Sensory Toys for Toddlers Before you choose your children’s next sensory toy, consider the core needs of all special kids. Visual and auditory stimuli are incredible tools for any child, but especially helpful for those with sensory processing difficulties (SPD). Not every neurotypical kid can name what they see or hear; many simply ‘see’ or ‘hear.’ For example, some children will tell their teachers that they need to go to the bathroom when they really mean that they saw another student go into the boys' room. Visual and auditory labeling reduces frustration levels in all kids, but it's critical for those with SPD because words can help them process incoming information more clearly. Realizing this truth is an important first step toward sensory toy success, but words aren’t the only way to help kids name their world. Sensory toys can elicit feelings or emotions, and this is an integral component of self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ). For example, a child migh...