I design and create a handmade sewn baby ball that has different textured ribbon tags, and either a jingle bell or rattle secured inside. In the past few weeks, I have had several moms ask me to modify the ball to appeal to special needs children (Autism specifically). I was thinking of taking out the noise maker and using different textured fabrics (corduroy, nubby, fleece, satin, etc). What other elements of a small plush item would be advantageous for a special needs child?
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?
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.
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!
Hi Jennifer, 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! Jill
Chichilas is a specialized doll website. There is a category of handmade dolls on this website that can give you creative ideas.
Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. You gave me some great ideas and things to think about, the most important being that there are lots of ways to customize the item for a specific child. I plan to sew a new version of my Jumble Ball with the different textures; making some with noise makers. I do make and sell similar ones already, which I sell on Etsy. I didn’t post a link or a picture because I didn’t want you to think I was here to advertise. -smiles : ) - J.