The Best Toys for Your Autistic Child
Many children with autism are either hypersensitive or under-responsive to stimuli. Most often they are a mixture of the two. According to Expert Community Care Management in Erie, Pennsylvania, while most people may be able to ignore certain sounds, smells, or lights, people with autism spectrum disorders may try to avoid those triggers by pulling back or covering their ears. People with underreaction or hyposensitivity constantly need to move or make loud noises to get more sensory information from the environment.
Specially designed sensory toys can help children with autism spectrum disorders play with their family and friends and use their senses to help them stay calm. We’ve looked at some of the best sensory toys to help your child with autism or sensory deprivation make the most of their play time.
Theo therapy dog
Are you looking for the perfect companion to help your child navigate an unfamiliar place? Then it’s time for them to meet Theo . In addition to being adorable, this award-winning one and a half foot long plush pet is comfortable enough to be hung around a child’s neck or lap and can sit on its own. There’s also a pack of beads that give off a lavender scent – you can warm them up or cool them down to sharpen your child’s senses of touch and smell.
Jennai sensory mini mats
These inexpensive mini mats come in 15 different textures, including corduroy, fabric and crocodile skin, to help young children explore their sense of touch and improve their mental development and fine motor skills. And with two available textures of each texture, it’s the perfect toy to share with others.
Solace pearl necklace
This trendy line of chews are perfect for helping kids focus and calm down, and protect their mouths, especially if they’re chewing on their clothes, your favorite pen, or whatever. These discreet, colorful and durable silicone necklaces provide oral stimulation, are made from pure food grade silicone and are easy to clean. They also include a tear-off clasp to protect the wearer from any dangers.
BUNMO x 123GO! stupid slaps
If you’ve been to a kid’s birthday party recently, then you know that flip flops are back in style. These lovable textured toys combine that quirk with the stress-relieving properties of your favorite toys to stimulate all the senses. They can stick to walls, make a funny popping sound when you rip them off, and take on a variety of shapes.
Children’s pit with EocuSun balls
Fast food restaurants and pizzerias no longer have ball pools for health reasons, but there’s no reason your child can’t try one at home . These toys improve sensory processing and fine motor skills and promote relaxation. And as the owner of one of these ball pits, I can attest to how easy it is to assemble and store. This is a great way to keep the little ones busy for long weekends. Remember that if you decide to buy it, the balls are not included.
Cozy canoe
This inflatable is perfect for imaginative pirate play or anyone looking for a comfortable spot to read a book or watch their favorite show. The therapy canoe, made of latex-free vinyl and covered with a soft surface, is also helpful for hyposensitive children who need deep pressure to stimulate and soothe them. While the manufacturer claims it’s easy to set up, it doesn’t come with the high volume pump needed to inflate it.
Game Center Art3d Liquid Fusion
The children’s department of my local bookstore has placed these eye-catching tiles in their play area, and my kids love seeing the colorful liquid inside move when they jump on them. A quick look at reviews on Amazon shows that parents of autistic children love these play mats because of their sensory properties. Keep in mind that the edges are sharp and can scratch, but there are also round versions.
Super Stacking Top Set
Watching these colorful peaks rotate has a mesmerizing quality that can stimulate anyone. The challenge is to stack all five spinning tops and spin them on top of each other, which can be a great way for kids to hone their fine motor skills.
Playskool Magnatab Free Draw
Small magnets stretch and click as the needle moves across the surface of this fun toy . Your child can erase drawings by pressing on the beads with their finger or the side of the stylus. This inexpensive non-electric tablet stimulates the imagination and the senses.