Sensory putty is an extremely useful tool in aiding relaxation, encouraging focus and concentration, improving hand-eye coordination, as well as a multitude of other things. However, it can be particularly useful in helping children with Autism, ADHD and other sensory processing disorders as it helps to regulate their nervous system. Throughout this blog post we explore the ways in which sensory putty can be used to aid individuals with these issues and how they can incorporate it into their daily routines.

Before we delve into what ways we can use sensory putty to help sensory issues, we should first create an understanding as to what exactly sensory putty does to aid them. Squishing, stretching and squeezing sensory putty can help improve cognitive function, hand-eye coordination, focus and concentration and provide simple stress relief. As well as this, it can also help regulating the nervous system of children with sensory processing issues, and help to increase their attention spans also. Sensory putty is an extremely helpful tool that is relatively easy to work into a regular routine in a variety of different ways. 

Using it as a calming tool: It's extremely common for children with sensory issues to become easily overwhelmed, especially in situations where they feel uncomfortable. This is where sensory putty can come in handy, as it helps to regulate their nervous system and allows them to focus on something fun and creative by stretching and squashing the putty, or even attempting to mould it into different shapes. 

Using it to guide focus: If your child finds it particularly difficult to focus on certain tasks, sensory putty can certainly help with this. Using sensory putty can help to keep their hands busy and avoid fidgeting, which can quickly lead to shifted focus. This tool allows the child to do something simultaneously whilst also keeping focus. 

Helping with Fine Motor Skills: Motor planning issues and poor hand-eye coordination is particularly common in children with ADHD, meaning that sensory putty can provide some help in this situation. Moulding and squeezing the putty in repetitive motions can help to improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity in the fingers. Encouraging your child to play with sensory putty regularly can help to improve these issues in a fun and engaging way. 

Incorporate into therapy: Not every child that experiences sensory processing issues attend therapy, but it is fairly common. Sensory putty can be a helpful tool to incorporate into therapy sessions as it allows the child to feel more comfortable and at home, as well as encouraging them to focus and concentrate. If your child is struggling in their therapy sessions, try incorporating sensory putty.

Mix it up!: Children with sensory processing issues can find different textures overwhelming, therefore using sensory putty is a great way to co bat this. By incorporating new textures into the putty, such as floam beads, sprinkles, bingsu beads, etc., you can introduce your child to different textures in a creative way!

Overall, sensory putty is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of different ways to help children with sensory issues. Not only can it improve their focus and concentration, but it can also aid in helping build dexterity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and encourages relaxation. Incorporating sensory putty into your child's routine is extremely simple but definitely effective. So, next time you're looking for a useful tool to add to the usual routine, give our sensory putties a try!