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Updated by Gail Zahtz on Nov 02, 2022
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Gail Zahtz Gail Zahtz
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Where to Buy Sensory Items

Online stores and special needs organizations to buy sensory room furniture, fidget toys, manipulatives and more for special needs. For parents, teachers, healthcare providers. Helps autism, Alzheimer's, pain, ADHD, memory, cognition, mental health and more. This is an open list- please let us know your experiences so we can find the best ones. Thanks!
Flaghouse

FlagHouse is the only United States supplier of trademarked Snoezelen Multi Sensory Environments. SNOEZELEN is a registered trademark of Rompa Ltd.

History of Snoezelen trademark: The concept of SNOEZELEN was defined in the late 1970s by two Dutch therapists, Jan Hulsegge and Ad Verheul while they were working at the De Hartenberg Institute in Holland, a center for people with intellectual disabilities. The therapists called this multi-sensory experience “snoezelen,” a contraction of the Dutch verbs “snuffelen” (to seek out or explore) and “doezelen” (to relax). The products were not easily available, and then ROMPA® International, a UK-based company and current owners of the SNOEZELEN® trademark, created a full-range of products specifically designed to interact with clients and elicit sensory responses. The trademark is kept very closely with infringement as many people associate multi sensory environments with Snoezelen as if it were not trademarked. Via an exclusive distribution agreement early on, FlagHouse became the only company that was and is allowed to use and sell the name of Snoezelen in the United States and Canada, as Rompa is the owner of the brand and distributes in the U.K. and other locations internationally. There are currently other distributors in Russia, Dubai, France, Greece, China, etc- but many countries Rompa either sells direct or is seeking distributors. You can learn more about Snoezelen and FlagHouse at http://www.snoezeleninfo.com/main.asp You can learn more about Roompa and Snoezelen in our listing of their site in this list here.

In sensory, Flaghouse does not only offer Snoezelen MSEs. They also offer products and resources on aroma, auditory, proprioceptive, sensory kits, tactile, vestibular and visual. (Note, for example, that they are included in our sensory weighted blankets options.)

Flaghouse also provides resources for physical education, sports, fitness, and recreation and for health. One way they do this is by partnering with national childhood fitness and health initiatives and putting together packages of recommended products and also creating product-resources (like activity kits by grade) for and with these organization. Noted partnerships include:

  • TAKE 10!® is a classroom-based physical activity program, developed by the ILSI Research Foundation with the assistance of health professionals and education experts, combining academic instruction with 10 minutes physical activity breaks to get kids moving without sacrificing time dedicated to academic learning. - See more at: http://www.flaghouse.com/General-Education/Take-10/#sthash.CJsi7dUO.dpuf
  • Project Adventure - school PE
  • CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) is the most cost effective program proven to prevent childhood obesity and launch kids toward healthier lifestyles. A curriculum designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices for students in Pre K-Grade 8, CATCH coordinates and reinforces healthy messages in schools, after school sites, and early childhood centers. With the largest evidence base of any child health promotion program, CATCH is championed by educators and health professionals in over 10,000 communities worldwide. See more at: http://www.flaghouse.com/General-Education/CATCH/#sthash.fMQ1pqhe.dpuf
  • Cooperative Play
  • Bullying Awareness

In their services category, they provide sensory consulting. They design, install, and train for various sensory spaces, including Snoezelen MSEs, Calming Rooms, Sensory Integration Rooms and Gyms and more.

Some of their workshop programs, under John Smith, the National PE teacher of the year, 1989 include:

  • K-12 Physical Activities
  • Activity-Based Bullying Awareness Program
  • Cooperative and Large Group Games & Activities
  • Integrating Nutrition Concepts and Physical Activity
  • CATCH Proven Strategies for Maximizing MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity)
  • Adapting Physical Activities for All Ages and Abilities
  • See more at: http://www.flaghouse.com/Pages/Services/#sthash.jIW8ImFU.dpuf
AblePlay

Search Products AblePlay Rating System AblePlayers Club & Resources Wish Lists Lekotek

Special Needs Essentials

Resources, tools, toys for special needs. Selection of sensory, development, play, and learning products. This is a store if you're looking for a mix of some basics for children and you don't want to be overwhelmed with selection- there are about 10-12 items in each category. The prices are about average. We haven't tried them to see on quality, but it appears that they purchase from manufacturers. They have about the same numbers in teacher categories, and about the same level of selection. Shipping is free is you spend $50.

Special Needs Toys

We present our range of Special Needs Toys, from mobile Multi-Sensory, to Swings, Trampolines and other Sensory toys. TFH Special Needs Toys & Sensory Equipment for Autism to Alzheimers.

Experia USA

Most of the technology based sensory rooms are based out of the United Kingdom, and it becomes difficult for consumers to order, design and have installed what can be rooms of tens of thousands of dollars. Also originally out of the U.K., Experia created its own company for the United States. Costs, measurements, outlets, design are all done by and for U.S. institutions, schools, hospitals, healthcare centers, and homes. Experia USA focuses on the products, design and installation of multi-sensory environments, also called sensory rooms. They have free 3D design.

Offering every kind of MSE including:

  • Multi Sensory Rooms
  • Sensory Bathrooms
  • Sensory Integration Rooms
  • Sensory Room Packages
  • Sensory Pools
  • Sensory Bedrooms
  • Soft Play
  • White Rooms
  • Dark Rooms

They provide suggestions of products by diagnosis/disease including pages on:

  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Dementia/ Alzheimer's
  • Down Syndrome
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyslexia
  • Epilepsy
  • Mental Illness
  • Mild to Moderate Learning Difficulties
  • Physical Difficulties
  • Severe and Profound Learning Difficulties
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Visual Impairment

They also provide full pages on suggested items by ability including:

  • Attention
  • Calming
  • Cause and Effect
  • Communication Skills
  • Emotional Development
  • Fine Motor Skills
  • Gross Motor Skills
  • Hand to Eye Coordination
  • Interaction and Social Interaction
  • Memory
  • Sound and Music Therapy
  • Speech and Language
  • Transitions

The Categories of Sensory Products Offered Includes:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Bubble Tubes
  • Bubble Walls
  • Fiber Optics
  • Interactive Floor Systems
  • Mirrors
  • Movement and Balance
  • Portable Equipment
  • Projectors
  • Sensory Backpacks
  • Sensory Lighting
  • Sensory Switches
  • Sensory Wall Panels
  • Soft Play
  • Tactile and Dexterity
  • UV and Darkroom
  • Wireless Products

Experia has a number of systems that are exclusive to the company and are often significant "under the hood" technologies that enable products to work differently. For example:

  • iRiS Wireless Sensory Products: Any iRiS Talker can be controlled by an iRiS listener. When you use Free iRiS and the App, you can you your iPad or iPhone to wirelessly control your equipment. This combines all controllers into one allowing users to interact using 7 switches including sound, touch, vibration and movement.
  • M.I.L.E is Experias unique Multisensory Interactive Learning Environment and is a multi sensory learning experience which can be tailored to the needs of the individual regardless of age or ability. The M.I.L.E makes learning more engaging as it combines light sound video vibration moving air different aromas and even atmospheric conditions and it also Integrates easily with new or existing components from Experias iRiS range. M.I.L.E is the ultimate in Sensory rooms and is unique and completely versatile. The M.I.L.E can be used in a special needs environment to create a relaxing and calming environment for users with soothing lights and calm music or it can be used as an interactive stimulating tool. The M.I.L.E is totally interactive and allows the user to decide what images are shown or what light smells or colors to select. It also functions with a range of highly sensitive switches which can be controlled in a number of ways so it is ideal for users with poor body movement. For example for a user who only has limited head movement, the lightweight small switches can be attached to a head brace allowing the user to control the M.I.L.E using just a tiny head movement
  • The *Helios LED Sensory Projector *was designed by Experia to project a vast range of images with effect wheels- all which can be further customized.
  • The Aurora LED Projector was designed by Experia to project a vast range images with the range of effects wheels which can also be customised. Create limitless projections and themes with the Aurora LED Projector!
Adam and Freinds

Catalogue, Gift Ideas, Multi-Sensory Rooms, Music & DVD's, Projection, Projection, Sensory and Tactile Toys, Sensory at Home, Snoezelen (Pages 11-64), Visual Stimulation 30 in stock. Sensory Rooms | Full Range of Sensory Rooms

Sensory Education

Yes, a UK based company that delivers immediately and free to the U.K. but also delivers within ten days to the United States 24 Pounds. They have a price match guarantee- so you can always be sure you're getting the best value for your investment.

Product areas include:

  • Balance and Balancing Toys
  • Ball pits
  • Bean Bags, Chairs and Cushions
  • Bubble Tubes
  • Chew toys
  • Classroom Furniture
  • Clock work and wind up toys
  • Communication Resources
  • Fidget Toys
  • Garden Sensory Play
  • Glow in the dark and light up toys
  • Jumbo Carpet Puzzles
  • Massage and Vibration
  • Pencil Grips
  • Sensory Bath and Water Toys
  • Sensory Hampers and Kits
  • Sensory Lighting
  • Sensory Massage and Vibration
  • Sensory Room Furniture
  • Soft Play Sensory Room
  • Special Needs Computers
  • Special Needs Mirrors, music and sound
  • Treasure Baskets and Supplies
  • Trikes and Bikes
  • Tunnels, Portable Dens, Hideaways
  • UV sensory light and toys
  • Visual Effects
  • Wall toys and Waiting Room Toys
  • Weighted Therapy- Blankets, lap pads, clothing
  • Wheelchair add-ons
Waiting Area Toys

Created so organizations can shop for waiting room toys, SensoryEdge has a host of products including rugs, toys, kids furniture, sensory toys and more. You'll find the perfect solution to keep kids busy in doctor's offices, pediatric clinics, , play areas, retail stores & schools. Always Free Shipping. Featuring Anatex, GreatWaits, and Playscapes. Find play cubes, wall toys, bead mazes & play tables.

Total Sensory

Total Sensory: a U.K. company with sensory products and anything needed for a sensory room or sensory garden.

Southpaw Multi-Sensory Experience
A standard in items and furniture for MSE multi-sensory environments, sensory rooms, sensory gyms and classrooms for children, special needs, autism, Alzheimer's, cognition, memory, dementia, ADHD and more- add to the list or comment on your experiences of where to buy sensory items.
Therapy Shoppe

In addition to have thousands of reasonably priced sensory products in almost every category, thise 22 year old store out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has over *175 sensory products that are under $5! *

The store categories include:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Assistive Technology
  • Autism Specialties
  • Bilateral Coordination
  • Educational Toys
  • Favorites for Teens and Adults
  • Feeding, Dressing, and Daily Living
  • Fidget Toys
  • Fine Motor Fun
  • Finger Strengtheners
  • Gift Certificates
  • Gross Motor
  • Handwriting
  • Kits! Kits! Kits!
  • Left Handed
  • Oral Motor Fun
  • Pressure Vests & Tools
  • Resources
  • Scissors and Tongs
  • Seating Specialties
  • Sensory Integration
  • Sleeping and Sensory Defensiveness
  • Social Skills and Speech
  • Specials
  • Therapy Balls
  • Therapy Brushes and Tactile Tools
  • Therapy Putty
  • Vestibular, Tactile, and Proprioceptive
  • Visual Perception
  • Weighted Vests and Other Weighted Tools

Unlike some of the high end stores that do large sensory room installations, this is the place you can go to find whatever particular item or sets of items you need for your child or parent with Autism, Alzheimer's, SPD, chronic pain, Parkinson's, ADHD, or the many items that are helped by direct sensory items and fidgets.

They also cater sensory products for educational toys, occupational therapy, supplies and tools, and special needs toys for children, therapists, teachers, parents and caregivers. . For Special Needs Educational Toys | Sensory, Occupational Therapy Tools, Toys and Supplies this a one stop shop at great prices. Also, many of the sites we've share are out of the United Kingdom, where sensory is light years ahead of the U.S., so it's great for residents of the United States to have a "local" shop with pricing and shipping in dollars.

Sensory University
Store specializing in toys for autism, special needs toys, developmental toys for all children, and sensory integration products. Discount prices on special needs toys.
Fun and Function

Large selection of Toys and Therapy Products for special needs children with sensory or aspergers. Vests, Fidgets, swings, interactive learning and mobility tools. offering parents and teachers with articles and information. Your autism toys source

Fun and function has an active interaction with the therapy community. This includes products recommended by therapists, a question and answer blog format to get input from therapists, and (per their website) regularly interaction and input from therapists on the products and content of the company.

Sensory Toy Warehouse
UK based, prices in Euros, some very interesting items that I haven't seen everywhere, but not sure how well or much they ship to the States. The Cloud B line looks very interesting. Sensory toys and special needs toys sparking the imagination of all generations and abilities. Also sensory lighting, sensory equipment, reminiscence activities, rummage boxes for adults living with dementia and Alzheimer's
KidCompanions | Chewable Necklaces & Sensory Tools
Please add to this list as we find the best places to buy sensory items online. Here is: KidCompanions Chewelry & SentioCHEWS. Chewable necklaces & wearable sensory tools for kids who chew & fidget. BPA, metal & latex free! ORIGINAL - since 2007
Sensamart

Sensory Smart Products is either going through a rehaul of their site, or they are shutting down as they currently have very few products. They are being left on the list for now because they are the. home of The Climagel Weighted Blanket. A range of sensory smart products for all ages: weighted blanket, sensachew, fidgets, RAIR products, soft play, respirator toys- more coming. Well priced.

Net Swing

The Playaway Toy Company uses a bar system that fits inside of a standard door. From the bar you can hang play attachments, exercise and swings. This is the indoor net swing. (The company says it's their number one seller for autism and parents.)

Senteq Direct

www.senteqdirect.co.uk is an on-line supplier of sensory equipment. Whether you are looking to fit out a sensory room, sensory garden or soft play area we are confident that our sensory products will help you. On this site, you will find a wide range of sensory equipment and products including: sensory resources, bubble tubes, fibre optics, tactile toys, musical resources and communication aids.

Sensory Technology LTD are designers and installers of *Sensory Rooms, Sensory Gardens, Sensory Pools, Sensory Soft Play Area, Sensory Floors * across the U.K. They have a small team of 12 dedicated people who are in sales, design and installation of a wide range of sensory equipment, products and systems.

Sensory Technology is a relatively young firm, established in 2004 by current Managing Director, Rob Howe. The business was started from a bedroom in a neighboring village and has seen growth every year. So now they are based out of a 7,000 square foot facility in a thriving and popular business park. They are located in the Midlands, a small market town called Ilkeston, in the heart of Derbyshire. This location allows for easy access to all areas of the UK.

eSpecial Needs

eSpecial Needs provides an enormous selection of adaptive equipment, rehab equipment and therapy solutions for children and adults with special needs. With over 10,000 products ranging from rehab supplies to treatment tables, special needs car seats to indoor swings, autism toys to child locators, our adaptive therapy products focus on standing, seating, positioning, sensory motor, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, exercise, active play, rehabilitation and therapy while educating the parents, caregivers and teachers.

In the Sensory Motor Section, they offer a range of products in all of the following categories:

Auditory

  • Calming Music
  • Headphones
  • Listening
  • Puzzles
  • Speech Tools

Multi-Sensory Environments

  • Ball Pits
  • Bubble Tubes
  • Fiber Optic Lighting
  • Padding
  • Projectors & Accessories
  • Room Kits
  • Wall Panels

Oral Motor

  • Bubble Toys
  • Chewies
  • Games
  • Straws
  • Z-Vibes

Smell

  • Aromatherapy
  • Grabbers
  • Scented Putty

Tactile Stimulation

  • Balls
  • Brushes
  • Fidget Toys
  • Putties
  • Sensory Tables
  • Squeeze Toys
  • Texture

Therapy & Exercise Balls

  • Inflatable Balls
  • Tactile Balls
  • Ball Accessories

Vestibular Motion

  • Balancing
  • Bouncing
  • Climbing
  • Riding
  • Rocking
  • Spinning
  • Swinging

Vibrotactile: Massaging and Vibrating

  • VibraDerm Massager Brush (coming soon)
  • Vibrsonic Hairbrush Massager
  • Vibrating Snake
  • Bug Massager
  • Vibrating Mitt
  • Chairs, Rockers, Mats and Mattresses
  • Vibro-Tactile Sensory Corner, Lighted Tunnel, Crawl Tunnel

Visual Motor

  • Heat Sensitive
  • Lights
  • Mirrors
  • Wall Panel

Wearables

  • Arm & Leg Weights
  • Bottoms & Shorts
  • Dressing Skills
  • Head & Neck
  • Tops & Vests
  • Weighted Blankets
  • Weighted Lap Pads
  • Accessories

Choose from a wide selection of products including gait trainers, exercise and play mats, adaptive tricycles, special needs chairs, wheelchair desks, bath chairs, toileting aids, special needs toys, special needs strollers, toys, clothing, furniture and learning tools.

Innovaid

Items for children and adults including books, feeding, hair, temperature, movement, fidget, pressure, relaxation, vibrating, weighted, wheelchair items, water play and custom weighted vests.

Achievement Products for Special Needs

Achievement Products for Special Needs- categories include: sensory, stimulation, sensory integration, seating, gross motor, exercise, optics, mobility, oral motor, perceptual, developmental, handwriting, adaptive scissors, furniture, art therapy, adaptive technology, daily living, positioning and assessments. In addition to a lot of products, they have all of these free resources and communities as captured by a screenshot above.

Sensory Digest

Sensory Digest runs a series of videos that show how to make and use sensory gyms, exercises in the "sensory diet" and simple items found in your home to help with a wide range of health and fitness needs. In this video as an example, Alex shows how to gain Core Stability and Balance on an Air Mat. The Air Mat is used for vestibular or proprioceptive stimulation, balance activities and motor tasks. Be very cautious of the child's safety and have crash pad surrounding all around. Improper weight shifting can cause injury if they have poor body awareness. One of many videos by Sensory Digest.- one of Living Lab's Sensory Experts as a part of Sensory Labs. (Unlike other sites, www.sensorydigest.com is more information and less product.)

My Special World - Autism & Sensory Needs

The site has a host of categories for special needs, including those hard to find parts for a wheelchair or mobility device or other expensive object. Within the special needs sections, is this one which focuses on sensory items for autism, SPD and other sensory needs. The sensory section is divided into tactile, toys, weighted, and safety. There are a lot of items at this site that are not often seen on other special needs sites. Worth the look and the prices seem reasonable.

Autism Community Store

The Things our Kids Need. All in one Place.

The Autism Community Store is a parent-owned autism and special needs resource, a special little shop helping families, teachers and therapists get hard-to-find products for kids with ASD, PDD-NOS, Aspergers, SPD, ADHD and other special needs at reasonable prices.

This autism shop has the autism supplies their kids need to learn, play, feel good and get better: autism therapy products, sensory integration products, autism toys, sensory toys, autism books, autism awareness products, autism supplements, ABA materials and everything you need for teaching children with autism. From sensory solutions like weighted blankets, stuffed animals, and lap pads, compression vests, therapy swings, wiggle seats and chewy tubes to classroom solutions like visual aids and visual timers, to products that solve common problems at home – sleep, safety, hygiene and more, the Autism Community Store is your source for therapist-tested, kid-approved autism products at reasonable prices.

The online site has a lot more than products for parents, caregivers and healthcare providers including:

AUTISM INFORMATION

  • What is Autism?
  • Autism Signs
  • Autism Treatment
  • Aspergers

AUTISM RESOURCES

  • Colorado Resources
  • Advocacy & Support
  • Biomedical Treatment
  • Communication
  • Diet
  • Education
  • Social Networks
  • Therapies
  • FREE PRINTABLE RESOURCES

The site also has a tremendous amount for the education community including language and communication, flash cards and visual supports, social skills, math concepts, teaching supplies, and a large variety of ABA and VB programs.

National Autism Resources

Based on the amount of material, this appears to be another "big box" autism store as they have over 1400 Autism Products, you can get all the fidgets and sensory items you can imagine. Their big differentiator is that they are focused on products that are evidence based:

National Autism Resources Inc. is a global leader in providing cost effective, research based therapeutic tools that meet the needs of people on the autism spectrum across their lifespan since 2008. Our tools and adaptive technologies work together to improve skills and significantly decrease impairment. We provide school districts, insurance companies and family members of the autism community with proven tools that improve the independence and quality of life for people on the autism spectrum. We have been certified and licensed by the State of California as a Durable Medical Equipment provider.

We believe in a research based, mosaic approach to intervention. Our unique line of over 1400 products is pulled from over one hundred different vendors to meet the specific therapeutic needs of the autism community and support evidence based therapies. Many of our products have been designed by professionals with years of experience working in the autism community. All of our products have been tested for safety and effectiveness.

We are solely focused on the needs of the autism community and provide the widest selection of evidence based products available. We offer classroom supports, a line for OTs, PTs, SLPs, and ABA therapists and more. If there is an intervention tool you need we can source it or develop it for you.

While sensory has a larger and more used focus in the U.K. stores that do large install sensory rooms and offer products that we can often not get in the United States, the NAR is based in the U.S. in California so anything to the U.S. is local shipping and fast.

More from the company on its' roots: "National Autism Resources was founded in 2008 by Bonnie Arnwine. In 1998 her son was diagnosed with autism. Using her corporate research background she began investigating effective interventions. In 2006 Future Horizons published her book, “Starting Sensory Integration Therapy: Fun Activities for your Home or Classroom” which received a Disney iParenting award. While speaking at various events across the country it became apparent there was a need for a company that embraced a mosaic approach to evidence based interventions for people with autism. During this time with the help of a group of dedicated business mentors, National Autism Resources was founded. Since that time we have experienced rapid growth and today we are a global leader offering the widest variety of evidence based products that support the needs of individuals with autism. We work with school districts, government institutions and health care providers across the United States and Canada. Every year we continue to grow but our mission remains the same: to provide effective tools to support the autism community. Many of the people working at National Autism Resources have special needs or a family member with special needs. This is more than a job to us, we feel it is our calling and we look forward to assisting you."

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