Table of contents
- What Is Autism and Who Are Autistic Kids?
- Why Do Autistic Kids Need to Have Specific Play or Toys?
- The Top 10 Autism-Specific Sensory Toys/Objects
- Talking Posters
- Chew Necklace
- Water Wheels and Spinners
- Bubble Machines or Bubble Bath
- Fidget Spinners
- Electric Dog Pet
- Musical Mats
- Busy Books
- Ride-On Toys
- Sand Toys
- Conclusion
What Is Autism and Who Are Autistic Kids?
Autism ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people interact and communicate with the world, and children with this disability are called autistic kids. This disability causes significant social and behavioral changes in children suffering from it. Sensory problems frequently coexist with autism. If your child is experiencing sensory problems, you may want to consider getting them some autistic sensory toys or objects to play with at home, which will also help you know what shapes or objects autistic kids like.
Why Do Autistic Kids Need to Have Specific Play or Toys?
Sensory toys appeal to a child's five senses: taste, smell, touch, sound, and sight. A variety of textures, noises, and vibrant contrasting colors could be incorporated. These toys are designed to encourage children to play in a safe and natural setting as they develop their senses. Additionally, individuals with autism may develop attachments to objects or shapes. These shapes/toys can give children with autism a fulfilling sense of touch. These toys can also aid in increasing their focus since they allow them to concentrate on a single task and practice their fine movement skills by handling things.
The Top 10 Autism-Specific Sensory Toys/Objects:
Let us talk about the 12 best toys or objects designed specifically for children with autism that they can play with to know what specific shapes or objects they like to play with.
Talking Posters
This educational game for speech therapy was created for children aged 3 and up, including those with speech delays, special needs toddlers, and autistic children. Because of its many uses, this learning game helps your kids improve their memory, logic, imagination, fine motor skills, verbal and problem-solving abilities, and visual perception.
Chew Necklace
This chew necklace features a strong clasp, just like a lot of others that are comparable to it. They are made of silicone. In addition to involving the five senses, chew necklaces are designed to help your children learn how to bite and chew, which your child finds to be very therapeutic.
Water Wheels and Spinners
These toys create visual and tactile stimulation as water flows through them. Water wheels and spinners are toys designed to move and create patterns when water is poured over them. They offer a captivating visual display and tactile interaction, as children can observe the movement and feel the water flow. These toys help develop motor skills and provide a calming and repetitive activity that many children find soothing and entertaining.
Bubble Machines or Bubble Bath
The sensation of bubbles can be very calming and fun for sensory play. Bubble machines are small devices that generate streams of bubbles, creating a fun and visually stimulating environment. They are especially engaging for children, providing both visual and tactile sensory experiences. These machines can be used in the bath to enhance the sensory play with a continuous flow of bubbles, promoting relaxation and enjoyment.
Fidget Spinners
Fidget Spinners are very commonly used sensory toys these days for autistic kids. They are two inches in size and are available in ten distinct colors. Fidgets are a great source for your kids to concentrate on tasks as they help calm their nerves. Kids with anxiety-inducing habits like nail biting, twisting hair, or moving legs, can have fidgets to soothe their nervous system.
Electric Dog Pet
The Electric Dog Pet is another very valuable toy for autistic kids to play with. Playing with this toy is an excellent method to help your child engage with objects and become accustomed to various sounds. This dog uses its tail to communicate with its player. It also has different colored lights for each of its body parts, which attracts players and helps evoke a variety of emotions in them.
Musical Mats
Musical mats or musical blankets can be very beneficial for autistic kids. These interactive toys provide sensory stimulation through sound and movement, which can be both engaging and calming. Stepping on different areas to produce sounds helps improve coordination and gross motor skills. Additionally, the predictable cause-and-effect nature of these toys can be reassuring and enjoyable, promoting learning and sensory exploration in a fun and interactive way.
Busy Books
Another priceless plaything for your kids with autism is Busy books. These attractive Busy Books provide autistic kids with entertainment and educational purposes. Another major advantage of these books is that they can easily be taken with you while traveling anywhere in the world.
Ride-On Toys
Ride-on toys promote gross motor skills development and improve balance and coordination through active play. These toys provide sensory input through movement, which can be calming and enjoyable for children who seek vestibular stimulation. Additionally, ride-on toys encourage physical activity and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, making them versatile for various play environments.
Sand Toys
Sand toys are beneficial for autistic kids because they provide rich sensory stimulation, allowing children to explore different textures and sensations. Playing with sand toys helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through activities like scooping, pouring, and molding. Additionally, sand play encourages creativity and imagination, as children build structures and create imaginative scenes. This open-ended play not only supports cognitive development but also offers a calming and enjoyable activity for children seeking sensory input.
Conclusion
In the end, it is vital to recognize that ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) influences play, and children with autism enjoy playing. They are frequently observed playing repetitively, by themselves, or with a small selection of toys or objects that attract them. Therefore, it is crucial to select the appropriate toys or items for kids with autism to improve their motor skills and general development.