Sensory Resources
Many sensory resources are geared toward specific applications of sensory development, while others function as multipurpose tools to help children with different varieties of sensory disorders. The use of sensory resources are often employed to help those children with either sensory processing or sensory integration disorders, meaning a slight to advanced difficulty with motor, oral, or other sensory problems.
For children with sensory disorders, sensory resources usually include sets of toys or objects that help to improve respiratory, optic, or cerebral sensory perceptions. The use of sensory resources function as a form of therapy for children with either learning or developmental disorders that inhibit sensory growth in some form.
Sensory resources were originally integrated as a tool to aid the proper sensory development of children who struggled with sensory perception in the areas of touch, tastes, smells, sights, and sounds. These resources were also popular as a form of therapy for children with various degrees of Autism or children who struggled with self esteem, learning, social relationships, and general, daily interactions.
While sensory resources were essentially designed to solve problems with sensory integration or processing, these resources were created to affect behavioral issues that stemmed from sensory issues. Because sensory disorders often contributed to behavioral issues among children, sensory resources were implemented as a means of guiding sensory integration activities to help children grow.
A number or sensory therapies and resources were also made to closely resemble playtime, thereby encouraging children to participate and grow from the sensory activities and exercises. So, while children used sensory resources, they also engaged in a sort of playtime that refined fine motor skills and developed social interaction skills. This application of sensory resources - as tools to aid sensory development and integration processes in children - has expanded over time and become more popular with organizations that provide guided activities to grow sensory development.