Weighted Blankets or Lap Pads
For children who experience sensory overload or anxiety, weighted blankets or lap pads can be incredibly soothing. The deep pressure sensation can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and increase feelings of security. These toys are especially helpful during times when a child feels overwhelmed by their surroundings.
Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are simple handheld items that children can manipulate to provide sensory feedback. Spinners, squishy balls, and textured toys can help children focus, calm down, or release pent-up energy. For children with autism who struggle with anxiety, fidget toys can offer a way to self-regulate.
Therapy Putty
Therapy putty is a malleable material that children can stretch, squish, and mold. It’s a great way to develop fine motor skills while providing tactile sensory input. Therapy putty comes in different resistance levels, allowing children to gradually improve their hand strength.
Chewable Jewelry or Toys
Many children with autism engage in oral sensory-seeking behaviors, such as chewing on objects. Chewable necklaces or bracelets are safe and durable alternatives to non-toy items like clothing or pencils. These toys provide sensory input and satisfy the need to chew while helping children avoid undesirable behaviors.
Communication Toys
Communication is one of the most common challenges for children with autism, especially those who are non-verbal or have limited verbal abilities. Communication-based toys can help children express their needs, feelings, and thoughts in ways that are appropriate and effective.
Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
PECS is a communication system that uses pictures or symbols to help children communicate. Children can select a picture from a set of symbols to convey what they want or need. PECS helps children with autism who struggle with verbal communication express their desires more easily.
Talking Toys
Talking toys are designed to prompt children to vocalize words, phrases, or sounds. For children who are learning to speak, these toys can encourage verbal communication. They often feature buttons or interactive screens that produce sounds when pressed, offering a fun and engaging way for children to practice speech.
Storybooks with Audio
For children with autism who have difficulty focusing or understanding traditional books, storybooks with audio or voice narration can help maintain attention and support comprehension. These interactive storybooks can also foster early language skills, making them a great choice for language development.
Motor Skill Development Toys
Motor skill development is crucial for children with autism as it supports their ability to perform everyday tasks. Toys that promote both fine and gross motor skills can improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall physical strength.
Building Blocks and Stacking Toys
Building blocks, such as Lego sets or wooden blocks, encourage children to use their hands and fingers to manipulate objects, promoting fine motor skills. These toys also foster creativity and problem-solving as children stack, arrange, or build structures.
Balance Boards or Sensory Paths
Balance boards are great for helping children develop balance and coordination. These toys also provide sensory input, which is beneficial for children who struggle with sensory processing. Sensory paths—interactive paths with various textures and physical activities—are also great for developing motor control.
Puzzles
Puzzles are fantastic tools for developing fine motor skills as children work to fit pieces together. They also support cognitive development, including spatial awareness and problem-solving. Puzzles with large, easy-to-grip pieces are ideal for children who may have difficulty with more intricate puzzles.
Interactive and Social Toys
Children with autism may have challenges with social interaction and communication. However, interactive toys can provide opportunities for children to practice social skills and build connections with others.
Board Games
Simple board games that involve taking turns and following rules can be beneficial for teaching children how to interact with others in a structured social setting. Games like "Candy Land" or "Chutes and Ladders" are easy to understand and help children practice important social concepts like patience and turn-taking.
Role Play Sets
Role play sets, such as toy kitchens or doctor kits, encourage imaginative play and provide a way for children to practice social scenarios. These toys help children develop language skills, understand social roles, and practice empathy in a non-threatening way.
Interactive Robots or Toys
There are many interactive toys on the market that engage children with prompts, music, and movement. For example, robotic pets or toys that respond to touch can encourage social engagement. These types of toys also help children practice following commands and interacting with others in a playful context.
Calming and Relaxation Toys
Calming toys are designed to help children with autism who experience heightened anxiety or overstimulation. These toys provide comfort and encourage relaxation, making them useful for moments when a child needs to self-soothe.
Bubble Machines
Bubble machines are often used to provide calming visual and tactile stimulation. The gentle bubbles can help distract and relax children, making them a good option for moments of stress or overstimulation.
Light Projectors
Light projectors that display calming images, such as stars or underwater scenes, can provide visual relaxation. The gentle motion and soft light help children focus and calm their minds, especially before bedtime or after a stressful situation.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Toys for Children with Autism
Choosing the right toys for children with autism is essential for supporting their development and helping them navigate the world around them. Sensory toys, communication aids, motor skill builders, and interactive social toys all play a significant role in helping children with autism improve their skills, manage their sensory needs, and foster social connections.
When selecting toys for children with autism, it’s important to consider their individual needs and preferences. By working closely with therapists, caregivers, and educators, you can find toys that will promote learning, play, and positive growth.
If you are looking for guidance on how to incorporate these toys into your child’s routine or need additional support, ABA therapy can help create an individualized plan that aligns with your child’s specific needs. At All Star ABA, we are dedicated to supporting children with autism and their families by providing tailored interventions and tools to enhance development and everyday living.
