Get ready for an exciting discovery that will change the lives of children with ADHD! Our experts have found 11 amazing sensory toys that can help kids with neurodivergent needs develop important skills and have fun at the same time. With these groundbreaking toys, you’ll be able to support your child’s growth and watch them thrive like never before.
Table of Contents
1. Fidget Spinners
Fidget spinners are a classic ADHD sensory toy that have stood the test of time for a reason – they work! The repetitive spinning motion can be incredibly calming and soothing, helping kids to focus, concentrate, and self-regulate. Look for high-quality spinners with smooth, quiet spinning action and durable construction. Avoid cheaply made spinners that may break easily or have jagged edges.
In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, researchers found that fidgeting with a stress ball or putty reduced hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD who used them, compared to sitting still. Fidget toys like spinners can provide an outlet for restless energy and help improve concentration.
2. Stress Balls
Stress balls are another simple but effective ADHD sensory toy. Squeezing a stress ball provides proprioceptive input that can be organizing and calming. It’s a great option for kids who need something to do with their hands to stay focused. I like stress balls with a soft, squishy texture, like those made of foam or filled with gel. Firmer balls can work well for kids who crave more intense input.
3. Chewable Jewelry
For kids who tend to chew on their pencils, shirt collars, or fingernails, chewable jewelry can be a game-changer. Chewable necklaces, bracelets, and pencil toppers provide a safe and appropriate way to get that oral sensory input. Look for chewable jewelry made of food-grade silicone that’s nontoxic, BPA-free, and durable. Some options even come scented or textured for extra sensory engagement.
Read more: Binaural Beats for ADHD
4. Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads and small weighted blankets are portable sensory tools that can provide calming deep pressure input. The weight provides proprioceptive input that can help with body awareness, self-regulation, and focus. Use weighted lap pads while sitting at a desk or table to help with sustained attention. Most lap pads weigh between 2-5 pounds. As a general guideline, look for lap pads that are around 5-10% of your child’s body weight.
5. Tangle Jr. Fidget Toy
The Tangle Jr. is a portable, silent ADHD sensory toy that’s perfect for keeping restless hands busy. This fidget toy consists of 18 interconnected, textured links that can be manipulated into various shapes and configurations. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket and durable enough to withstand lots of use. Tangles provide both tactile and visual stimulation that can help with focus and concentration.
6. Sensory Putty
Sensory putty is a versatile sensory toy that provides both tactile and proprioceptive input. This pliable putty can be stretched, kneaded, squeezed and squished, making it engaging and interactive. Some putty even comes with hidden objects inside to discover. Putty play can help improve hand strength and fine motor skills. For kids who put things in their mouth, look for non-toxic, food-grade putty.
| Sensory Putty | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Thinking Putty | Non-toxic, never dries out, soft & stretchy |
| Mad Mattr | Gluten-free, easy to mold, never dries out |
| Kinetic Sand | Soft, stretchy, non-stick, easy to clean up |
7. Balance Disc Wobble Cushion
Balance disc cushions are inflatable, textured discs that provide sensory input and movement while sitting. Wiggling, rocking, and bouncing on a balance disc engages the core and can help with posture, attention, and staying alert. They’re also a great alternative to fidgeting in a distracting way. I like to use balance discs for doing seated tabletop activities and homework to get that extra sensory input.
8. Sensory Stixx
Sensory Stixx are bendy, twistable sticks covered in a bumpy, rubbery texture. They’re lightweight and portable, so you can take them anywhere. Manipulating Sensory Stixx provides tactile and proprioceptive input that can help with focus, self-regulation, and keeping hands busy. You can bend them, link them together, and fidget with them in countless ways. Sensory Stixx are latex-free and non-toxic.
9. Pop Tubes
Pop Tubes are brightly colored, connectable tubes that make a satisfying popping sound when you pull them apart. They provide auditory and tactile input in a fun, cause-and-effect way. Pop Tubes are engaging for kids who seek out auditory stimulation. Connect multiple Pop Tubes together to make different shapes and structures for added visual interest and motor planning practice. Pop Tubes are BPA-free and phthalate-free.
10. Jeliku Texture Sensory Fidget
The Jeliku Texture Fidget is a unique sensory toy with six different textures to explore, all in one handheld toy. Run your fingers over the bumpy nubs, squishy finger holes, and rubbery spikes for a variety of tactile sensations. This toy keeps fingers engaged and away from less appropriate objects. The Jeliku Texture Fidget is made of food-grade silicone and is BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free.
11. Sensory Body Sock
A sensory body sock is a stretchy, breathable lycra sack that provides calming deep pressure input and proprioceptive input. Climbing inside a body sock creates a snug, hugging sensation that can help with body awareness and self-regulation. Some kids like to wear a body sock during calm-down time or to sleep. Body socks also encourage motor planning, spatial awareness, and creativity as kids stretch, roll, and move in them. Look for body socks made of 4-way stretch lycra for a perfect fit.
12. Boinks Marble Fidget
Boinks are mesmerizing ADHD sensory toys featuring two plastic chambers connected by a marble run. Flip the toy back and forth and watch the marble bounce down the textured track, making a gentle clinking sound. They’re smooth, lightweight, and small enough to fit in a pocket. Boinks provide visual tracking stimulation, auditory input, and fine motor exercise. They’re made of BPA-free plastic and come in various color combinations.
Read more: Pop It Fidget Toys | Autism Products
13. Spiky Sensory Rings
Spiky sensory rings are textured rings that provide tactile input to fingers while keeping hands busy. Roll the rings up and down your fingers or give them a gentle squeeze for a calming sensation. These rings are a discreet fidget toy that’s perfect for wearing to school or out in public. They’re made of soft, flexible silicone and fit most kids’ fingers. Spiky rings come in sets with various colors and textures to meet different sensory preferences.
14. Monkey Noodles Fidget
Monkey Noodles are stretchy, stringy fidgets that are irresistibly fun to pull, twirl, wrap, and squeeze. They’re made of a smooth, rubbery material that’s soft and pliable. Manipulating Monkey Noodles provides both tactile and proprioceptive input that can help with focus and concentration. Monkey Noodles are quiet to use, so they’re classroom-friendly. They come in vibrant colors and are non-toxic and BPA-free.
15. Bubble Popping Fidget Toy
Bubble popping toys have gained massive popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They feature a silicone tray covered in little raised “bubbles” that you can push down and pop, just like classic bubble wrap. The popping provides auditory and tactile stimulation that many kids find satisfying and enjoyable. These toys are endlessly reusable – just flip them over and start popping again! They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes to suit different preferences.
In a 2014 study, researchers found that children with ADHD who used stress balls showed improvements in attention and performance on a memory task, compared to those who did not use a stress ball. Sensory tools like bubble poppers can help provide the sensory input kids need to stay focused and on task.
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
When choosing any sensory toy for ADHD, consider your child’s unique sensory preferences and needs. Some kids are seekers who crave intense sensory input, while others are avoiders who get overwhelmed easily. Think about whether your child gravitates towards certain colors, textures, sounds, or types of movement. Consult with an occupational therapist if you need help identifying your child’s sensory profile and choosing appropriate sensory supports.
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FAQs about ADHD Sensory Toys
What are ADHD sensory toys?
ADHD sensory toys are tools designed to provide sensory input that can help individuals with ADHD focus, calm down, or stay engaged. These toys often involve tactile, visual, or auditory stimulation.
How do sensory toys help children with ADHD?
Sensory toys can help children with ADHD by providing the necessary sensory input to manage their hyperactivity, improve focus, and reduce anxiety. They can serve as a positive outlet for excess energy and stress.
What types of sensory toys are best for ADHD?
The best sensory toys for ADHD include fidget spinners, stress balls, chewy necklaces, and tactile toys like kinetic sand. These toys offer a variety of sensory experiences that can cater to different needs and preferences.
Can sensory toys be used in classrooms?
Yes, sensory toys can be used in classrooms as long as they are not disruptive. Quiet and discreet options like fidget spinners or stress balls can help children focus without distracting others.
Are sensory toys only for children with ADHD?
No, sensory toys can benefit anyone who needs sensory input to help with focus, relaxation, or stress relief. They are also commonly used for individuals with autism, anxiety, and sensory processing disorders.
This post was originally published on 05/02/2023. It was updated on 05/17/2024.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
