Ideas for Handmade Toy for Special Needs Children

Your ball sounds fun !

As for 'special needs', whoa, that's pretty vague ;-)

There is no one 'thing' that's good for all children with special needs, or even all children with autism.

Some children are sensory-seeking and some children are sensory-avoiding. What could be pleasing and relaxing to one child could be a nightmare to the next one, know what I mean?

If you're interested in starting a business, could you set up a website that takes special orders? You could show sample pictures of the balls you make, and then allow parents to choose from several different sensory items on the balls. The soft side of velcro and the prickly side of velcro is something that might appeal to sensory-seeking kids. Quilted fabrics with the bumps and the 'valleys' would work well. Could you fill the ball with different stuffings? Very lightweight fluff all the way up to weighted with sand, or similar?

Have you tried contacting EI in your area? They probably have ideas for products they would like and just haven't had the time to implement them (and they may be a sales outlet for you eventually). I know there isn't a one-fit solution but maybe they could give you some input to make 2-3 "models" to address various needs. Sounds like a great idea. Best of luck.

One thing that lots of children on the spectrum or others with sensory processing issues need is something heavy to play with to give them appropriate sensory feedback and also to build up their muscles. They make weighted stuffed animals and weighted balls - but I have never seen weighted fabric balls. I like your idea of the different textured fabric. Are your balls easy to grasp? I had one when my son was an infant that was made so it was easy to grasp. Can't remember what they called the pattern though. Good luck - I think it sounds like an awesome idea!

i have a daughter with autism and even i don't really know, maybe as joanna suggested u could let us see them somewhere then maybe i could through in an idea or two, but u must understand autistic kids are all different in ways that they play and deal with noises so no one ball might be good but hey please lets see a pic first, i'd buy one.

Hi J., Your toys sound fantastic. I'm not sure about taking out the noise maker. I have a 2 yr old nephew who's legally blind and has brain damaage and let me tell you...he loves noise makers! Its funny because regarding textures he also loves velcro (both sides really scratchie and softer side) and mylar paper (i think he likes the crinkle). Best of luck with your business! J.