Sensory Issues and How Kids Play with Toys
Sensory Matters: How Sensory Issues Affect the Way Kids Play with Toys
By: Popple Kids
For most kids, toys are a source of joy, imagination, and discovery. But for children with sensory processing differences, toys can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or even uncomfortable.
Sensory issues are more common than we might think—especially among children who are autistic, have ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD). These kids experience the world differently. Everyday sounds, textures, lights, or movements can either overstimulate or fail to register at all. That affects how they interact with their environment—including their toys.
Understanding how sensory needs influence play is essential for creating more inclusive, supportive spaces where every child can thrive.
What Are Sensory Processing Issues?
Sensory processing refers to how the nervous system receives messages from the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance, body awareness) and turns them into appropriate responses.
For some children, this system works differently:
Hypersensitive children may be overwhelmed by loud sounds, bright colors, rough textures, or fast motion.
Hyposensitive children may crave more sensory input and seek out intense movement, sounds, or pressure.
These differences are not "bad"—they’re just different. And when we understand them, we can support kids in more meaningful, playful ways.
How Sensory Needs Affect Toy Use
1. Texture Sensitivities Can Limit Touch-Based Play
Some kids may avoid toys with certain materials—like sticky, squishy, rough, or fuzzy textures—because they feel uncomfortable or even painful. Others may love those exact textures and seek them out!
📌 Tip: Offer a variety of textures and let kids choose what feels right. Sensory bins, kinetic sand, and soft fabric toys can be great options—if introduced gently and respectfully.
2. Bright Lights and Loud Sounds Can Be Overwhelming
Flashing lights, electronic music, or noisy toys might be exciting to some kids, but for those with auditory or visual sensitivities, they can be overstimulating or even frightening.
📌 Tip: Look for toys with adjustable volume, soft lighting, or no electronic components at all. Calmer toys often lead to longer, more meaningful engagement.
3. Movement Needs Can Drive Play Preferences
Kids who seek vestibular (balance) or proprioceptive (body awareness) input may gravitate toward toys that allow them to bounce, spin, crash, or climb. Others may avoid those experiences altogether.
📌 Tip: Swings, weighted toys, balance boards, and sensory-friendly obstacle courses can meet these needs safely. Always follow the child’s lead on what feels good.
4. Focus and Engagement Can Be Affected
If a toy doesn’t match a child’s sensory profile, they may avoid it, disengage quickly, or even act out in frustration. That’s not misbehavior—it’s communication.
📌 Tip: Instead of forcing “traditional” toys, observe what your child naturally gravitates toward. Follow their interests and adapt from there.
5. Social Play May Look Different
Sensory challenges can make shared play tricky. A child might prefer parallel play (playing alongside, but not with others) or may need more time to warm up to group activities.
📌 Tip: Create low-pressure, inclusive play environments. Give children space to regulate and rejoin when they’re ready.
Building a Sensory-Friendly Toy Box
If you’re building a toy collection with sensory needs in mind, here are a few ideas:
Fidget toys (pop-its, stress balls, spinners)
Weighted plush toys for calming pressure
Toys with natural textures (wood, cotton, silicone)
Quiet toys (puzzles, building blocks, figurines)
Movement toys (therapy balls, tunnels, mini-trampolines)
The best toys are the ones that meet your child’s unique needs—not the ones on every gift guide.
The Bottom Line: All Kids Deserve to Play Their Way!
When we understand sensory differences, we stop seeing certain behaviors as “difficult” or “strange” and start seeing them as valid ways of interacting with the world. Every child deserves the chance to play comfortably, confidently, and joyfully.
At Popple Kids we believe inclusive play isn’t about changing the child—it’s about changing the environment to welcome them!