The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Toys for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, that often presents some degree of difficulties with communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. For children with ASD, sensory toys can be heavily beneficial in calming an overstimulated child.

Play provides sensory input, which means engagement with their senses in a controlled and enjoyable manner. Yet, as a parent, if you simply look up, you'll find a ton of sensory toy options in the market making picking the right toy overwhelming.

In fact, all sensory toys for autism could help, for your easiness, we've curated a list of the best sensory toys that have proven to be effective for children with autism. Alongside, we'll explore why sensory toys are beneficial to children with autism, and how they help them in overcoming daily struggles.

So, without further ado, let's dive in!

Sensory toys for autism are specially designed items that stimulate one or more of the senses. These toys offer kids the sensory input they crave, helping them self-regulate and process their environment more effectively.

From gyro metal fidget spinners to expandable magic puzzle balls, sensory toys come in different options to suit a large number of kids. Although, many high-functioning autistic teens with anger issues also find relief through these tools. By engaging with sensory toys, kids can have fun while developing crucial motor skills, making them valuable aids in therapy and everyday life.

 Toys, in general, can be highly beneficial to children. However, sensory toys have very specific advantages they provide to ASD kids. By using sensory toys, autistic children can develop better sensory integration, enhanced focus & calmness, more refined play skills, and improved self regulation. 

• Better Sensory Integration: Sensory toys help autistic children process information better as they do offer controlled sensory input. This aids in sensory integration and consequently allows kids to better understand and respond to their environment. Having something to fidget with can also help eliminate distractions and reduce sensory overload from overwhelming sights, sounds, and smells.
• Enhanced Focus & Calm: Many autistic children become frustrated quickly when tasks are too complex. Sensory toys often involve simple or repetitive actions, which can be soothing and help maintain focus during challenging activities or transitions.
• Developed Play Skills: For those who struggle with play skills, sensory toys offer a bridge to more complex play. They provide opportunities for parents to engage with their children in a way that's comfortable and enjoyable, gradually helping to build skills and imagination.
• Promote Self-Regulation: Sensory toys give kids and teens tools to manage their own emotions and reactions. By providing the right sensory input, these toys can help calm an overstimulated child or energize one who's feeling sluggish, promoting better self-regulation throughout the day. 

There are many sensory toys on the market that can help improve some of the qualities often associated with autism. While we offer many of them in our e-store, there are a few that we (including our amazing ASD kid) would consider our favorite. 

Gear Rotating Anti-Stress Fidget is stress relieving fidget toy that has numerous functions, modes of play, and sensory experiences. It has interlocking gears in which the parts are connected and promotes the development of fine motor skills as children move the parts around to see nice movements. Beyond that, the vibrant orange color looks visually appealing and attractive for kiddos with Autism. The repetitive action of rotating the gears can have a decent calming effect, all while reducing stress & anxiety.

Especially for ASD children, this unique, eye-catching sensory toy features multiple rounded ends that serve as points for tactile stimulation. Crafted from durable materials, this spinner offers a smooth, satisfying motion that can help reduce anxiety and improve focus during challenging situations. The vibrant, iridescent finish not only attracts the attention of most kids with Autism but also enhances the sensory experience. Lightweight and easy to carry, the Rainbow Spinner is suitable for use at home, school, or during therapy sessions.

Most often, children with autism find relief in using Hand Sensory Fidget Toys due to their engaging textures and dynamic shapes. Features a unique design that encourages both tactile exploration and fine motor skill development.  The gentle rolling action is relaxing and assists in sensory management which helps bring focus during stressful times. Pink and blue colors are eye catching and children will definitely love it. Being small in size makes it easy to carry and ideal for classroom setting, therapy sessions, and use at home.

This set includes a variety of colorful square and triangle pieces, designed to inspire imaginative construction and cooperative play. Each piece is lightweight and easy to manipulate, promoting fine motor skills as children snap and connect the shapes together. The bright colors and different geometric forms stimulate visual interest and encourage exploration, making it appealing for young learners. Ideal for both solo and group activities, this building set fosters social interaction and teamwork. It's a versatile resource for parents and educators seeking to enhance sensory experiences and developmental skills in a fun, engaging manner.

Power Gripper Relief Stress toy is a must-have for kids who crave vestibular stimulation. This compact, easy-to-handle gadget is made from food-grade silicone, making it eco-friendly and safe for children. Its textured surface and anti-slip, anti-sweat design provide a satisfying sensory experience that many autistic children find calming. The hand grip feature helps improve fine motor skills while offering a great way to release tension. It's odorless, too, which is perfect for kids who are sensitive to smells.

This toy helps kids learn and combine a number of different activities enabling them to effortlessly build their vocabulary and improve their fine motor skills at the same time. Young children are able to work on their shape recognition such as squares, triangles, circles, and even stars, hexagons, and heart shapes. This feels pleasing to the body and the hands as it is soft and is made with food-grade silicone. And depending on how it is designed, it encourages children to learn about shapes and even vegetables.

Last but not least, the Double Sided Push Puzzle is a nostalgic brain teaser that's perfect for fostering problem-solving skills. This toy features six detachable sides that can be combined in endless possibilities, offering a challenge that grows with your child. The different slots—square, triangle, circle, star, hexagon, and heart—provide an opportunity to work on shape recognition and spatial awareness. Many autistic children find the repetitive nature of solving puzzles calming, and this toy offers that in spades. It's an excellent way to improve focus and concentration while having fun.

While kids primarily want to have fun, toy play could therefore be a powerful source for learning and growth. Let's explore what to look for in toys that can enhance proprioception, strengthen the vestibular sense, and provide tactile stimulation.

• To enhance proprioception (Sense of Movement): To boost proprioception, or the sense of movement, look for toys that encourage physical activity and body awareness. Autistic children often benefit from toys that provide deep pressure or resistance. Things like weighted blankets, compression vests, or even simple stress balls can be great for this. A power gripper, for instance, not only helps with hand strength but also gives that satisfying squeeze sensation that many kids find calming.
• To strengthen the vestibular sense (Sense of Balance): For strengthening the vestibular sense, which is all about balance, consider toys that involve motion. Things that rock, spin, swing, or involve some other type of movement are ideal. Think about items like therapy balls, spinning seats, or even a small indoor trampoline. These toys can help kids develop better body control and spatial awareness, which are crucial skills for everyday activities.
• To practice tactile stimulation (Sense of Touch): When it comes to tactile stimulation, variety is key. Look for toys with different textures, shapes, and materials. Fidget toys are excellent for this, offering a range of sensory experiences in a compact form. Educational toys that incorporate various textures can also be beneficial, helping kids associate touch with learning.

Aside from sensory considerations, it's worth thinking about other developmental areas. Toys that support vocabulary development, fine and gross motor skills, and social interaction can be incredibly valuable. Games that get kids working together, like those with two in a set (such as our double-sided push puzzle), can help build social skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Ideally, the toys you choose should work on certain skills while still being enjoyable. The goal is to find a balance between fun and function. By selecting toys that address sensory needs and developmental goals, you can create a playtime that's both engaging and beneficial for your child's growth and help get over Autism.

• What do most autistic kids like? A number of autistic children in general tend to prefer sensory toys that stimulate their senses. Most of them like squishable or fidget-type toys which can give a satisfying sensation. 
• What do autistic kids not like? Most autistic children are quite tactile and defensive and they can be easily hurt by the sensory input or certain stimuli. They can be sensitive towards certain toys that emit sudden sounds or have bright flashy lights or certain toys with jarring textures. Avoid toys that are overstimulating or cause sensory overload.
• Are there any benefits to fidget toys for autistic kids? Fidget toys can be very useful for the autistic kids and have a lot of perks. These tiny hand held devices seriously let children meet their movement sensory needs in a constructive way. They help boost attention spans, reduce anxiety, and aid in emotional and sensory regulation, which is why therapists often recommend them for kids with autism.

All in all, our selection of sensory toys is totally tailored to support the growth and engagement of autistic children. By thoughtfully selecting items that enhance proprioception, strengthen the vestibular sense, and provide tactile stimulation, you can surely create a play environment that caters to your kiddo's developmental and sensory needs. Hopefully, this guide proved to be helpful in understanding the value of sensory toys for autistic children.

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