Why are Fidget Toys and Sensory items important for people with an Autism diagnosis?
Some autistic people find it difficult to focus or feel emotionally regulated unless parts of their brain can be engaged in a particular way.
A person with an autism diagnosis is very likely* to have neurodevelopmental differences that result in them seeking or avoiding different types of sensory stimulation.
The NDIS does not typically fund many sensory products. However, there is research that shows sensory features in autistic children in particular have an impact on daily living, and may need support.** We've all heard the phrase 'when you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism' and this is very true when evaluating what helps a person maintain the level of engagement which allows them to fulfill their potential in their activities across the day. Clinicians who get to know the individual and can assess and provide measurable evidence for equipment and sensory tools that help that individual person may be able to support members of the community to access disability-related items.
At the Autism Shop, we try to provide products to support all eight sensory systems, respecting that every autistic person is unique. For example, some of our customers feel calmer at high school with some of our magnetic putty in their pocket to discretely fiddle with whilst they listen to their teachers, and some of our adult customers like the repetitive touch available from our anxiety ring. Some of our younger customers are noise sensitive and have benefited from noise reduction earplugs.
Our assistive technology products help support emotional regulation too, with products such as massage machines for customers who need deep pressure input, and those customers who experience interoceptive difficulties may benefit from using a range of timers to remind them to drink sufficient water or take their medication on time.
For individuals purchasing products from us through our NDIS order service, we remind customers that NDIS participants are responsible for ensuring they have approval to purchase items with their NDIS funding. The Autism Shop is not responsible for determining if items meet reasonable and necessary criteria for individual customers (just as high street shops such as JBHifi or Spotlight do not carry this responsibility). We know that any weighted product or compression bed sheets must have written approval from an NDIA employee before NDIS funds can purchase it.
*Kirby, A. V., Bilder , D. A., Wiggins, L. D., Hughes, M. M., Davis, J., Hall Lande , J. A., Lee, C., McMahon, W. M., & Bakian , A. V. (2022). Sensory features in
autism: Findings from a large population based surveillance system. Autism Research, 1 10. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2670
**Dunn, W., Little, L., Dean, E., Robertson, S., & Evans, B. (2016). The state of the science on sensory factors and their impa ct on daily life for children: A
scoping review. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 36 , 3s 26s. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1539449215617923
