Andy, now seven years old, started making garden stakes in 2021. When he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and later ADHD, we were looking for ways for him to regulate and stimulate his needs. Having been in occupational therapy, we have found plenty of resources and manipulatives to fit his needs. The cost of those, unfortunately, add up, and this big hearted love bug wanted to help. It was his idea to help earn money for the things he wanted.

After playing with his Mimi’s beads, we realized Andy had a real knack for patterns and he saw these gardens takes while browsing Pinterest, and as they say, they rest is history.

These garden stakes measure 12” long and are made with glass beads, rhinestone beads, and metal beads, all topped with a glass drawer pull. Each garden stake is carefully designed and assembled by Mr. Andy, himself!

He is currently raising money for different fidget toys, sensory swing, compression bed cover, weighted lap stuffed animal, and Lego sets. Building Legos is one of the few activities that Andy can focus on and sit still for hours on end!

Andy occasionally participates in craft shows along side Sarah Kate’s Toddler Toppers. So keep an eye out for him!

Browse Andy’s current creations in the store linked below!

These are a few of the Lego sets Andy has his eye on!

These are a few of the manipulatives Andy is saving towards.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition that makes it difficult for the brain to process sensory information, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. People with SPD may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sensory inputs, and these difficulties can disrupt their daily lives.

Some symptoms of SPD include: 

• Balance problems: Poor balance, clumsiness, and stumbling

• Poor coordination: Difficulty coordinating both sides of the body, or poor hand-eye coordination

• Organization: Difficulty organizing

• Sensitivity to sounds: Bothered by loud noises

• Fine motor skills: Lack of fine motor skills

• Sensitivity to touch: Irritated by scratchy clothes

• Sensory seeking or avoiding: Craving or avoiding certain activities

• Risky behaviors: Engaging in risky behaviors without awareness of their danger

• Stillness or constant movement: Being completely still or constantly moving

SPD can occur alongside other developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Andy loves using his bubble machine to get out that extra energy.

This was the very first manipulative Andy earned! His first sensory swing. While the pod swing wasn’t all that expensive, he earned up and purchased the metal frame to hang it indoors!

This is Andy’s calm down corner. It is a tee-pee with warm lights, pillows, blankets of specific textures, and his Breathing Buddha that he purchased last year with some of his earnings.

Andy still does not sleep through the night due to his Sensory Processing Disorder. This compression suit helps hug him on our roughest nights.