Therapist's Recommended Resources

Hand-picked by Debbie

These are the products I find myself recommending again and again in session. I only list things I have real experience with. Where a link earns us a small commission it's clearly marked — it never costs you more, and it never changes what I recommend.

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Calming Sensory Bottle Set

Ages 2–7

Great for reset moments. The slow swirl gives little eyes something to track while their nervous system settles.

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Weighted Lap Buddy (Child)

Ages 4–10

Deep pressure input helps anxious or sensory-seeking children feel grounded at the table or during homework.

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The Whole-Brain Child (Book)

Ages 0–12

The most accessible neuroscience book for parents I recommend. It reframes tantrums and big feelings in a way that actually sticks.

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Fidget Toys Pack (100pcs)

Ages 5–12

Small enough for a school bag. Useful for children who focus better when their hands have something to do.

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Time-In Timer (Visual)

Ages 3–9

A calm alternative to the naughty step. It makes the length of a pause visible, which takes the fight out of it.

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UNO Card Game

Ages 7+

A brilliant low-stakes way to practise turn-taking, losing gracefully and family connection. Simple rules, big social learning.

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Really Good Conversations for Teens

Ages 12+

A card-based prompt set that opens up meaningful chats with teens — big feelings, values and identity, without it feeling like an interrogation.

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A Tween Girl's Guide to Feelings & Emotions

Ages 8–12

A gentle, age-appropriate handbook that helps tween girls understand their emotions, build self-esteem and practise self-love during a tricky stage.

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Adaptive Jumpsuit (Tube Access)

Ages 3–16

A zip-back, tagless sensory onesie designed for children who undress or need tube access. Dignity, comfort and safety in one.

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Wipe-Clean Weighted Lap Pad

Ages 3–16

A wipe-clean vinyl weighted lap pad for classrooms, clinics and busy homes. Grounding deep pressure for focus and calm, with easy sanitisation between uses.

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Train Your Angry Dragon (Book)

Ages 4–9

A gentle, funny picture book that gives young children a safe character to project big feelings onto. Great for opening conversations about anger without shame.

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Therapeutic Parenting for Single Parents (Book)

Parents

A practical, compassionate guide that blends real-life experience with proven psychological strategies — ideal for parents raising children alone who want a therapeutic approach without a partner to tag-team with.

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Playful Parenting (Book)

Ages 2–12

A foundational book on using play to build connection, cooperation and confidence. Cohen shows how roughhousing, silliness and follow-the-leader aren't just fun — they're powerful tools for working through stuck behaviour and strengthening your bond.

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HAUSPROFI Pomodoro Timer Cube

Ages 3+

A flip-to-start timer cube with 5/10/25/50-minute presets and custom countdown. The bright LED display makes time visible and concrete — perfect for children who struggle with transitions, homework focus, or ADHD. Silent vibration mode means it won't disrupt a classroom. A simple, tactile tool that gives children a sense of control over their own time.

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iFergoo Air Dry Clay (36 Colours)

Ages 3+

A 36-colour air-dry clay set with sculpting tools — brilliant for family craft time. Moulding and shaping clay is calming, sensory-rich play that helps children express feelings they can't put into words. No baking needed; dries in 24 hours.

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Dr.meter Kids Ear Defenders (SNR 27.4dB)

Ages 3–16

Adjustable noise-cancelling earmuffs rated SNR 27.4dB. I recommend these for sensory-sensitive children who struggle with loud environments — fireworks, assemblies, crowded spaces. Comfortable, durable, and they give a child control over their own sensory world.

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AIYAPLAY Sensory Spinning Chair (Planet)

Ages 3–10

A planet-shaped sensory spinning chair designed for autistic and sensory-seeking children. Controlled spinning provides vestibular input that helps with self-regulation, focus and calm. The 360° rotation lets a child manage their own sensory needs safely — brilliant for burn-off moments and transitions. Sturdy, compact, and supports up to 50kg.

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Emotion Notion Emotion Cards for Kids

Ages 3–10

A visual aid flashcard set that helps children identify and manage feelings, build empathy and practise social skills. I use these in session to give children a concrete vocabulary for big emotions — perfect for parents, teachers and SENCOs alike.

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In This House You Are Not Alone (Book)

Ages 2–7

A gentle, affirming picture book that promotes felt safety — perfect for fostered and adopted children settling into a new home. Written by Jo Jones, a youth worker and therapeutic practitioner, it reassures children that they are seen, safe and not alone.

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Emotions Flashcards (50 Feelings + Coping Skills)

Ages 3–12

A 50-card flipbook covering a wide range of feelings, each paired with a coping strategy. The cartoon faces make emotions concrete and accessible for children who need visual support — especially useful for autistic children and those with ADHD. I recommend it for both home and therapy room use.

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SpecialKids.Company Adaptive Zip-Back Jumpsuit (Short Sleeve)

Ages 3–16

A short-sleeve adaptive jumpsuit with a concealed back zipper and double button-lock closure, designed for children with special needs who undress or need tube access. The front opening accommodates PEG feeding tubes and G-tubes without removing the garment. Made from soft, tag-free, AZO-free cotton-elastane fabric that is gentle on sensory-sensitive skin, with extra room in the seat for diapers. Flat-lock seams reduce pressure points — comfortable, dignified and practical for everyday wear.

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TOPOINT Bluetooth Sleep Mask with Headphones

Ages 6+

A 100% blackout sleep mask with ultra-thin Bluetooth headphones built in — perfect for children who struggle to settle at bedtime. They can listen to calming stories, white noise or guided relaxation without earbuds digging in. The bamboo cotton is soft, breathable and washable, and the zero-pressure design means it stays comfortable all night. A brilliant tool for sensory-sensitive children who need both darkness and audio to wind down.

Recommendations are informational, not endorsements. Always check suitability for your child.