As a parent of an autistic toddler, you may be wondering what kind of toys are best for your child. Toys can be a great way to help your child learn and develop, but it can be difficult to know which ones are most suitable. Fortunately, there are a range of sensory toys and activities that can help autistic toddlers learn and grow. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 sensory toys for autism and how they can benefit your child.
Sensory MatsSensory mats are a great way to provide sensory input to autistic toddlers. These mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used to provide tactile stimulation as well as visual and auditory stimulation. They can also help to relax and focus the child's body and mind.
Weighted Stuffed Animal
A weighted stuffed animal is one of the best toys for autistic children.The weight of the animal provides a calming sensory input that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. A popular choice is the 4-pound Dot Puppy, which provides both tactile and visual stimulation.
Heads Up Toy
The Heads Up Toy is a great way to help improve balance, gross motor skills, and core strength in autistic toddlers. It works best on hard surfaces, such as wood or tile floors, but can also be used on carpets or rugs with limited movement.Toys That Focus on Specific AreasThere are also toys that focus on specific areas or that support the goals of therapy your child may have. These can include toys that focus on language development, social development, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, or sensory needs.
Tactile Anti-Stress Toy
Tactile anti-stress toys are great for reducing stress or anxiety while increasing concentration and attention in autistic toddlers. These toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can provide both tactile and auditory stimulation.Neurotypical Toddler ToysMany of the same types of toys that are found in neurotypical toddler playgroups, preschoolers, and playrooms are also beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These include puzzles, blocks, dolls, cars, and other interactive toys.
Bubble Tube
Visual sensory seekers love bubble tubes – these provide soothing colored bubbles that move up and down in a tube. Bubble tubes can provide calming visual stimulation while also helping to improve concentration.Fat Brain ToysFat Brain Toys offers a range of toys that are suitable for special needs children such as those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or developmental delays. These toys offer a start and result that helps children learn new skills in a fun way.
Drawing Board
Drawing boards are great for creative children who want to express themselves through art. This fun toy allows them to draw on the board with gel markers while providing tactile stimulation.Multicolored TubesMulticolored tubes provide both auditory and tactile stimulation in one toy. Autistic toddlers can stretch them, spin them, or play with them however they like – there's no wrong way to use this open-ended toy! When it comes to choosing the right toys for your autistic toddler, it's important to consider their developmental stage as well as their sensory needs. Toys should be age-appropriate but also safe for your child – if the toy package says 5+, it may not be suitable for your toddler.
