If you’re raising a child who has Autism or ADHD, you probably know how important the right sensory tools are — the ones that actually help your kid feel calm, focused, and engaged. Well, spoiler alert: I’ve found one.
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. They were kind enough to send us a few samples to try, and here are my thoughts as a parent of one son with Autism and one son with ADHD.
My kids’ favourite was Intergalactic. This one is a total sensory delight. It’s got a deep purple base, flecked with glimmering glitter and subtle color shifts (from blue to purple to pink depending on the heat) that look like something straight out of outer space. Visually, it’s really stimulating without being too flashy or overwhelming.
Tactile-wise, it’s firm but stretchy, and it bounces and tears in a super satisfying way. For kids with ADHD who need to keep their hands busy to stay focused, this is perfect. My kids were using it during bedtime stories which genuinely helped them concentrate and quieten down, without it being a distraction.
Liquid Glass on the other hand is visually stunning in its simplicity – as you might expect, it’s completely clear, and it makes for a really satisfying pull, with the light shining through it. To me, it actually has that 90’s nostalgia value, from toys like Gogo’s Crazy Bones, which came in “ice variants”. As a kid, those were the absolute coolest things to have because they were just clear, but distorted the world through them. That’s what liquid glass is.
They also have putties with extra bits in – my kids already had a tin with little emojis in the putty.
All their putties are non-toxic, don’t dry out, and come in small tins that are perfect for backpacks or car rides. They’re also super durable — no crumbling or sticking to everything — and they clean up easily, which is a huge win for parents.
But for me, what really makes these products shine is how well they support self-regulation. Whether your child is overwhelmed, needs to fidget to focus, or just enjoys sensory play, Crazy Aaron’s putty offers a fun and practical solution. Intergalactic is a go-to for energy and focus, while Liquid Glass brings a calm, engrossing vibe. Both are excellent tools for helping kids with Autism or ADHD thrive.
Buy instore or online now at Smyths Toys.