How we research and test

Every guide on Kaanakidz follows the same process. This page exists so you can hold us to it.

1. Scope the question

We start from a specific parent question — usually the exact search query a parent might type. We define the situation (age, sensory profile, budget, use case) and the trade-offs that matter for it.

2. Shortlist candidate products

We compile a list of candidate products from: manufacturer catalogs, specialist retailers (Fun and Function, National Autism Resources, Harkla, TheraPlay), Amazon, occupational therapy supply catalogs, and parent recommendations. We exclude products with major safety recalls or unresolved quality complaints on file with the CPSC.

3. Hands-on testing and parent interviews

Where feasible, we purchase and test products directly. For items we cannot test hands-on (larger equipment, medical devices), we conduct short structured interviews with parents currently using the product and, where relevant, with a licensed occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist. Every quoted parent is a real named person. Contributors are compensated for their time.

4. Independent review before publish

Guides covering medical, developmental, or safety-relevant products are reviewed by a licensed professional before publication. Reviewer name and credential are shown on the article byline. Reviewers do not receive affiliate revenue.

5. Update or retract

Guides are revisited on a set cadence. When a product is discontinued, recalled, or superseded by a materially better option, we update the guide and note the change. Where a past recommendation turns out to have been wrong, we retract it and explain why.

What we do not do

• Accept paid placement or sponsored inclusion.
• Republish manufacturer marketing copy or generic AI-written product summaries.
• Recommend products none of our contributors have actually seen or used.