Sensory Tools®: Your Source for
Soft Play, Special Needs, and
Occupational Therapy Equipment
in Australia
Weighted Blanket and Sensory Toys for Your Special Needs Child in Sydney
Sensory Tools® is owned by an occupational therapist who understands the challenges your child faces and offers a full line of sensory toys for your special needs child. Our tools are designed to soothe and enrich children with autism, ADD, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and behavioural and learning challenges.
Benefits of a Weighted Blanket
One of the sensory tools® we offer is weighted blankets which have been found to benefit children with autism and sensory processing difficulties in several ways. Firstly, they have been proven to increase serotonin. Serotonin is a “feel good” hormone that aids in sleep. The weighted blanket increases the production of serotonin which many autistic children lack and can create more restful sleep. Children with OCD tendencies have also shown improvement with increased serotonin production.
If your child has increased anxiety, a weighted blanket can help them sleep because it calms the nervous system. The extra weight limits the tossing and turning which can hamper a good night’s sleep as well.
No matter the reason for your child’s insomnia, research shows that weighted blankets can give your child the help he or she needs.
The blankets can lower the anxiety your child feels at places such as the dentist. Children with sensory processing difficulties can feel overwhelmed by everything around them, and they can become inconsolable. A weighted blanket can feel like a comforting hug that helps them reduce their stress so they can calm themselves.
A weighted blanket is helpful for times when your child must sit still for more extended periods than
they are comfortable with such as car rides, movies, or assemblies. The benefits of increased serotonin and calming the nervous system help create an internal environment that allows your child to focus and remain peaceful. Your child can also rub the fabric if he or she self-calms through touching or fidgeting.
Weighted tools come in different sizes and shapes which are easier to take to school, in the car, or to doctor’s appointments. We offer all-weather blankets for sleeping, small lap blankets, but also a variety of weighted objects such as plush animals. You can view our complete line of weighted products to see what is appropriate for your child.
Sensory Toys in Sydney
We offer many sensory toys for your special needs child whether you are a parent, teacher, or therapist. They are called sensory toys, but they are therapeutic tools disguised as toys to help soothe the children and help them avoid unconstructive attention. Your child’s weighted turtle helps them face their everyday challenges, but to everybody else, it just looks like a stuffed animal.
If you have any questions about the therapeutic advantages of any of our sensory and special needs toys, please contact Sensory Tools®, and our knowledgeable staff will be glad to talk to you about the benefits. We have secure online ordering with fast shipping anywhere in Australia including Sydney, and we are a nationwide NDIS provider. We also hold workshops online from highly qualified providers so let us know if you are interested.