(Captain America turns around his chair) So, you’re Sensory Avoidant.

Maybe you just got diagnosed with Autism or ADHD, or maybe you suspect you’re neurodivergent, or maybe you’re not ready for that conversation yet, but you still want to make your life that bit easier? I’m here to help.

Put that thing back where it came from, or so help me!

If you’re like me (firstly sorry, and also, high five) you’ve probably deep dived on sensory toys and tools, maybe even browsed the fidget section of your local store, and wondered, “who in their right mind wants to touch ANY of this stuff?!” You’re not alone.

The list of things that I hate to touch, hear, smell etc is loooongg. I assumed that fidgets and sensory tools were for the loud bouncy people, not the everyone is too loud people. Turns out, not only was I wrong, I had completely misunderstood what sensory tools were for.

I have a weighted Tardigrade. Your argument is invalid.

You gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them

Fidget toys are great for directing energy, like something you ‘fidget’ with to keep you focused or on track. What they are also great for, is helping you to CONTROL your sensory input. Let me explain.

I assume that if you’re reading this, you hate loud noises. You probably also hate bright lights, rough textures, basically anything thats TOO MUCH at once. You may even apparently ironically love heavy metal music blasting through headphones (techno for me, don’t judge). But thats not avoidant…right? Wrong.

While yes, some sensory avoidant people want to avoid all stimulus (particularly if in meltdown or overwhelm), CONTROLLING what you take in, is the key (for seeking people as well FYI).

Stick, stick stick, sticky sticky stick stick.

Firstly if you get that reference, I’m sorry that its now in your head. If you don’t get it, don’t look it up, save yourself lol

Secondly. WHY IS EVERYTHING STICKY??? Who decided that every squishy fidget had to feel like a melted candy cane? I want names. Also, did you know you can change that?

I LOVE soft squishy things. I love soft fabrics, squishmallows, looking at pastel colours, even looking at french buttercream (it looks like it would feel amazing to touch but no), which by the way, ARE sensory tools. They don’t have to be sold as fidgets or even sensory tools to be of use. In fact if you’re late diagnosed like me, you’ve probably been self soothing without realising (hello collection of fluffy blankets).

I love the idea of the jelly squishes that are out there. Until I touched one **robust heaving noises*. Thankfully, I saw a video from someone (can’t remember who, ADHD and all) that said to dust your sticky squishies with talcum powder (or cornstarch) to make them less sticky. SO OBVIOUS YET SO BRILLIANT! I promptly did just that, and dude, like velvet, but not the icky way. Highly recommend. 5 stars.

Its a hard knock life, for us

Here’s the thing, I could go on and on (seriously, don’t tempt me) about sensory tools for hours. In fact, I made a short video (posted below) talking about just this topic. But if you’re a fellow go faster brain, here’s the TL;DR

Sensory tools and toys are for EVERYONE OF ANY AGE. Also, if its sold as a kids toy, it doesn’t make it childish.
Not every tool suits every one, and some tools can be altered for purpose (i.e dust those stickies)
Needing less or softer, doesn’t make you weak
It is ok to need things or to avoid things, and its IMPORTANT that you take the reigns of your own comfort.
Ear defenders are LIFE CHANGING
If you repeatedly click a pen near me, its justifiable homicide.

I hope this helps you even just a little bit, maybe even helps you to put a name to how you feel about sounds, textures etc. If nothing else, I hope it gives you permission to use things to make your journey through on this flying rock that bit easier.

Kerrie x