Sensory Toys for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tis the season for gift-giving! However, finding the right gift for kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be challenging as they have special needs that “ordinary” toys may not cater to. Sensory toys for autism, on the other hand, make great gifts for kids on the spectrum!
The Importance of Sensory Toys for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Children with autism often have issues with sensory processing, which leaves them trying to cope with hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. Sensory devices for autism are intended to match your child’s preferences and interests while beneficially engaging their senses. These toys are not just playthings; they are tools that can significantly enhance the quality of life for children on the autism spectrum.
Keep reading for an overview of both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in autism. We’ll also share examples of the types of calming or stimulating sensory toys for autism to look for when selecting gifts for children.
Let’s start with a look at what sensory toys for autism are and their benefits to children on the autism spectrum.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is characterized by difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors.
As a spectrum disorder, ASD affects individuals to varying degrees and in different ways. Some individuals with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and may even have exceptional abilities in certain areas.
Understanding the diverse nature of autism spectrum disorder is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions.
Autism Diagnosis
Autism diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
The diagnostic process may include a review of the individual’s medical and developmental history, observations of their behavior, and standardized tests and assessments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) provides the criteria for diagnosing ASD, which includes persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for accessing the necessary support and resources to help individuals with ASD thrive.
Exploring Sensory Toys for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What are Sensory Toys?
Sensory toys for autism are objects or materials designed to engage one or more of a child’s senses. That includes the five common senses of sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing.
Sensory toys may also cater to a couple of other senses we don’t usually think about - proprioception and the vestibular sense.
These two senses help with self-movement, body position, coordination, balance, spatial orientation, and spatial awareness.
Benefits of Sensory Toys for Autism
Sensory devices provide a host of mental, emotional, physical, and social benefits for children on the autism spectrum. They stimulate the brain, helping to create new neural pathways for processing, understanding, and reacting to sensory information. They help autistic children to:
-
Calm down and relax
-
Focus on the task at hand
-
Express emotions through laughter and sounds as they play
-
Respond to stimuli in more positive ways
-
Develop social learning skills
-
Self-regulate
-
Develop language/communication skills
-
Improve their coordination, including hand-eye coordination
-
Learn how to grasp objects
-
Explore their world through experimentation
-
Better interact with the world around them
The Impact of Mental Disorders on Sensory Processing
Sensory Processing Difficulties in Autism
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience sensory processing difficulties, which can impact their daily lives and behavior.
Sensory processing refers to the way the brain processes and integrates sensory information from the environment, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.
For those with ASD, sensory processing can be a significant challenge, leading to sensory overload, anxiety, and behavioral issues. These difficulties can also affect social interactions, as individuals with ASD may struggle to interpret and respond to social cues.
Understanding and addressing sensory processing difficulties is essential for providing effective support and accommodations for individuals with ASD, helping them navigate their environments more comfortably and confidently.
Hypersensitivity vs. Hyposensitivity
Challenges with sensory processing can result in hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. While these two conditions are not unique to autism, they often occur with it. It’s important to note that many people with autism exhibit a combination of both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity.
Sensory toys for autism can help alleviate these conditions by stimulating or calming the various senses.
Hypersensitivity and Autism
Children on the autism spectrum may have hypersensitivity to certain environmental stimuli. Common examples include bright lights, particular smells, or specific tastes and textures. The stimuli that cause hypersensitivity in a child with autism do not affect most other people, meaning the trigger can be overlooked.
A child with autism who experiences hypersensitivity may react with sensory avoidance. They try to get away from or not come into contact with stimuli that overwhelm them. You may see this in a wide variety of ways, including:
-
Shielding the eyes
-
Covering the ears
-
Pulling away from a touch
-
Refusing to wear certain clothes
-
Avoiding certain foods
-
Stimming in the form of performing repetitive movements as a way to block out the unpleasant stimulus
-
Focusing their attention elsewhere to calm down
Ways to Accommodate Hypersensitivity in Autistic Children
Accommodations for hypersensitivity can include modifying the child’s environment or using tools and new routines to help them cope. Some helpful suggestions are:
-
Find ways to block out distressing lights and sounds, such as sunglasses, light covers, headphones, and earplugs
-
Use products with no or mild scents, and avoid strong smells
-
Buy clothes and bedding made of soft, comfortable material
-
Provide calming sensory toys for autism for your child
_1.jpg)
Hyposensitivity and Autism
Kids with autism are also often affected by hyposensitivity or a decreased sensitivity to certain stimuli. They may, for example, exhibit unresponsiveness to pain, seem oblivious to bright lights and loud sounds or have a weak grasp and the tendency to drop things.
Understimulation due to their hyposensitivity may cause autistic children to become sensory-seeking. They actively try to get (or to give themselves) more sensory input. You may see sensory-seeking behavior in a lot of different forms, including:
-
A fondness for loud sounds - music, video games, etc
-
Rocking back and forth
-
A tendency to touch objects and other people
-
Rubbing surfaces and objects that provide plenty of tactile stimulation
-
Being seemingly unaware of extreme cold and heat
-
A tendency to bump into things and fall
-
Stimming in the form of performing repetitive movements to provide the sensory stimulation they need
Ways to Accommodate Hyposensitivity in an Autistic Child
Accommodations for hyposensitivity will vary depending on the sense or senses affected and the individual child. Such accommodations can include the following:
-
Offer flavorful foods with a mix of textures
-
Use visual schedules, first-then boards, and other forms of visual support
-
Provide safe open spaces by removing things they can bump into or fall over
-
Allow sufficient time to practice physical skills
-
Allow breaks between activities
-
Make use of stimulating sensory toys for autism
Types of Sensory Toys for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Stimulating Sensory Toys
These kinds of toys usually engage the senses in ways that encourage activity. They provide a wealth of sensory input, often for more than just one sense.
Common characteristics of these toys include bright colors, lights, loud sounds or music, and multiple textures. Brightly colored sensory discs for tactile stimulation are a good example. So, too, are plastic balance stepping stones designed to engage a child’s proprioception and vestibular sense.
Some other good examples of stimulating sensory toys for autism are:
-
Sensory floor mats
-
Sequin cushions
-
Pop its
-
Chew toys
-
Bubble makers
-
Reflective balls
-
Busy boards
-
Balance board or balance beam
-
Shakers
-
Scented play putty, pencils, and toys
-
Horns, flutes, and recorders
-
Whistles
-
Pop tubes
Calming Sensory Toys
Calming sensory devices aim to relieve stress and anxiety. They can help to block out or provide a distraction from overwhelming stimuli.
Common characteristics of calming toys that make good gifts for kids with autism include:
-
Gentle vibration
-
Rhythmic sounds and lights
-
Soft and/or smooth surface
-
Weighted
-
Gentle massaging action
Fidget toys are a popular example and are perfect if you are seeking the kind of gift you can get a variety pack of for relatively cheap.
A classic lava lamp is always a soothing choice, too. Plus, there are a variety of variations on the classic design, including confetti and small floating toys.
Some other good examples of calming sensory toys for autism are:
-
Slime, putty, or kinetic sand
-
Stress balls
-
Weighted stuffed animal/toy/blanket
-
Rainmakers
-
Vibrating cushion
-
Hammocks and compression swings
-
Body socks and peapods
-
Headphones or earmuffs
-
Fancy sunglasses
-
Ball pit
DIY Sensory Toy Ideas
Creating sensory toys at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to engage children with autism spectrum disorder. Using simple household items, you can craft toys that cater to various sensory needs. Here are some easy DIY sensory toy ideas that you can make together with your child:
Sensory Bottles
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic bottles (e.g., water or soda bottles)
- Water
- Glitter, beads, or small toys
- Food coloring
- Clear glue or baby oil
Instructions:
1. Fill the bottle halfway with water.
2. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix.
3. Add glitter, beads, or small toys for visual stimulation.
4. Fill the rest of the bottle with clear glue or baby oil to slow the movement of the contents.
5. Seal the bottle tightly with the cap and secure it with strong tape or glue to prevent leaks.
6. Shake the bottle and watch the contents swirl for a calming visual effect.
Homemade Play Dough
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Food coloring
Instructions:
1. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix water, vegetable oil, and a few drops of food coloring.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough until smooth. Add more flour if it's too sticky.
5. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Rice or Bean Sensory Bin
Materials Needed:
- A large plastic bin or container
- Uncooked rice or beans
- Small toys, spoons, and cups
Instructions:
1. Fill the bin with uncooked rice or beans.
2. Add small toys, spoons, and cups for scooping and pouring.
3. Let your child explore the textures and practice fine motor skills by burying and finding the toys.
Tactile Balloons
Materials Needed:
- Balloons
- Funnel
- Various fillers (e.g., flour, rice, beans, sand)
Instructions:
1. Use a funnel to fill each balloon with a different filler.
2. Tie the balloon securely to prevent spills.
3. Let your child squeeze and explore the different textures.
Fabric Swatches Sensory Board
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard or a wooden board
- Various fabric swatches (e.g., velvet, silk, burlap)
- Glue or a stapler
Instructions:
1. Cut the fabric swatches into small squares.
2. Arrange and glue or staple them onto the board.
3. Encourage your child to touch and feel the different textures.
These DIY sensory toys not only provide sensory stimulation but also offer a wonderful opportunity for bonding and creativity. By involving your child in the crafting process, you can tailor the toys to their specific preferences and needs, making playtime both enjoyable and beneficial.
Certainly! Here's a detailed section on age-specific suggestions for sensory toys:
Age-Specific Suggestions for Sensory Toys
Finding the right sensory toy for a child with an autism spectrum can be more effective when considering their age and developmental stage. Here’s a breakdown of toy recommendations tailored to different age groups, ensuring that each child receives the most appropriate and beneficial sensory experience.
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
At this stage, children are exploring their environment and developing basic motor skills. Sensory toys for toddlers should be safe, durable, and engaging.
- Soft Textured Balls: These are perfect for tactile exploration and can help improve grip and hand-eye coordination.
- Musical Instruments: Simple instruments like maracas or tambourines can stimulate auditory senses and encourage movement.
- Stacking Cups: These help with fine motor skills and can be used in water play for added sensory input.
- Sensory Board Books: Books with different textures and bright colors can engage visual and tactile senses while promoting early literacy.
Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
Preschoolers are developing more complex motor skills and beginning to engage in imaginative play. Toys that encourage creativity and sensory exploration are ideal.
- Play-Dough or Kinetic Sand: These materials are excellent for tactile stimulation and can be molded into various shapes, enhancing creativity.
- Balance Beams or Stepping Stones: These toys help develop balance and coordination, engaging the vestibular sense.
- Interactive Storybooks: Books with sound buttons or flaps to lift can enhance auditory and visual processing.
- Water Play Sets: Toys that involve pouring and splashing can be both calming and stimulating, depending on the child’s needs.
School-Aged Children (Ages 6-12)
As children grow, they develop more specific interests and skills. Sensory toys for this age group can be more complex and targeted toward specific sensory needs.
- Fidget Spinners and Cubes: These are great for children who need to focus or self-regulate during tasks.
- Weighted Blankets or Lap Pads: These provide calming pressure and can help with anxiety or restlessness.
- Puzzle Games: Engaging in puzzles can enhance problem-solving skills and provide visual and tactile stimulation.
- Art Supplies: Items like scented markers or textured paper can encourage creativity while engaging multiple senses.
Teenagers (Ages 13+)
Teenagers with ASD may benefit from sensory toys that help with stress relief and focus, as well as those that cater to their interests.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can help manage auditory sensitivity in noisy environments.
- Stress Balls or Therapy Putty: Useful for stress relief and improving hand strength.
- DIY Craft Kits: Kits that involve building or creating can be both engaging and therapeutic.
- Virtual Reality Headsets: These can provide immersive experiences that engage multiple senses, though they should be used with caution to avoid overstimulation.
By selecting sensory toys that align with a child’s age and developmental stage, caregivers can provide more effective support and enrichment, helping children with ASD thrive in their unique ways.
Playtime with an Autistic Child: Managing Repetitive Behaviors
Autistic kids play differently from other children. Many prefer solitary play, engage in repetitive actions, and lag in motor skill development. They also tend to have social skill deficits, leading to difficulty interacting with others and making friends. These issues can make playtime a challenge for parents and carers.
Encouraging Cooperative Play
Cooperative play, or play with others, is a good way for autistic kids to build a range of skills. But, just as with other kids, children with autism also need alone time. So, while there will be plenty of times when participating in their play activities and interacting with them is the best way to go, they also need to do their own thing.
This alone time gives the child with autism a chance to recharge, recover from sensory overload, or escape an overwhelming situation. Your supervision from a distance is what they need at these times.
Guidelines for Supervising or Playing with a Child with ASD
Here are some general guidelines for supervising or playing with a child with ASD.
-
Create a safe, comfortable space for your child to play. For example, dim the lights for a child with light sensitivity or have a fidget toy for a child who needs help concentrating.
-
Provide appropriate toys for your child’s age and stage of development.
-
Incorporate sensory devices in their play.
-
Incorporate their interests to make the activity more appealing to them.
-
Talk through what is happening in the activity - the steps, how one thing affects or causes another, etc.
-
Verbalize your thought processes and emotions for your child.
-
Encourage your child to verbalize or otherwise express themselves, too.
-
Focus on your child’s strengths, not mastery or non-mastery of the task.
-
Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
-
Encourage the building of social skills by patterning behaviors, such as taking turns and saying “Please” and “Thank you” for your child to copy.
-
When giving your child space to play on their own, remain close enough so they can still reach out to you if needed.
-
Expect your child to have their way of engaging with an activity (autistic kids often do!).
-
Be flexible in your goal setting and expected outcomes for the activity.
-
Monitor your child’s reaction to the activity and their emotions to avoid overstimulation, frustration, or a meltdown.
Don’t Play Around — Choose ECCM for Autism Diagnosis
Sensory development plays a crucial role in helping autistic children achieve their highest level of functionality, and ECCM is here to help.
We proudly serve children in need throughout Pennsylvania, providing early intervention and autism support services for all areas of child development. Reach out to ECCM today to get a head start in your child’s development!