Supporting Your Child's Growth with Sensory Toys for Autism

by Diversity in Toys Diversity in Toys

Most children with autism tend to struggle with sensory processing. This can make it challenging for them to better interact with their surroundings and participate in activities.

The choice of toys and games for kids with autism is very different as compared to neurotypical kids. Though the needs and expectations of each child might differ, all parents need to include the activities and movements that attract the attention of a child with autism and who loves doing them.

Play is an essential part of a child's overall development. It helps build social skills, motor skills, communication skills, language, problem-solving ability, and much more. In the case of autistic kids, play can become very limited.

For instance, your child might wish to play alone or engage in repetitive play, like moving toys from point A to B and then back again. One way you can make playtime productive for your child with autism is to include sensory toys! Today's article will tell you about sensory toys and their top advantages.

What do you mean by sensory toys?

Sensory toys are materials or objects that help relieve children who are sensitive to sight, sound, touch, or textures. A sensory toy can be anything from a squeezable ball to a chewelry. As we learn more and more about ASD, it's becoming more apparent that autistic children are more likely to be sensitive to their surroundings. With sensory toys and accessories, you can help your children provide relief via one of the senses so other senses are not as severely affected.

For example, chewing on things is a common sensory need for autistic kids or children with sensory integration disorder. Some might have mild chewing needs, while others could be severe biters! With the right chewy, you can help improve your child's focus, strengthen oral motor, support speech, and much more.

What to look for when buying a sensory toy?

When shopping for a sensory toy, try to look for something that is brightly colored and is made using soft materials. It would help if you also considered getting toys with textures or something that makes noise to help keep your children engaged. Toys like stuffed animals, squeezable balls, and textured blocks can make for an ideal sensory toy.

It's best to start with small things your child enjoys before you consider getting more extensive options. When using autism toys, you must remember that each child has unique needs. Therefore, you must consider asking your doctor (or occupational therapist) which sensory toy would suit your child the best. It's also a good idea to speak with other parents of autistic children to find out what worked and what didn't work well for them.

While these toys are great for helping kids with autism deal with anxiety or stress, all parents must take their time and select the right product for their child. It's best to allow your kids to experience different types of sensory toys to see what they love. You can easily find a wide range of autism toys online without digging too deep.