness. It guides them through breathing exercises!
Special Supplies Mindfulness Guided Breathing Exercises, Nightlight Mode, Guided Daily Visual Relaxation and Restful Sleep for Kids or Adults, Color Changing Nightlight
I think this is an awesome addition to any and every calm down corner for kids learning how to regulate their emotions, deal with fear, anxiety, or anger, or even just relax after a long day.
Breathing Pal 'Ted'- Mindfulness Breathing Light, Guided Visual Meditation Breathing Light, Anxiety Relief Items for Calm Down Corner/Meditation/Sleep
I didn't find this activity until after my kids were (I think) a little too old for it. But the idea of coming home, with a prompt to lead discussion about their day at school or daycare would be a fun way to get them comfortable with expressing them...
Learning Resources Unpack Your Day Conversation Kit - 32 Pieces, Ages 5+, SEL Toys, Classroom Must Haves, Teacher Supplies, Gifts For Boys And Girls, Speech Materials, Ice Breaker
We don't actually have this workbook for encouragement and self-esteem yet for our kids, but I think I'm going to order it. My kids are both perfectionist (they get that from me) and super duper critical of themselves when they make mistakes or don't...
Self-Esteem Workbook for Kids: 40 Fun Activities to Feel Great about Yourself
As a mom of two highly impulsive elementary age children, I've seen (and had my own) fair share of angry outbursts. This book is written on a kid's level to help them understand how to control feelings they don't like. Check it out!
I Am Stronger Than Anger: Picture Book About Anger Management And Dealing With Kids Emotions And Feelings
If you have a kid who struggles with controlling anger or really big emotions when someone wrongs them, or they feel like they've been treated unfairly, this would be a great addition to your library.
Train Your Angry Dragon: A Cute Children Story To Teach Kids About Emotions and Anger Management
We have this chart hanging on the refrigerator. When someone gets super emotional or heavy on certain feelings, we draw attention to the chart and just ask them how they're feeling, and maybe what would be a more healthy way to handle those emotions ...
Feelings Chart For Kids Mental Health Posters - Help with Emotional Intelligence and Regulation
With multiple tactile elements and sensory tools to touch, this book is a great help for explaining to children how to calm down when they feel worried, anxious, upset, etc. It's also just a great distraction if they're in a really emotional meltdown...
My Calm Down Book - Reduce Anxiety and Nerves with Multi-Touch Board Book
One of the first things we implemented when we started occupational therapy for our sensory seeking daughter was a calm down corner. I got some posters to help her process her feelings and learn how to control her emotions and reactions better. There...
Kids' Calm Down Corner 8pack of Posters For School or Home - Feelings/Emotions Charts, Breathing, Grounding, Affirmations and More
One of the first things we implemented when we started occupational therapy for our sensory seeking daughter was a calm down corner. I got some posters to help her process her feelings and learn how to control her emotions and reactions better. There...
Kids' Calm Down Corner 8pack of Posters For School or Home - Feelings/Emotions Charts, Breathing, Grounding, Affirmations and More
This behavior chart that is magnetic is a great tool for moms looking to tips on improving children's behavior at home, or teachers to use in their classrooms. Being able to watch their current placement adjust based on their behavior will help them ...
Good Behavior Chart For Kids - Great magnetic charts for kids at home, in classrooms, etc.
The liquid bubbles in this timer-style fidget are so satisfying. These kind of toys or tools help my neurodiverse kids calm down after a long and overstimulating day. They're also just entertaining to watch randomly throughout the day too.
Satisfying Liquid Motion Bubbler for Sensory Play, Fidget Toy, Children Activity