8 Awesome Gifts for People with Sensory Processing Needs

Sensory processing needs come in a variety of shapes and sizes–there's no one-size-fits-all. Each person with sensory challenges is different from the next. People can be affected by light, sound, texture, and more. There are some folks with sensory challenges who are on the autism spectrum, others who have very specific conditions such as synesthesia where they can hear color.

What are the three types of Sensory Processing Disorders?

While there is an entire spectrum of sensory processing disorders, there are three main types. The three main types of sensory processing disorders are:

• Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)
• Sensory-Based Motor Disorder (SBMD)
• Sensory Discrimination Disorder.

For Sensory Modulation Disorder, the person who has it experiences difficulty processing sensory information into responses that match the intensity of the sensory information. They may be over or under-responsive to stimuli or they may crave it.

Sensory-Based Motor Disorder is when someone has trouble controlling, planning, and supporting their movements. They may have difficulty with balance, motor coordination, and performing skilled, non-habitual, and habitual motor tasks.

Sensory Discrimination Disorder is where the person finds it difficult to distinguish between similar sensations. For example, they may find it difficult to hold an object because they can't get a feel for how hard to hold it without crushing or dropping it.

What type of gifts are good for adults with sensory challenges?

Again, everyone is different as to what works for them and what they like best. The following are some general directions you might want to go in, in order to find the perfect gift for someone with sensory processing challenges.

Please note: These are not medical recommendations. These are simply well-researched options that you must make your own decision on.

CalmiGO

CalmiGO works according to your dominant sense(s). It has light and vibration feedback to regulate breath and it tailors to each person's specific needs. It is said to activate the parasympathetic system in your brain, which is responsible for relaxation. CalmiGO also offers scented relaxation and a visual element.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=8ktjXiRCGOo&feature=emb_logo

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic sand has the whole internet world obsessed, from videos that cut through it to ASMR videos that relay the sound of crunching it, kinetic sand has us all fascinated. It's great because you can get it in a variety of colors, you can make it, you can cut it and shape it, and it doesn't tend to leave a huge mess like non-kinetic sand can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUKOEbleojc

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

We live in a busy world with lots of sounds and noises of varying degrees. Noise-cancelling headphones can help with overstimulation due to too many sound outputs at once.

Orbeez

These fascinating little modern marvels are great for loads of different reasons. You can use these water beads to keep plants hydrated; you can put them in a container with small toys to make a sensory easter egg-style hunt, you watch them grow and much more. They come in tons of different colors and they're inexpensive.

Orbeez for Sensory Activities

Monkey Noodles

Stretch, wrap, squeeze and smoosh, Monkey Noodles allow you to do it all. They're super sensory friendly–for those who enjoy the texture–and they're house-friendly as well!

Clicker Fidget Toys

Clicking fidget toys are great for sound and tacile uses. There are even some that come as retro keyboard keys.

Popper Toys

These are all the craze at the moment–you can get them just about anywhere! They're great because they provide kinesthetic play as well as stimulate the reward center of the brain. The latter is because the popper toy allows you to pop it all the way in via either side. When you push it through and it stays, that provides the "well done, you" moment that your brain needs to feel accomplished.

Chewables

You know what? Sometimes chewing is the only way to go. Chewable accessories satisy that urgh!

The above are just a few suggestions when looking for gifts for adults with sensory processing challenges. Look below for more posts!