If you’re one of those parents always in search of toys for kids with autism, I’m with you! I mean, good autism toys can be hard to find. And not only is the search difficult, sometimes these toys don’t quite work out like how we imagined. And then it’s back to the drawing board!
So I get it, and I feel your pain. Finding the best toys for kids with autism can be a challenge.
But this does beg the question though, what is it that makes toys “work” for children with autism? After all, all toys aren’t created equally.
Well the answer to that question depends a lot on your child and his or her inclinations. The easiest way to understand the effectiveness of a toy is to understand it’s features. Most often, a toy’s features appeal to a combination of sight, touch, taste, smell or hearing.
Each toy will have one or several of these sensory features. As a result then, your child will be drawn to a particular toy depending on his or her sensory inclinations. So when looking to find good toys for kids with autism, keep this in mind.
Now toys for children with autism run the gamut. So a lot depends on which sensory need you’re targeting. Some toys you can spin or toss, and some you can chew. Some are for learning, and others for swinging.
The key then is, as you go out to search for more toys, consider how the toy’s features meet the sensory needs of your child.
So what are the best toys for kids with autism? And if you’re wondering where to find them, take a look at some of the top sellers below.
No doubt, toys can be a great getaway for your child. But when it comes down to it, most parents need more than toys for their child. Parents need specific direction on how to manage their child’s behavior.
And because the disorder looks different in every child, preparing for the autism challenge can be daunting. For this reason, I’ve prepared a resource for you to help you navigate autism.
A.D. Daisley holds a Masters Degree from the University of Central Florida and has been working in the field as a Behavior Analyst since 2005. He has provided services to children and adults with varying diagnoses such as autism, mental retardation, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His scope of experience also includes coordinating therapy to individuals and families in conjunction with other supports including School Teachers, Adult Day Training Facility Staff (ADT’s) and Speech/Occupational therapists. He is the Director and Behavior Analyst at Alternative Outcomes since 2007. A.D is also the Director of Creátre, a non-profit organization that uses the arts for the purpose of skill training, outreach and to display community leadership.