The story behind Melbourne's The Sensory Specialist
The Sensory Specialist - it all started with Psychology
Hi there and welcome! I'm Sarah, the founding owner of The Sensory Specialist. The Sensory Specialist is an online small business based in Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Australia.
I am a Victorian registered teacher with University qualifications in Education and Psychology. I am also a mum to two energetic boys. I decided to use my expertise to create The Sensory Specialist, as I am passionate about special needs education and childhood development.
The Sensory Specialist was created to deliver high quality sensory toys, educational games and therapy-based products to families across Australia, as well as advocating and creating understanding of the neurodivergent community. With a boutique product range, my mission is to provide support to families across Australia as well as people with additional needs such as autism, ADHD and the NDIS community.
The expert you can trust
I have spent over a decade teaching Psychology in several of Melbourne's best government schools. During this time I worked closely with a number of children and families - from high achievers, to kids and teens with special needs such as hearing impairments, autism (ASD), ADHD, OCD, anxiety and cerebral palsy.
My passion about sensory products and sensory play came about when I experienced the Covid-19 lockdowns in Melbourne. My boys were bored and frustrated. This is when I began to explore sensory play ideas and started integrating sensory calming tools into our home. My youngest son has lots of sensory sensitivities, and he has trialed and given the thumbs up to many of our products including the Ems for Kids Earmuffs and the RePlay Dinner set.
Sensory, educational and therapy-based products play such an important role in childhood learning and development. I saw that Melbourne needed The Sensory Specialist - somewhere where families could access sensory toys, therapy-based products and educational supports that didn't cost a fortune, while also having a professional in the area that they could seek advice and guidance from.
And that is how The Sensory Specialist was born.
Why shop with The Sensory Specialist?
We are based in Bentleigh East, Melbourne but are an online store, meaning you can shop with us 24/7.
Convenient for late night online shopping and for busy working parents who don't have time to go to the shops. Get your educational supports and calming tools delivered straight to your front door - stress free!
I pride myself on using only the best Australian suppliers. This means you know that all our products meet and exceed Australian safety standards.
Shopping with The Sensory Specialist means you are shopping local and supporting Aussie small business! You will get your products quickly as we ship anywhere across Australia.
Simple NDIS Claims
As an NDIS Registered Provider, we cater to all NDIS plan types.
If you are NDIS self managed, plan managed or NDIA managed, you can make a claim to purchase from The Sensory Specialist using your NDIS funds.
NDIS claims depend on each individuals personally tailored NDIS plan. Check with your therapy support team or plan manager if you are unsure of what you can claim under your plan.
Please contact us if you require any help making your NDIS claim, or head to our NDIS information page for step by step instructions.
A boutique shopping experience from the comfort of your home or office.
You may have noticed The Sensory Specialist does not stock thousands of products. I have done the hard work for you! Using my qualifications and Psychology-based background, I have researched, trialed and hand selected all the products I stock. This makes The Sensory Specialist a boutique brand. My two sons also trial and test out our products to ensure they are engaging, fun and durable.
Personalised service with a professional.
Like many of you, I am also a parent. I understand the need to get the best products and service for your child in a quick time frame. Shopping with The Sensory Specialist means you are getting a personalised service - dealing with the owner directly with no middle man in between. You will receive professional yet friendly communication, and someone who values their relationships and connections with their customers.
Looking for a specific sensory toy or special needs resource?
If you are after something specific but haven't been able to find it, please feel free to contact me. I have numerous suppliers across Australia and will get your product in stock for you if I can.
Contact Sarah now via Email
or call 0451 347 047