Mouthing Beyond Three
Keeping neurodivergent children and adults safe through community action
Toy safety standards use typical developmental milestones, including the assumption that children stop mouthing objects by 36 months. But for many neurodivergent children and adults, mouthing remains an important way of exploring, regulating, or communicating. This creates a gap in everyday toy safety decisions that families often have to navigate alone.
60% of autistic children continue mouthing objects well beyond age 3
People with learning disabilities are 100 times more likely to die from choking
Zero safety guidance exists for families managing mouthing behaviours after 36 months (so we had to do something!)
Simply labelling everything as dangerous isn't the answer. People in this group deserve more than being limited to baby toys. They need appropriate, engaging items that support their development while keeping them safe.
This challenge is complex and will take years to fully address, but that's not a reason to do nothing. Real change starts with us: educators who see the need, families who understand the daily reality, and communities ready to act.
Together, we are creating the first comprehensive safety resources designed by and for families navigating mouthing beyond three.
Our FREE community resources
Our information guide is created through the collaboration of researchers, regulators and families. In 20-pages of practical tips you can find:
Story of Lou and his family
Common risky items
Tips for buying, maintaining and cleaning toys
Emergency responses and contacts
To accompany the guide, we have recorded a set of videos on the same topic. Our free video course includes:
Interview with Lou's mother
Key risk categories
Toy examples and checks
Introduction to choking emergency responses
Meet the Team
The work of this project is bigger than us, but someone has to start it. Here is a group of brave women who do not shy away from complex issues, but get together and explore ways for even a tiny little change. Little steps by brave people bring the biggest impact.
Dr Sara Mursic
Project leader & ToyScope founder
Michelle Blake
Wonder Neurodiversity CIC Director
Andrea Buckley
Lou's mother and activist for toy safety
Sarah Ryan
Mini First Aid Merseyside
In 2025, we build the foundation:
July - funding confirmed by OPSS
August - project team formation
September - connecting with families and community partners
October - public community events in St Helens and Liverpool
November - digital and printed resources are being created
December - launch of our video course and printed guides
What happens in 2026 is fully shaped by our community:
Do we work more with schools?
Do we influence and inspire toy manufacturers?
Do we create new toy safety stickers for sellers?
Do we train more families in first aid?
Do we evaluate mouthing-safe public spaces?
Your voice and participation matter. Join us to make this work meaningful and lasting.
Help Us Reach Everyone Who Needs This
Not everyone has time to scroll social media. Many families caring for children with complex needs only check their phones once a week. Others don't use social media at all.
That's why we need YOU:
Tell that parent at pickup who mentioned their child still mouths toys
Share in your school's WhatsApp group
Order copies for your therapy waiting room
Email your child's previous nursery - they will know who needs this
Message that friend whose child was just diagnosed
Ask your SENCO to put it in the newsletter
Pin it at your local children's centre
For this project and support to reach those who need it most, we need to be visible everywhere. We are not celebrities or media experts, but if you know someone who is willing to host us on the radio, TV or their social media channel, we can volunteer our time to share the expertise and hopefully get this advice to those who need it.
Toy safety is a dynamic process, rather than a single rule. Each child, family, space, toy and situation is different, so I am not teaching rules, but skills for making safety decisions in a moment. Join me in training your risk-aware eyes, supportive hands and trusting heart.
