The Benefits of a Weighted Toy for Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
Learn and discover the power of our soft cuddly animals and how they impact the lives of so many children and families!
What are the different types of weighted plush toys?
There are many different items of weighted toys. Some are designed to be used as sensory tools to help calm and focus children with autism or other sensory processing disorders. Others are meant to be used for therapeutic purposes and in some cases to help improve strength, coordination, and balance. Others are simply meant to be fun and provide a sense of satisfaction when squeezed, held or placed on the body.
Some of the most popular weighted toys include weighted elephants, weighted plush snakes, dogs, sloths and bears. There are weighted stuffed animals for adults and children.
What are stuffed weight toys?
Weighted toys are toys that have been filled with a heavy material, typically sand or pellets to make them heavier than average. The added weight helps provide sensory input and deep pressure to the body, which can be calming and organising for children with sensory processing disorders. Weighted toys are often used in occupational therapy to help children with sensory processing disorders develop a better sense of body awareness and improve their motor skills through being calm and in an attentive state.[The added weight is distributed evenly]
Facts:
1. Weighted toys are designed to provide extra sensory input and deep pressure to help calm and focus children.
2. They are often used with children who have autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, anxiety, or other special needs.
3. Weighted toys can be used in a variety of ways, including being held, carried, worn, or placed on a child’s lap.
4. They are typically filled with materials such as plastic pellets, sand, or rice.
5. Weighted toys typically range in weight from 0.5 to 5 kg.
6. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours.
7. Weighted toys can be used for both indoor and outdoor play.
8. They should be used under supervision and should be inspected regularly for wear and tear.
How do weight toys work?
Weighted toys are often used to help soothe and calm children who have sensory processing disorder (SPD). The added weights provides proprioceptive input that can help the child to feel more grounded and in control. The deep pressure input can also help to increase focus and concentration.[Can happen in as little as 5 minutes]
There are a variety of weighted toys and other products on the market, from weighted lap pads and vests to larger blankets and body socks.[ask your therapist or plan manager if undecided which is best]
What are the benefits of heavy soft toys?
There are many benefits to weighted toys, including:
1. They can help to soothe and calm a child, particularly those with sensory processing disorders or autism.
2. They can provide proprioceptive input which can help with body awareness and coordination.
3. They can help to develop a child's fine motor skills.
4. They can be used in sensory integration therapy to help a child become more aware of and respond to their environment.
nanas weighted toys
Where is a sensory toy typically used?
Weighted toys are typically used in sensory integration therapy to help children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) calm their bodies and focus their minds. The deep pressure provided by the weight of the toy helps to stimulate the proprioceptive sense, which is responsible for providing information about the position and movement of the body. This stimulation can help to improve body awareness and coordination, as well as provide a sense of calm and focus.[Studies show that schools should have a system in place for children with sensory issues]
Who needs weighted stuffed animals?
1. weighted toys can help soothe and calm children with autism or sensory processing disorder
2. the extra weight in the toy can help provide a sense of security and comfort
3. weighted toys can help improve focus and concentration
4. weighted toys can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation
5. weighted toys can help reduce stress and anxiety
6. weighted toys can help improve sleep quality
7. weighted toys can help increase attention span
8. weighted toys can help improve fine motor skills
9. weighted toys can help improve gross motor skills
10. weighted toys can help improve social skills
Weight Products? Try These 8 Tips!
- Order the right size and weight.
- Get them to choose the animals name.
- Make it a part of the family.
- Make him the healing of safety and issues.
- Child therapy school buddy.
- Buy one for yourself and your child. They will see you talking to your friend.
- Look for the best quality.
- Purchase through your ndis plan.
- Look for Australian made products.
- Fun for all ages.
Where should I store toys?
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to store weighted toys. The first is whether the toys need to be stored in a dry or humid environment. If the toys are made of materials that can rust or degrade in moisture, then a dry environment is necessary. The second consideration is whether the toys will be stored in an area with direct sunlight. If so, then a cool, dark place is necessary to prevent the colors from fading.[allocating a special spot is the key]
Can you claim through NDIS?
Orders for products can be purchased through ndis here as more occupational therapists are now seeing the benefits.
by adding products to the cart and requesting a quote from our cart, you can have us order for you
The price is the same for ndis participants and payment will come from your plan.
check out our ndis information here
How often should plushies be used?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on individual circumstances. However, as a general guide, it is generally recommended that weighted toys be used for around 30 minutes per day, or as often as possible. This is because the benefits of using weighted toys are cumulative, so the more often they are used, the greater the benefits will be.
There are a number of different ways in which weighted toys can be used.
How do you choose the right weighted toy for a child?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right weighted toy for a child. The first is the child's age. It's important to choose a toy that is appropriate for the child's age group. The second is the child's developmental level. It's important to choose a toy that is appropriate for the child's developmental level. The third is the child's interests. It's important to choose a toy that the child will enjoy playing with.[make sure their is enough toys if other people are about as this will cause anxiety among them]
Read our blog post on, how stuffed toys help autism
How do you use soft plush animals safely?
There are a few things to consider when using weighted toys safely. First, make sure the toy is the appropriate size for the person using it.[most important]
Second, check the toy for any sharp edges or points that could potentially hurt the person using it.
Third, make sure the toy is securely fastened to the person using it so that it cannot fall off and hurt them.[example from a double bunk bed]
Finally, be sure to supervise the person using the toy to ensure they are using it safely.
What are the risks of using heavier toys?
There are a few risks associated with using weighted toys. The first is that the weight of the toy can cause muscle strain or injury if the child is not careful.
[adult might think they are light weight but small bodies are different]
Second, if the toy is dropped on a hard surface, it can cause damage to the floor or furniture.
Finally, if the child swallows the toy, it can cause choking or blockage in the intestines.[Kids that chew may have these problems]
Who would not like heavy toys?
There are a few different types of people who may not like weighted toys. The first type are those who prefer not to have any type of weight on their body or in their environment. This could be due to a sensory processing disorder or simply a personal preference.
The second type are those who are seeking a more stimulating experience from their toys and may find that weighted toys are too calming for their liking.
[everybody is different]
What are some of the best weighted animals on the market?
There are a lot of different weighted toys on the market, and it can be tough to decide which ones are the best. Here are a few of the best weighted toys on the market:
- The Calming Koala Bear weighs 1.8kg and is soft and snuggly, perfect for all situations.
- Popularity of this Snake - This toy is ideal for hanging over the shoulder and arms for calming pressure, weighs 1.5kg, a great alternative to shoulder soothers or weight vests.
- Weighted Dog - Harold the husky is up to 3kg and 60cm long, he is a great companion. Looks fantastic and is super soft.
- Toy Sloth - 47cm long and 1.8kg "slothy", is full of soft fur feelings and you can take him anywhere you need a friend, a reliever of stress.
- Add a Teddy Bear - it weighs 1.8kg. A great product for sensory input or just big cuddles.
- The Elephant is one of the biggest sellers of plush toys, with a variety of shopping options available.
- the rabbit which burrows down for big cuddles is a very popular animal for toddlers.
- Everyone one loves puss the cat blends into the family well.
- Monkey are a little cheeky so this is the one to purchase for kids that like to me mischievous.
- Whale toy and we know how much kids love a whale.
- The Australian icon the platypus.
- The Most beautiful toy the weighted turtle.
Where can I purchase in Australia?
There are a few places that you can purchase weighted toys. One place is online at a website called "OTwarehouse." Another place is at a local therapy store or through a catalog that specializes in occupational therapy products.
Where do anxiety toys come from?
There are a few different types of weighted toys, and they come from different places. The most common type of weighted toy is the teddy bear. Teddy bears are usually filled with pellets or other small objects that give them weight. They are often given to children as gifts, and they can also be purchased at toy stores.
Another type of weighted toy is the bean bags.
This type of toy is usually made here in Australia as it is too expensive for shipping,[Toys can be purchased and stuffing added to them]
Have a look at our range here and send us a message if you need a hand at Contact@otwarehouse.com.au
100% Customer Satisfaction policy on all weighted toy products
