Game-changing Products

Insights from DD Families & Program Participants

 
 

Rocking Dome

“My son enjoyed his rocking dome from age 2 to about 12 years old. He could rock on his own or we would help him spin in it. This tool provided both sensory input and entertainment.”

Price: $50 to $200+ depending on size

Sources: Amazon, eSpecialNeeds.com

 

playing card holder

“Whether you have arthritis or a congenital hand disorder, this tool can be helpful. We play a lot of card games in our family and a holder has enabled multiple family members to participate who weren’t able to before.”

Price: $5 to $25 depending on option

Sources: Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair

 

lycra sheet

“A Lycra sheet provided the compression my child needed to sleep through the night. He also found this helpful during the day when he needed extra sensory input.”

Price $20 to $75 depending on brand

Sources: Amazon, Etsy, eBay

 

lifevac choking aid

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on wheelchair bound individuals can be nearly impossible. This suction tool can provide life-saving aid to someone who is choking. It’s simple to use and can be less traumatic on frail or elderly loved ones.

Price $70 to $100

Sources: MaxiAids.com, AED.us, eBay

 

chat chains: emotional & social skills game

This fun, social-emotional learning games helps players to have real conversations, talk about various topics and learn about emotional awareness. It’s for ages 8 and up and 2 to 8 players.

Price $20 to $25

Sources: DiffLearn.com, Amazon

 

seat belt lock

Playing with buttons can provide a lot of great sensory input, but in the car, this activity can be dangerous. For children who aren’t able to leave their seatbelt buckled, this specialty lock can help ensure their safety while riding.

Price $11 to $20

Sources: Amazon, eSpecial Needs

 

Squoosh / squeezie

This uniquely designed therapy tool positions, cradles and squeezes a child when sitting down, providing a calming proprioceptive “hug” that helps with concentration and system organization. Kids can also rock back and forth to help during focus-intense tasks.

Price $275 to $350

Sources: Fun & Function, Autism-Products.com

 

Jungle Jumparoo

“We first saw this piece of equipment at my child’s OT clinic. He took to it immediately, so we purchased one for home. He can climb, jump and store his toys in the middle. It also encourages social interaction as 2 kids can safely jump at the same time.”

Price: $200 to $400+ depending on size

Sources: Amazon, eSpecialNeeds.com

 

incontinence underwear for teens & adults

“My teenaged son gets rashes where the edge of pull-ups press against his skin. This makes him irritable and uncomfortable. These look just like typical underwear yet provide heavy absorbency leak protection.”

Price: $33 to $45 per pair, depending on how many you purchase

Source: Carerspk.com

 

toilet lock

“If your kid, like mine, likes to throw toys in the toilet or may explore this space (yuck!), this lock is a great solution. It requires pushing a button and turning the lever, so it’s more complex than some other options (that kids can figure out).”

Price $8 to $30

Sources: Amazon, Walmart

 

dragon’s egg chewy necklace

Not only does this pendant provide active chewers with a great sensory option, it also looks cool and will glean a lot of complements. The breakaway fastener ensures safety while the durable silicone will enable at least 2,000 repetitive chew cycles.

Price $18

Source: FunAndFunction.com

 

schkidules visual schedule

Complete with a board, 72-themed activity magnets, 21 headings and 36 magnetic stars, this kit provides everything you need to build a visual schedule for your kiddo. Even better, this can convert to a weekly chore chart, when you are ready.

Price $40 to $45

Sources: DiffLearn.com, Walmart.com

 

hopper ball

Not only does this ball provide a means for releasing energy and cultivating childhood fun, it also delivers vestibular and proprioceptive input while helping with sensory integration, coordination, balance, motor planning and bilateral skills.

Price $19 to $25

Sources: Fun & Function, Amazon, Wayfair

 

Play Tent Swing

As the weather warms up, your kiddo may benefit from a personal calming spot outdoors. This swing offers gentle swinging, windows for air and light and can provide a true sensory retreat. Additionally, it is UV resistant, weatherproof and waterproof.

Price $60 to $130

Sources: Fun & Function, Overstock.com

 

Squigz

“These handheld toys provide a lot of input. My kiddo likes to stick them to the window and then pull them off. They are basically little suction cups. You can suction them to one another, to a surface or even to your forehead (if you are feeling silly). You can also build towers with them and they are dishwasher safe.”

Price: $20 to $60 depending on number

Sources: Amazon, Walmart, Staples

 

alvantor bed tent

“For a child who is struggling with sleep or who needs an escape from stimulus, this bed tent is a great option. The breathable fabric keeps the space cool but blocks some noise and light.”

Price $75 to $175 depending on option

Sources: Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair

 

AngelSense GPS Tracker

According to the company’s website, this GPS tool provides real-time tracking, auto-answer, intelligent alerts and emergency search tools. Several families have reported that this tool keeps their eloping child safe and provides peace of mine for parents.

Price $45 to $65 per month, depending on plan

Source: AngelSense.com

 

zoovaa WEIGHTED PUFFER JACKET

The other kids don’t need to know that your kiddo is meeting their sensory needs while looking stylish in this weighted puffer jacket. There are 6 interior pockets that can be filled with various weights to create a custom distribution that works best for your child. There is also compression in the torso area to provide additional sensory input.

Price $75

Source: Walmart.com

 

emergency auto stickers

Many parents of individuals with Autism or other developmental disabilities worry about what would happen to their child if they were riding in a vehicle and the driver became incapacitated. These emergency stickers can provide first responders with important information and help them interact with your loved one more appropriately.

Price $2 to $30 (for custom stickers)

Sources: Amazon, UPrinting.com, Etsy

 

wireless Vibro Rocker

Leveraging Southpaw’s wireless amplifier (which connects by Bluetooth to your music source), this squishy rocker turns into a full-body, multi-mode sensory experience.

Price $1,227to $1,267

Source: Southpaw Enterprises

 

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