What was the most enjoyable part of your childhood? If you’re like most people, chances are your answer to this question will be your playtime. Playtimes are so much fun because you end up meeting your friends and playing with different toys. Apart from keeping children engaged, playtime can also be instrumental in their mental and intellectual growth.
The Unique Needs of Kids with Autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder can also benefit from a few hours of playtime every day. But you need to find the right toys for them. This is crucial because kids with autism often have sensory processing issues that make them overly sensitive to various stimuli, such as light, noise, etc.
Also, their motor skills and social interaction abilities might be different from other children. The good news is that you now have access to a wide array of autism-friendly toys that correctly stimulate a child’s senses.
Apart from helping them play with friends, these sensory toys can also help them develop fine motor skills and deal with stressful situations. So, if you have a child with autism or are looking for autism-friendly sensory toys for someone else’s kid, you’ll find numerous options. It is, however, crucial to choose the right kind of toys for the child.
In this blog, we’ll discuss a few useful tips to select the right sensory toys for children with autism. Also, we’ll explore different types of toys to help you choose the right one. Let’s get started.
How to Choose Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism?
To begin with, you must talk to your child for a deeper understanding of their likes and dislikes. If they enjoy a particular TV show or video game, you should consider buying suitably themed or branded toys. Additionally, make sure you ask them whether they’re fond of particular colors, smells, or textures.
It is also necessary to understand that every kid with autism has unique needs. While some children are overly sensitive to visual stimuli, others might have a similar response to noise. Some children with autism could also lack proper social skills and experience anxiety while attending gatherings.
It’s up to you to carefully analyze their needs and identify the right sensory toys for them. Also, you must remember that the regular age gradation on children’s toys may not apply to kids with autism. It’s because they may not be at the same developmental stage as other children of the same age.
That’s why you should prioritize ease of use while selecting toys for a child with autism. Ideally, you should get them toys that don’t have a specific right way to play or operate. Focus on toys that help them organize and build new things or deal with different sensory stimulants.
Safety is another crucial factor that you need to consider. This is essential because children with autism are often less sensitive to pain. Toys with sharp edges and small parts, or ones that break easily could jeopardize your kid’s safety.
Lastly, you must remember that sensory toys aren’t a substitute for medical treatment and therapy. While these toys can improve your child’s sensory response, you should still consult doctors and other experts to figure out the best way forward for their all-round development.
Autism-Friendly Sensory Toys for Children
In the following sections, we’ll take a look at a few suitable sensory toys for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Let’s get started.
1. Fidget Spinners
It won’t be fair to start a list of sensory toys without mentioning fidget spinners. The nifty toy is ideal for children who get anxious in social situations. It helps distract their mind and keep their hands occupied. This, in turn, helps them relax in stressful situations.
It can be particularly useful when your child is about to experience something new, such as their first day at school. Also, it can help improve their focus on important activities.
2. Electronic Pets
Research has shown that sounds of household pets can help desensitize kids with autism who are easily stimulated by noise. But if you aren’t ready to have your child around real-life animals, getting an interactive electronic pet is a great idea. Apart from desensitizing them to noise, it can also improve your kid’s social skills.
3. Vibrating Cushions
The tactile sensation and sound of a vibrating cushion can help children with autism relax. Also, research has shown that it hones their verbal communication skills, thereby making them more interactive and social.
4. Slime
Bright-colored slime can be instrumental in developing fine motor skills in children with autism. Also, it’s a safe and simple toy that can keep them occupied and desensitize them to strong visual stimuli. The tactile sensation of slime can also help them stay calm.
Getting autism-friendly sensory toys for children isn’t rocket science. You just have to understand their likes and preferences and get toys that are suitable for their developmental stage. The right collection of sensory toys can go a long way to desensitize them to visual, auditory, and tactile stimulants while improving their social and motor skills.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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