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3348_MTA NZ Autism NZ Resource_HR 1

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Sensory Starter Kits

We’ve teamed up with Autism New Zealand to build a range of entry-level kits, each one designed around different sensory needs and profiles. The right fidget or tool varies from person to person there’s no single answer. These kits are here to take the guesswork out of that, whether you’re supporting one child or a small group.

Everyone regulates differently, and that’s the whole point.

What are sensory aids, and who are they for? Sensory aids give the nervous system a specific kind of input - touch, movement, sound, or visual feedback that helps someone self-regulate. They support people to feel comfortable in their environment and stay engaged in whatever they’re doing. Sensory aids are commonly used by people with sensory processing differences, but the need they meet isn’t exclusive to any diagnosis. Anyone who benefits from extra support with regulation, focus, or managing sensory input can use them.

Some children need to seek out sensory input through movement or touch. Others need calm and predictability to feel settled. Neither is a problem to fix - it’s just how that child’s system works. These kits give you a tangible way to support it, whether that’s for one child, one classroom, or a mix of children with different needs.

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Choosing the right tool The best sensory tool comes down to the child and what settles them. Some children respond well to squeezing, stretching, or manipulating something with their hands. Others do better with movement, visual input, or something quieter and more tactile. When you’re choosing a kit, think about the child’s needs, what they respond to, and where the kit will be used. Shared spaces like classrooms tend to call for something quieter and more discreet.

Five kits, five starting points Not sure which one fits? Match the kit to the moment: quiet and shared spaces call for one thing; a child who needs a big release call for another. The comparison below may help you identify which kit is best suited for you or the needs of your tamariki.

Compare the kits Kit

Best for

Input level

Where it fits

Sensory Seeker Kit

Children who need strong input to feel regulated

High - light, sound, movement, tactile, proprioceptive

Open spaces where movement and noise are okay

Fidget Kit

Hands-on fidget exploration, general use

Moderate, tactile-focused

Anywhere - home, classroom or on the go

Calm Kit

Recovering from overstimulation, winding down

Low, soothing

A calm corner, or quiet break space

Quiet Kit

Regulating without disturbing others

Low, discreet

Classroom, library, shared spaces

Multi-Sensory Kit

Supporting several children with different needs, or needs that shift day to day

Mixed - light dose across all senses

Classrooms where it supports multiple children

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Sensory Seeker Kit MTASEN1

EX GST

SAVE

$65.95

10%

This kit is for children who need stronger sensory input to feel settled and regulated. It covers light, movement, sound, tactile and proprioceptive input, giving them an appropriate outlet for that need during the day.

Jelly Spike Balls

Silicone Pendant

Curly Caterpillar Copyright © Modern Teaching Aids. All rights reserved

Pull Pipes

Fibre Optic Lamp 3

Hand Strengthener

Foot Pod teaching.co.nz


Fidget Kit MTASEN2

EX GST

SAVE

$79.95

12%

This kit features hands-on fidget tools that children can squeeze, stretch and manipulate, providing a physical outlet whenever they need it. It’s a great starting point if you’re still discoveringwhich sensory tools work best for an individual child.

Sensory Dough

Curly Caterpillar

Pull Pipes

Squish Pal

Stretch Caterpillars

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Pop-it Wheel 4

Pompom Ball

Fidget Controller teaching.co.nz


Calm Kit MTASEN3

EX GST

SAVE

$119.95

18%

Designed to help a child settle and de-escalate. Suited to a calm corner, a break space, or any time a student needs to recover from overstimulation during the day.

Sensory Dough

Weighted Blanket

Fibre Optic Lamp Copyright © Modern Teaching Aids. All rights reserved

27Db Hearing Protector 5

teaching.co.nz


Quiet Kit MTASEN4

EX GST

SAVE

$101.16

15%

This kit is intended to be suitable for quiet environments, such as the classroom or library where a child can regulate without disturbing or distracting others in the same space.

Bouncy Band for School Chair

Hand Strengthener

Silicone Pendant

Stretch Caterpillars

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Pompom Ball

Double Colour Liquid Butterflies 6

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Multi-Sensory Kit MTASEN5

EX GST

SAVE

$329.95

20%

A mixed kit offering light input across every sense. Useful for classrooms supporting several students with different needs, or where a student’s needs vary from day to day. A practical starting point if you’re not yet sure what will work best.

Sensory Dough

Chewable Bangle

27Db Hearing Protector

Weighted Blanket

Silicone Pendant

Jelly Hose Squeezes Therapy Putty - Set of 3

Fidget Controller Square Desk Fidget

x3

Glitter Tubes

Pull Pipes Copyright © Modern Teaching Aids. All rights reserved

Fibre Optic Lamp

Sounds of Rain Sensory Tubes 7

Foot Pod teaching.co.nz


Support beyond the kit Autism NZ offers a great range of support nationwide. Available nationwide Outreach - support, information, and links to local services. Open to parents, professionals, and autistic individuals, self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed. Education - training programmes for parents and professionals. Autism Connect - online support and social group platform. Advocacy - government engagement and submissions, usually taken on via a referral through Outreach, Comms, or the info line.

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For more support and to learn what Autism NZ do visit them at https://autismnz.org.nz/

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