Systemic Creativity

Our Thoughts on Systemic Creativity & Sensory Harmony:

Sensory Toys and Emotional Regulation

Regulation is the ability to maintain an optimal level of arousal—neither too overstimulated nor too lethargic. According to the foundational work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, sensory integration is the neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment. For children with sensory processing differences, the world can feel chaotic.

"Fidget" or "calming" toys act as external regulators. For example, weighted blankets or lap pads provide proprioceptive input (pressure on muscles and joints), which triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, helping to ground a child’s nervous system. 

Enhancing Focus and Cognitive Attention

The "Optimal Arousal Theory" suggests that every individual has a specific level of sensory stimulation required to perform tasks effectively. In The Out-of-Sync Child, Carol Kranowitz explains that for many neurodivergent individuals, small motor movements (like using a hand-held fidget) actually help the brain focus on a primary task, such as listening to a teacher or reading. Focus-related toys, emphasizes:

• Subtle Input: How quiet fidgets allow for movement without distracting others.
• Active Sitting: How wobble cushions or bands provide vestibular input that keeps the core engaged and the brain alert.
• Sensory Diets: How these tools can be part of a "sensory diet"—a planned series of sensory activities designed to meet a child's specific needs throughout the day.[

Sensory Integration and the "Hidden Senses"

Most consumers are familiar with the five basic senses, but your there are "hidden" senses: the vestibular (balance and movement) and proprioceptive (body awareness) systems.

Sensory integration toys, such as swings, balance boards, and tunnels, help the brain map the body in space. Research in Sensory Integration and the Child notes that when these systems are functioning correctly, a child can move with confidence and safety. 

Communication Support and Social-Emotional Learning

Sensory play is a natural bridge to communication. For non-verbal or minimally verbal children, sensory experiences provide a shared "topic" for interaction. Using tactile bins or water play creates opportunities for "joint attention," a critical precursor to language development.

Some examples are:

• Visual Aids: How timers or emotion-regulation cards reduce anxiety by making abstract concepts (like time or feelings) concrete.
• Cause and Effect: How toys that light up or make sounds upon interaction teach the fundamental communication concept that "my action causes a reaction."

Fine Motor Skills and Imaginative Play

Fine motor development is not just about holding a pencil; it is about the coordination of small muscle movements in the hands and fingers. Toys like therapy putty, lacing beads, and textured grabbers strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the hand.

Furthermore, sensory play often transitions into imaginative play. When a child plays with "kinetic sand" or "sensory dough," they are not just feeling textures; they are building worlds. This "open-ended play" is crucial for executive function and problem-solving.

Our store blogs posts below support the benefits of sensory toys and activities for neurodivergent children. These are just some of the examples.

The Importance of Playing with Toys:

 https://atypicaljourneystore.ca/blogs/news/the-importance-of-playing-with-toys

Benefits of Color Sorting Toys:

https://atypicaljourneystore.ca/blogs/news/benefits-of-colour-sorting-toys-for-neurodivergent-children

Benefits of Sensory Lights:

https://atypicaljourneystore.ca/blogs/news/benefits-of-sensory-lights-for-neurodivergents

Understanding Neurodiversity and the Role of Art:

https://atypicaljourneystore.ca/blogs/news/understanding-neurodiversity-and-the-role-of-art