Cornish Families Hit by ‘Disability Tax’ on Sensory Toys
Local Farm Owner Exposes Hidden Costs Facing Families
Keeley Reading, who runs The Farming Mother therapy farm near Gorran Haven, is raising awareness about what she calls a “disability tax” affecting families with neurodivergent children across Cornwall. Her six-year-old daughter Mads, who has a complex neurodivergent profile and awaits formal autism assessment, relies on sensory toys to regulate and engage with the world around her. But Keeley has noticed something frustrating: the moment a toy is labelled “sensory” or “specialist,” the price often skyrockets—sometimes dramatically. “Families should not have to pay inflated prices simply because their child needs a different way to play, learn or regulate,” Keeley explains. She understands that some specialist products genuinely cost more due to safety testing, durability requirements, or therapeutic design. However, she’s concerned that the label itself—not the actual product quality—often attracts a premium. This hits hardest for families already stretched financially, managing multiple expenses including therapy equipment, safety products, and specialist clothing alongside everyday costs.
Research Reveals Secondary Market Price Shock
New research from toy subscription service Whirli reveals just how serious the pricing problem has become, particularly when sensory toys go viral on social media. The study compared retail prices with secondary marketplace listings and uncovered a shocking disparity: popular sensory toys average £18.87 when sold by independent sellers online—more than double the typical £9.33retail price. Every single sensory toy examined in the research was listed above its average retail cost. This price inflation happens when demand surges due to online trends, with some sellers capitalizing on popularity by setting artificially high asking prices. For families in Newquay and across Cornwall searching for suitable, safe, and engaging products, this creates genuine hardship. The situation is especially frustrating because families often can’t predict whether their child will use a particular toy or how it will withstand their unique play style. Buying secondhand—traditionally a budget-friendly option—no longer provides relief when prices on resale platforms exceed original retail costs.
What Local Families and the Community Should Know
The National Autistic Society confirms that both autistic and non-autistic people use sensory toys for self-regulation, though they may serve different purposes. Stimming—the repetition of movements, sounds, or object manipulation—helps manage sensory experiences, yet families shouldn’t face financial barriers to access these essential tools. For Keeley and many others across our region, the cumulative costs are significant. Families managing SEND expenses face spiralling bills for replacements, therapy equipment, safety modifications, and specialist items that quickly mount up. Local residents should know this isn’t simply about toy purchases—it’s about equity and access. If you’re a parent or caregiver seeking affordable sensory solutions, consider community swaps, library lending schemes, or traditional toys that serve sensory purposes without premium pricing. Support local businesses committed to fair pricing. Most importantly, keep conversations going within schools, community groups, and local services about how viral trends create real barriers for vulnerable families. When planning a visit to Newquay or elsewhere in Cornwall, consider how accessibility and inclusion benefit everyone in our communities.
Source: Mum says families face ‘disability tax’ when specialist toys go ‘viral’
