The Rise of NeeDoh and the Appeal of Sensory Toys
NeeDoh has become the latest sensation in the world of squishy sensory toys, capturing the attention of social media users and causing a surge in demand. These gel-like blobs are flying off the shelves, often leading to shortages. While NeeDoh may be the newest name in this trend, the concept of sensory toys is not new. From putty and slime to stress balls, these items have been around for decades.
But what makes these products so appealing? And when do they go beyond being simple toys?
What Are These Products?
NeeDoh is one of many stress-ball-esque, pliable, and squeezable products. They are primarily made from a type of rubber or polymer, and their composition affects their consistency, pliability, texture, and ability to form shapes. For example, they can be soft, stretchy, and oozy while still being able to hold a shape. Some can even form into a ball and bounce.
These products are often marketed as non-toxic, durable, and satisfying to squeeze repeatedly. Their tactile nature offers a unique experience that many find enjoyable.
Why Do People Like Them?
People are drawn to these products for a variety of reasons. This might depend on personal preference, sensory sensitivity among neurodivergent individuals, energy levels, or a combination of factors. Some people:
- enjoy the tactile experience
- find it calming
- use them to improve focus
- use them as an alternative to behaviors like nail biting
Neuroscience helps explain some of this appeal. When adults squeeze a soft or medium-density stress ball, brain regions associated with planning and emotional regulation are activated. This might explain why some people feel calmer or more focused after using these objects.
The brain also has a natural inclination for fidgeting and tinkering, even during sedentary activities like reading. Rather than engaging in less socially acceptable behaviors, such as skin picking or nail biting, individuals can use these objects as a comforting alternative. Seeing others fidget can also make it more socially acceptable.
However, not everyone finds these sensations pleasant. Some may find them uncomfortable or even painful.
The Science Behind Sensory Perception
Our bodies and brains have neural circuits responsible for processing incoming sensory information, such as light, sound, pressure, and temperature. These circuits create a loop between the brain and body to determine whether we find these sensations pleasant or unpleasant. If there is too much sensory input at once, some people may find these sensations painful.
The Serious Side of Sensory Products
Sensory objects are more than just a marketing gimmick. They are increasingly used in schools, though with mixed results. While there have been no formal studies on the educational benefits of NeeDoh, research on fidget tools like fidget spinners or fidget cubes shows some positive effects.
Studies on primary school-age children suggest that fidget tools can increase on-task behavior and reduce hyperactivity movements for children with ADHD. However, the results vary depending on the type of tool used. There is limited evidence that these tools help students complete schoolwork accurately, such as answering math questions.
Different children may benefit from different types of fidget tools, depending on their needs and how stimulating their environment is. It is best to consult a healthcare professional who can recommend a specific tool for a specific therapeutic purpose.
For instance, a wobble stool may be recommended to reduce hyperactive movement for one child or to increase movement and energy levels for another.
The Broader Impact of Sensory Tools
The real benefit of the increased use of sensory objects in classrooms is that it can increase acceptance of neurodivergence. It makes it more acceptable for those who previously felt they had to mask their sensory needs.
Sensory tools are also being trialed in higher education. At Bond University, first-year students created “sensory toolboxes” to support the on-campus experience for neurodivergent students. These boxes included items with various textures and pliability, designed to reduce noise reverberation and provide a range of sensory experiences.
Items included smooth, bendy, stretchy, tactile, and squishy objects. NeeDoh cubes were the most popular. Interestingly, these items were not only enjoyed by students but also by some educators who found the sensory stimulation helpful during teaching sessions.
In Summary
If you enjoy the texture and the feeling of squishable objects like NeeDoh, there is no harm in using them. They remind us that people experience textures and use their hands in different ways for various reasons.
However, if you or your child want to use sensory tools therapeutically, it is important to consult a health professional and an inclusive-education teacher to ensure the right type of tool is chosen. It may not always be a squishable one.
