what are your toy recommendations for a sensory seeker?

[saltedlime]

DS is 4 and on the waiting list for an ASD assessment. He is a sensory and thrill seeker – likes spinning, climbing, running, crashing. We currently have a spinning chair and play sofa that he climbs and jumps on – he loves both. He also loves painting and play doh.

Does anyone have any other recommendations? Just thinking ahead to Christmas. Thanks in advance!

I would recommend looking into gymnastics lessons, they usually start nice and slowly and would give him a great start in using his energy and help with sensory seeking. It might be good to see if the lessons are relatively quiet though if this is an issue for your child. Some gymnastics places run ‘stay and play’ sessions for children too and this can be a fun alternative (I used to love taking my children on the trampoline, the foam pits and high bars to rock them back and forth).

I have never considered gymnastics, but could be great for him. I noticed that he loves to stack cushions and balance on them, for example – I think that's the vestibular system. Thanks for the recommendation!

We have lots of sensory toys. The most used equipment for inside is a mini trampoline, sensory swing, soft play pieces and a ball pool, steamroller, steamroller ramp, bodysok, bodyrocker, exercise/peanut ball.

My DC don’t use them now they are older but when they were younger had a bilibo, scooter board and a kit (such as that made by gorilla gym or one southpaw kits) for the doorway with trapeze bar/swing/ladder.

For outside, we have a trampoline, nest swing and climbing frame that are used daily.

Thanks for the recommendations. Your house sounds amazing! DS would love it.

My DSs are older, so we have gradually built up what we have over the years. Plus, we have had some funding for some items. Otherwise, it would be very expensive.