The initiative, launched in Ashtonfield, is expected to roll out in child care centres in Muswellbrook, Denman, Murrurundi, Merriwa and Scone.

The Hunter’s Early Links Inclusion Support Services will provide 20 Wiggle, Jiggle, Roll and Sit kits to help children aged 2-6 years with SPD learn to interpret and respond to sensory experiences including touch, sounds and movements.

The kits will be loaned to child care centres and families for 10-week periods to complement support Early Links teachers, speech and occupational therapists thanks to a Charitable Foundation $40,000 grant, according to chairman Michael Slater.

“The kits developed by Early Links provide practical support to child care centre staff and families caring for a child with SPD, and we’re proud the Charitable Foundation can support this innovative response,” Mr Slater said.

“Using the grant, 20 kits have been developed to be shared between child care centres and families whose children with SPD attend centres in Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog, Upper Hunter and Singleton council areas.”

Early Links occupational therapist Annette Collins said the kits were developed to extend Early Links’ program, which facilitates the inclusion and development of children with SPD, in partnership with early childhood teachers and parents.

“SPD is a neurological condition which impacts the functional skills of up to one in 20 children, causing them to misinterpret everyday sensory inputs, such as touch, sound and movement,” Ms Collins said.

The Wriggle, Jiggle, Roll and Sit Sensory Processing Disorder Tool Kits include an iPad loaded with valuable SPD guides for working and caring for children with SPD, and a range of equipment and toys to support and develop sensory processing, fine motor, tactile, oral and auditory skills.