#dbstr

Originally posted here

Alright, today starts off a review series. I’ve always loved sharing my thoughts on different products, especially ones I use daily. I’ll be reviewing stim toys, which are items used to self-regulate in people with autism, Tourettes, or PTSD and others.

The Simpl Dimpl by Fat Brain Toys is a simple tactile and sound stim, designed with versions for both stimmers and infants. Great for motor function!

Want this item? Check the link!

https://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/simpl_dimpl.cfm

I got this neat toy from Amazon and it’s been a life saver. It’s the Dimpl by Fat Brain Toys, and it’s a simple item. I don’t know which came first, but Fat Brain has an infant version of this toy that is much larger with different sized bubbles and this one as well, in multiple colors. The infant version is advertised as increasing motor skills. We all know how hard those are!

There is only one main function of the Dimpl: you push the bubble and it flips to the other side. In the infant version, this teaches babies that pushing the bubble creates a fun sound (a “pop!”) and makes the toy change slightly, increasing tool using, motor skills, object permanence, and colors.

I like this toy because it is a great way to deal with a panic attack or when I’m overwhelmed. I’ll be honest, popping the bubble hurts, especially if you’re repetitive. But sometimes that’s what I need to get back in my head. It feels almost like snapping a rubber band, since it’s a similar material, but it’s a bit broader and not as sharp.

So here’s the rundown:

PROS:

Very tactile: rubbing the logo on the bubbles is very different from the smooth underside and the hard plastic shell is also a different texture.

Easy to figure out: just push the bubbles. No difficult features, you don’t have to decide what you want to do with it, just do it.

Good for focusing: Without those extra features, you can focus on regulating or tasks.

Small: It’s maybe 2-3 inches in length. Very small, fits in any pocket and almost any hand. The carabineer is small but still fits most belt loops.

Customizable: The Dimpl comes in several color combinations, all are very vibrant. The outer shell is always white.

CONS:

Painful: popping the bubble over and over can make your fingers numb and sore.

Choking Hazard: Small enough that it could conceivably go down someone’s throat.

Not Chew Safe: In addition to being a choking hazard, it’s not fun to chew, trust me! The plastic and silicone are all good quality, no bad smell, but the silicone of the bubbles seems easy to tear with enough chewing (kind of line the Chewigem chewipal) and is thin. The shell is not fun to chew but doesn’t seem like it’d shatter off into pieces easily. Carabineer could come off easily and be swallowed, possibly pinching.

Noisy: I’d call this a medium noise toy. The popping sound is there, so not good for a library, but it’s not loud enough to disturb anyone in a moderate to loud area. The sound is sort of annoying to me. See video below.

Not Discreet: it’s a white and almost neon piece of plastic. It looks like a children’s toy. Not a good serious toy, but could be a nice addition to some desks if you’re in a more modern office. But your coworkers may just fall in love with this one!

See the video HERE to see this toy in action!