Sensory Superstars: Exploring the World of Sensory Toys for NDIS Funding

When it comes to making sure that your children get the right amount of love and care during their childhood, one of the priorities parents have is making sure that they help in their children’s development.

With children who have special needs, this becomes a focal point as they need extra attention and help to make sure they develop the necessary motor, intellectual and social skills to become well-adjusted adults.

In Australia, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) sees sensory toys and other resources become helpful and effective for the child’s development. Because of that, NDIS grants teachers and parents funding that can help cover their expenses for these resources.

But what does this NDIS funding cover? And what are the benefits of the resources it covers?

Let’s explore different Sensory Toys and Resources that are NDIS-approved and sponsored and how it can help you in advocating for your child’s sensory development. 

Understanding Sensory Toys

When it comes to children with special needs, you need to be able to help them with their sensory development by stimulating all their senses with different activities.

True to this need, sensory toys were developed as resources to activate different senses like touch, sight, sound, and movement. They help people process and react to sensory information better. These toys come in many types, such as things to touch, see, or hear, each with its own therapeutic goals.

Benefits of Sensory Toys

Sensory toys act as an effective resource in your child’s development. Some of the most common developmental areas that they help in are the following: 

Promote Calmness and Focus

Toys like weighted blankets or fidget spinners can help regulate sensory input, promoting calmness and enhancing focus.

Aside from their focus and attention, gentle weight also helps keep your child grounded and also helps them with emotional regulation.

Encourage Exploration and Interaction

Toys with different textures and shapes encourage exploration and interaction, supporting sensory exploration and motor skills development.

Facilitate Communication

Some toys, like communication boards or devices with visual cues, aid in communication development for non-verbal individuals.

Support Emotional Regulation

Tools such as stress balls or sensory brushes can assist in managing emotions and reducing anxiety levels.

Types of Sensory Toys

Now, the NDIS made it a point to extend their funding and cover an extensive array of resources that parents and teachers can use depending on the areas of development each child has. Some of the most common NDIS-approved toys are as follows:

Tactile Toys

Tactile toys such as squishy balls, textured fabrics, and kinetic sand provide tactile stimulation, aiding sensory exploration and tactile sensitivity.

Visual Toys

Visual toys like light-up toys, bubble tubes, and visual timers offer visual stimulation, promoting visual tracking and attention.

Auditory Toys

Auditory toys such as musical instruments, sound puzzles, and noise-cancelling headphones help individuals process auditory information and regulate sensory responses.

Movement Toys (for vestibular and proprioceptive input) 

Movement toys like swings, balance boards, and trampolines provide vestibular and proprioceptive input, enhancing balance, coordination, and body awareness.

Oral Toys 

Oral toys such as chewables, whistles and bubbles offer input to the muscles of the mouth to support regulation. 

Olfactory (Smell) toys 

Scented products such as stickers, markers, or soft toys help individuals process different smells. Smells are closely linked to memories and emotions so calm have a calming and alerting effect on children. 

For more information on the senses, see <<<<

https://theotstore.com.au/blogs/occupational-therapy-articles/how-do-sensory-toys-help-your-child 

Understanding the NDIS Funding for Sensory Toys

Under the NDIS, funding can be allocated for sensory toys as part of therapeutic support and equipment. It's essential to work with an occupational therapist or NDIS planner to assess the individual's needs and include sensory toys in their NDIS plan. 

Funding may cover the purchase of sensory toys that are deemed reasonable and necessary to achieve the participant's goals outlined in their plan.

So, now that we know the purpose of NDIS’ funding scheme and the range of their coverage, it’s time for you to choose the right sensory toy for your child!

How to Choose the Right Sensory Toys

When selecting resources to use for your child’s development under  NDIS funding, consider your children’s sensory preferences, developmental goals, and therapeutic needs. Remember that there is no one size fits all technique when it comes to raising children.Your child’s needs will always differ from others. 

To  cater to them fully, in the early stages of your child’s development, make sure that you consult with therapists and caregivers to provide valuable insights into which toys will best support the individual's sensory integration and developmental progress.

Ready to Begin your Journey into NDIS-Approved Toys? 

Sensory toys and resources can easily help your children develop all their senses, turning them into well-adjusted individuals with an increased quality of life.

With NDIS support, these resources have become more accessible, providing personalised sensory help. Parents and teachers can now choose from many types of sensory toys to find the right ones for better sensory skills and overall health.