A lot of children with autism struggle with communication. They may have trouble understanding what others are saying, expressing their own thoughts and feelings, or even just making eye contact! It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean they’re not smart.
In fact, many children on the spectrum are highly intelligent and may have excellent verbal skills but struggle in social situations because of sensory issues.
Here are 15 sensory toys that can help improve communication for children with autism:
| Toy | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Balls | Soft and squishy balls that provide tactile stimulation | Improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills |
| Bubble Machine | A machine that creates a stream of bubbles | Promotes social interaction and turn-taking |
| Chewelry | Chewable jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets | Provides sensory input and helps reduce anxiety |
| Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) | A communication system that uses pictures to represent words or phrases | Develops communication skills and promotes independence |
| Therapy Swing | A swing designed for sensory integration therapy | Improves balance and body awareness |
| Kinetic Sand | Moldable sand that provides tactile stimulation | Develops fine motor skills and creativity |
| Fiber Optic Lamp | A lamp that produces changing colors through fiber optic strands | Calming effect and visual stimulation |
| Magnetic Blocks | Blocks that can be magnetically connected | Develops spatial awareness and problem-solving skills |
| Sound Puzzle | A puzzle with sounds that correspond to the pieces | Improves auditory processing and problem-solving skills |
| Sensory Bin | A container filled with various materials for tactile exploration | Improves sensory processing and creativity |
| Social Skills Board Game | A board game designed to improve social skills | Develops social interaction and communication skills |
| Trampoline | A device for jumping and bouncing | Develops gross motor skills and coordination |
| Sensory Table | A table with various materials for sensory exploration | Improves sensory processing and creativity |
| Miniature Keyboard | A small keyboard for musical exploration | Improves auditory processing and creativity |
| Weighted Blanket | A blanket with added weight for calming effects | Provides sensory input and reduces anxiety |
Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are a great resource for children with autism because they can be used to improve attention and reduce anxiety.
Fidget toys are often small objects that can be held in the hand, such as beads or buttons, or worn on clothing like a bracelet.
They provide a tactile sensory experience for the child, who then focuses their attention on their fingers instead of becoming overwhelmed by other sensations around them. This can help improve communication skills in autistic children as well as focus and concentration on tasks at hand.
When it comes to selecting sensory toys for toddlers, it’s important to choose the right ones for your child’s needs. Our guide on how to choose the right sensory toys can help you make an informed decision and promote your child’s development
Texture Binder
A texture binder can be a great tool for children with autism. It’s a toy that helps them focus on the textures of objects and tasks, which can help improve their communication skills.
There are many different types of sensory toys that have been shown to have positive effects on children with autism.
A good example is the tactile bobble ball, which has been proven to improve social interaction among autistic kids.
The textured surface of this toy makes it easier for them to focus on their interactions with other people rather than being distracted by sounds in the environment around them.
Sensory toys are a great way to promote infant and toddler development, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones. Our guide on the best sensory toys for infants and toddlers can help you make informed decisions and support your child’s growth and development
Game Of Go Fish
Go Fish is a classic card game that can be played by one person or a group. It can also be played with a variety of people, including those who are not good at reading.
To play this game, put all the cards face down on the table or floor and ask players to take turns asking each other if they have specific cards in their hand.
If someone does have that card, they must give it to their opponent. If no one has what you’re looking for, say “Go Fish” instead!
Every toddler can benefit from sensory play, and there are certain toys that can help promote their growth and development. Learn about the 15 sensory toys every toddler should have in their toy box in our comprehensive guide.
Types of Sensory Toys for Children with Autism
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tactile Toys | Provide tactile stimulation through various textures and materials |
| Visual Toys | Provide visual stimulation through lights, colors, and shapes |
| Auditory Toys | Provide auditory stimulation through sound and music |
| Olfactory Toys | Provide olfactory stimulation through scent |
| Proprioceptive Toys | Provide proprioceptive stimulation through pressure and weight |
| Vestibular Toys | Provide vestibular stimulation through movement and balance |
Light Box
Light therapy is a treatment that uses light to reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. It can also help you sleep better at night. A light box is a special lamp that emits very bright light in order to provide this kind of therapy.
Most people who use these lamps for therapeutic purposes do so in the morning when they wake up, but it’s possible to have them on all day long if you need help with jet lag or sleep problems.
If your child has trouble falling asleep at night, using the lamp during naptime may help him relax and get some shut-eye.
Visual Timers
Visual timers are great for helping children understand when activities will end or when they have to stop doing something.
You can use visual timers in a number of ways, from letting your child know that he has five minutes left before going outside to letting him know it’s time for dinner. Visual timers are also fantastic for helping your child learn how long certain tasks should take.
For example, if you ask him to wash the dishes and he finishes in 10 minutes instead of 20 minutes, you could show him the timer again with 20 minutes on it and then say “No! That was too fast!”
Beads, String And A Shoe Lace
Make a necklace: Take a string and tie it around one end of the shoe lace, then use the bead in your hand to pull through the other end until you reach the end. Tie another knot, leaving enough room on that side to add more beads!
Make a bracelet: Take a string and loop it around your wrist twice (so there are two strings in between). Place all of your beads on one of these loops, then place them back down so they are hanging off both ends. Then take another piece of string and tie it around both ends again — now you have an official bracelet!
Sensory play can help children build gross motor skills, which are essential for everyday tasks like walking and running. Explore our guide on sensory play for building gross motor skills to discover the benefits of different types of sensory play for your child’s development.
Fans, Hair Dryers, Foot Baths And Other Calming Items
Fans, hair dryers and foot baths can be very calming to a child with autism. You can use them to help kids feel better when they’re stressed or anxious.
These items have little moving parts that are easy for kids to focus on instead of being overwhelmed by too many stimuli all at once. They also provide tactile stimulation for the body and mind which helps calm down anxiety as well.
A fan blowing gently on a child’s arm is relaxing because it creates a light breeze which feels good against the skin.
Fans are also soothing because they create white noise that drowns out other sounds and makes it easier for your child with autism to focus on what you want him to hear without distraction from other sources like TV shows or videos playing nearby in another room where he may otherwise hear them but not be able to see what’s happening across from him since there’s no picture available due to lack of television being present (which would normally show everything happening around him).
Resistance Bands For Exercise
Resistance bands are an excellent tool for exercise. They can be used for upper body, lower body, and core exercises. They’re also portable and easy to use. You can take them with you wherever you go!
Speech therapy can be an effective way to help children with communication difficulties, and sensory toys can play a valuable role in the process. Check out our article on the role of sensory toys in speech therapy to learn how these toys can improve communication skills in children with special needs.
Conclusion
Remember, your child will grow and develop at their own pace. It’s important to keep an open mind and try out new things.
You may find that one of the 15 sensory toys we’ve listed is the perfect solution for your child; or maybe you’ll discover something else entirely!
Benefits of Sensory Toys for Children with Autism
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Promotes sensory integration | Helps children with autism process sensory information |
| Improves communication skills | Develops verbal and nonverbal communication skills |
| Enhances fine and gross motor skills | Develops coordination and physical skills |
| Reduces anxiety and stress | Provides a calming effect and reduces anxiety |
| Improves social skills | Promotes social interaction and turn-taking |
| Develops creativity and imagination | Encourages exploration and creative play |
Further Reading
Best Sensory Toys for Children with Autism: A comprehensive guide to the best sensory toys for children with autism, including toys that promote communication, sensory integration, and emotional regulation.
The Best Toys for Autistic Kids: A list of the best toys for autistic kids, including toys that promote social skills, sensory processing, and motor skills.
Toys for Kids with Autism: Choosing the Right Ones: A guide to choosing the right toys for kids with autism, including sensory toys, social skills toys, and communication toys.
FAQs
What are sensory toys for children with autism?
Sensory toys are designed to stimulate the senses and help children with autism develop their sensory processing skills. They can include toys that provide tactile, visual, auditory, or olfactory stimulation.
How do sensory toys help children with autism?
Sensory toys can help children with autism develop their sensory processing skills, which can improve their ability to interact with the world around them. These toys can also help children with autism manage anxiety and stress.
What are some examples of sensory toys for children with autism?
Examples of sensory toys for children with autism include fidget toys, weighted blankets, sensory balls, and chew toys.
What are social skills toys for children with autism?
Social skills toys are designed to help children with autism develop their social skills and improve their ability to interact with others. Examples include board games, role-playing games, and puppets.
How can communication toys help children with autism?
Communication toys can help children with autism develop their communication skills and improve their ability to express themselves. Examples include picture books, flashcards, and communication boards.
Meet Hellen James, the multi-talented writer and nurturing mother who takes young readers on a thrilling journey through her sensory-infused blog. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a parent.