originally written for and published on Harkla.co
There’s a lot to consider when selecting toys for children with autism.
Children with autism can have limited language, social, and/or sensorimotor skills needed to purposely engage with toys in ways that neurotypical children do. Many of their specific interests have a sensory component that directs what gains their attention and keeps them engaged - whether it be flashing lights, repetitive music, or some kind of sensory feedback. For some children, preferred characters, colors, or themes will make the toy a must-have favorite! Each and every child is different, so consider your child’s strengths, interests, and abilities when determining which of these recommendations is best suited for him.
For ease of understanding the “why” behind some of these toys, we’ve grouped them into categories based on sensory input and skill development (social, cognitive, language, motor).
Top 10 Toys for Vestibular Input:
These toys allow for gross motor activities that target whole body movement and provide vestibular sensory input. Many of these activities combine proprioceptive and vestibular input that can have an organizing effect on the child. When choosing your vestibular toy, consider your child’s sensory profile and how they respond to different types of movement. Remember that the effects of rotary vestibular input (spinning) can be observed for up to 6-8 hours following just 15 minutes of spinning, so be sure to limit this activity and incorporate some deep pressure following spinning! For more information on vestibular processing, check out our article here.
Top 10 Toys for Tactile Input:
A tactile toy is sometimes referred to as a fidget. Fidgets are objects that aid with focus and attention by allowing the brain to filter extraneous sensory information. By keeping the hands engaged in simple, repetitive motor movements, the user is able to “tune out” what would otherwise be distracting -- lights, sounds, smells, movement, close proximity to other people. Sometimes, these distractions become too overwhelming. For children with autism, these tactile fidget tools often become “stim toys” that help them with self-regulation. Keep it simple and low cost for these small sensory toys. For more information, check out our articles on Stim Toys and also on Fidgets.
Some of our top tactile tools are fidgets, others use the sense of touch to support gross and fine motor skills.
Top 10 Toys for Visual Stimulation:
Some children with autism like to watch things spin, move, light up, and flash. These toys appeal to strong visual interests and make them instantly appealing! Here are some of our favorites:
Light up blocks
Lava lamp
Marble run
Rain Stick
Scarves for shaking
Water timers
Spin Again Toy
Lite bright
Top 10 Toys for Proprioception:
Proprioceptive activities provide input to the body’s muscles and joints. This sense has a calming, reorganizing effect that helps children to regulate their arousal levels. Children with autism can have difficulty with self-regulation and overstimulation, so proprioceptive toys provide for deep touch pressure and input that is much-needed!
Yogibo
Bean Bag
Weighted lap pad
Weighted blanket
Weighted stuffed animal
Vibrating massager
Crash Mat
Body Sock
Top 10 Toys for Oral Sensory Input:
Occupational Therapists know that integration of the mouth and the suck, swallow, breathe sequence is critical to promote regulation with children who have sensory processing dysfunction (which the majority of children with autism do). Chewing, sucking, and blowing are all motor movements that, especially when used safely in conjunction with other sensory activities, can play a key role in helping your child maintain focus, participation, and regulation. During times of transition or periods of uncertainty and anxiety, some children revert to sucking and chewing on clothing, hair, or fingers to self-soothe. Here are our favorite “toys” for oral sensory input:
Chewable Fidgets that can attach by lanyard or carabiner
Chewable pencil toppers
Bite Saber sensory chewelry
Crazy straws
Jigglers - oral vibration
Dinosoars - oral motor toy
Alligator Eye Pops - oral motor toy
Puppy Slide whistle
Soft Chewelry necklace-style
Top 10 Toys for Auditory Sensory Input:
Repetitive, rhythmic auditory feedback can attract some kids to a specific toy. It may drive you a little nuts having to listen to the same musical sounds playing, but your child will be engaged and that’s what is most important! We’ve included a link to a book about Kids, Music, & Autism for parents to read more about including auditory input and music for teaching and playing! Also, because not every child with autism tolerates auditory sensory input, we’ve included sensory-friendly headphones and noise reduction headphones in our Top 10!
Skoog music cube
Mozart Munchkin Music Cube
Crayola - my first touch art pad
Egg shakers
Rain maker
Sensory Songs for Tots (CD)
Sing, Sound, and Count with Me (CD)
Foldable music mat
Top 10 Toys for Fine Motor Development:
Fine motor skills can range from basic to more complex, given the age and development of the child. Some of the toys work on cognitive development and can be fun ways to work on imitation, design copying, building, and turn-taking. When looking at toys in terms of fine motor skills, consider how your child will manipulate the toys/pieces - using a whole hand, two hands together, or using a more refined grasp like that needed for writing. Add a bit of fun with wiggles or colors to challenge little fingers to move in new ways. It’s important to choose toys that are roughly at your child’s developmental or motor skill level so you provide a “just right challenge” that keeps him engaged while learning/playing.
Squiggle Vibrating Pen
Rock Crayons
Finger Crayons
PlusPlus - large ones
Mini Squigz
Double sided easel
Travel-sized games like Connect 4, Checkers (be mindful of small pieces though!)
Top 10 Toys for Gross Motor Skills:
Toys that challenge gross motor skills work on balance, coordination, muscle strength, endurance, motor planning, and problem solving! When kids move their bodies in new ways, their brains are learning through movement and sensory feedback. All of our favorite gross motor staples can grow with your child and be used to expand on language, social, cognitive AND motor skills!
Tunnel & Tent set
Jump rope
Hula hoop
Tactile stepping stones
Sensory balance beam
Magic Moves Electric Wand
Tricycle
2- or 3-wheeled scooter
Top 10 Toys for Pretend Play:
Pretend play toys offer opportunities for social language development and exposure to daily life situations - from modeling going to the doctor, to reenacting a grocery shopping trip! Add the basics for pretend play toys, add a bit of creativity (and a little adult support possibly), and watch imagination take flight and skills develop. Act out the social stories to prepare your child for difficult transitions or community outings, or reinforce language skills when they recreate scripts from favorite TV shows! We’ve even linked you to a DVD that teaches kids pretend play skills through video modeling.
Seedling’s “Design Your Own” Kits - Superhero Mask, Cape, Spy Kit
Teepee
Themed Tent - school bus, police car, castle
Doctor Kit
Melissa & Doug “Order Up” Diner Play Set
Cash register and money set
Melissa & Dough Make your own Pizza set
Role play dress up sets (chef, fireman, veterinarian)
Puppets! Animals or people
Top 10 Tech-based Toys:
There’s always something new in tech that can support your child’s development. Again, keep in mind that you want to find the tech-based toy that fits your child’s skill set and doesn’t provide too much of a challenge that it is frustrating or off-putting! Technology can support language, problem solving, engagement, and motor skills in motivating ways. Newest innovations are including robotics to teach social skills, routines, facial expressions, and language skill.
Osmo Numbers
Osmo Words
Tigly Shapes
Tigly Letters
Tigly Math
Square Panda
Fisher Price Code-a-pillar
Fisher Price Smart Interactive Bear
In case you’ve been counting along...that brings the list to 100. What’s the 101st toy on our list?
101. YOU
No toy can replace the invaluable skills your child will learn from YOU. So, take our 100 ideas for fun and engage with your child. Play in new ways, interact by doing what excites and motivates him. Crawl through the tunnels, play the part, take turns on the trampoline (ok, maybe not the mini tramps!). Encourage skill development by modeling and commenting on what you’re playing. You have the ability to become what attracts your child’s attention just as much as the toys - sing, move, tickle, squish, calm, teach, and laugh. Have fun!