The following is an honest review of the Spectrum Surprise subscription box for children with autism.
Parents of autistic children and children with sensory needs are often on a never ending search for toys and gadgets that will entertain their kids.
Sometimes kids with autism do not play with age appropriate toys or even play with any toys at all.
Or, if they do play with toys, they become more focused on the wheel of a toy car or the hair of a doll rather than using the toy in a functional way.
We are often left guessing what sorts of toys to buy for our kids and frustrated when what we do get is a flop.
But sensory toys, on the other hand, are typically a hit in my household.
Even when the cousins come over, they all end up playing with the sensory toys because, well, sensory toys are FUN!
We all have sensory needs, even if we don’t have a diagnosis.
And sensory play has added benefits like improving communication, self-regulation, motor skills and even social interaction!
So when I discovered Spectrum Surprise, a subscription box service designed specifically for autistic children, I was intrigued.
Each monthly box contains 5-6 sensory toys/autism tools, an autism awareness item, a visual aid, and a travel sensory kit.
Right off the bat I love that there is a variety so that whether your child is a sensory seeker or needs calming items, they will find something that suits them.
A travel sensory kit is so genius and such an added bonus because how many times have you found yourself on the go and needing something to keep your child occupied?
Whether in the car, shopping cart or waiting room – a travel sensory kit will come in handy so that your child has something to keep his/her hands busy.
I received the July Spectrum Surprise which included a Squishy, a marble fidget, a toy LED bulb, a visual ticker, a chew chain, an aroma mate, and starry slime.
A few extras were also in our package including a glow stick, a flexible patriotic bracelet, a mini watermelon slime, a morning and evening visual schedule and an ‘Autistic Child on Board’ sticker.
When the box arrived in the mail, both of my kids immediately flocked to see what it was.
The element of surprise was so much fun and they enjoyed discovering each new unveiled item.
The starry slime was a huge hit and my daughter happened to be a second quicker than my son in choosing that as her initial play thing.
Not long after she put it down, my son very quietly came in and grabbed it and has been playing with it ever since.
It is an example of the ‘handcrafted’ travel sensory kit that is included each month. It has the slime and little stars to add texture which both of my kids loved.
Then my daughter discovered the Squishy. It is adorable, so soft, and, well, squishable. She loves it!
What I particularly liked about the box was the variety of items – there were items that were calming, items that were manipulative, items that were scented and the LED light for visual input.
As a mom, I appreciate the sheer convenience of knowing that new sensory toys, visual aids and travel sensory items would be delivered each month.
And it’s fun! And exciting! What a cool way to have something to look forward to every month.
The creator of Spectrum Surprise is a fellow autism mom and I like that I am supporting someone who truly gets what it is like to parent an autistic child.
She thoughtfully chooses and tests the items to ensure they are good quality and actually useful sensory tools.
You can sign up to receive a Spectrum Surprise box for one month or purchase a three month or six month subscription.
I highly recommend you check out Spectrum Surprise and try it out.
Don’t waste your money on getting the latest trend toy that you know your autistic child won’t care about anyway – get them some sensory goodies they will love!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPECTRUM SURPRISE
