Back-to-school is a challenging time for all children. But children with special needs, especially those with non-verbal Autism may find it even more difficult to process all the feelings that come with this time of the year. They may feel anxious, over-excited or overwhelmed. And it would help to be able to communicate with their teachers or parents.

That’s why we brought this new Feelings Friend into our store, a stuffed animal who teaches facial vocabulary. At Special Needs Essentials, we sincerely want to help children communicate easily with special ed teachers and parents to get the best possible education!

It holds a bag with different shapes of eyebrow and mouths to velcro on its face. It also comes with a set of illustrated cards that explain each feeling. And… it is soft. Designed and developed in collaboration with child psychologists, this toy is a unique and powerful way to express feelings when the words just aren’t there!

Here is what Marie F. says: “We love this cute little buddy! I ordered this for my Pre-Kindergarten class. We needed a friend that we could help through the trials and tribulations of being 4 and 5. The children chose the name Lucy for her and now she is officially a member of our class. The children even take turns tucking her in for naptime. A few of the children’s winter holiday lists ended up with “A Lucy Doll” on them. 🙂 This toy is well made and just the right size. Thank You!“

As a reminder, all education supplies are on sale this month at Special Needs Essentials. Just shop in this section of the site before August 31 to get your 10% discount.