For Proprioceptive Seekers (those who crave body awareness and deep pressure):
- Weighted Blankets: These blankets provide deep pressure input, which can be calming and help children feel grounded. They are especially beneficial for children who have difficulty self-regulating or who are overwhelmed by sensory input.
- Bean Bags: Offer deep pressure and can be used in various ways, such as for sitting, lying on, or jumping onto. They are particularly helpful for proprioceptive seekers who need grounding and body awareness.
- Therapy Balls: Used for strengthening and body awareness, therapy balls allow children to engage in a variety of movements (e.g., bouncing, balancing) that provide proprioceptive input. They also help build motor coordination and balance.
For Vestibular Seekers (those who enjoy swinging, spinning, or rocking):
- Rocking Chairs: These provide rhythmic back-and-forth movement, helping children to calm down and improve balance. Rocking can be a soothing activity for children who enjoy vestibular input.
- Swings: A great option for vestibular seekers, swings provide back-and-forth movement that can help with balance, body awareness, and calming.
- Balance Boards: These wobble boards are great for developing motor skills and balance. They provide a challenging, fun way for children to work on their body awareness while providing vestibular input.
For Calming and Self-Regulation (to help relax and manage overstimulation):
- Aromatherapy Toys: These toys release calming scents such as lavender, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. They are ideal for children who benefit from multi-sensory input.
- Soft Sensory Blankets: These include weighted blankets, which provide deep pressure and a sense of security. Soft, cozy blankets can also have calming effects, especially if a child is overwhelmed by their environment.
- Calming Sensory Kits: These kits may include a variety of sensory toys such as stress balls, soft toys, or soothing items like essential oils or calming visuals. They can be used as a tool to help children self-regulate when they feel overstimulated or anxious.
By identifying your child’s sensory needs, you can select toys that will help them regulate, focus, and feel more comfortable in their environment.
Safety Considerations for Sensory Toys
When selecting sensory toys for children with autism, safety should always be a priority. Since children with autism may engage with toys in a different way, it’s essential to choose items that are safe, non-toxic, and appropriate for their age and developmental level.
Key Safety Considerations:
- Non-Toxic Materials: Ensure that the toys are free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, lead, or other toxic substances. It’s important to select toys made from safe materials such as organic cotton, food-grade silicone, or non-toxic plastic.
- Age-Appropriateness and Small Parts: Follow the age recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Avoid toys with small or removable parts that could pose choking hazards. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear and discard any that may be broken or deteriorated.
- Durability: Sensory toys often undergo a lot of handling, so it’s important to choose toys that are durable and built to last. Look for products with reinforced seams, strong stitching, and materials that resist wear and tear. Toys should also be easy to clean, whether machine washable or wipeable.
Durability of Specialized Toys:
- Weighted Blankets: Ensure that the weights inside the blanket are securely sewn in and that the fabric is durable and breathable. This helps prevent accidents or discomfort.
- Therapy Balls: Select puncture-resistant therapy balls to prevent them from deflating unexpectedly. It’s important that these toys can withstand the pressure and movement typical in therapy settings.
By focusing on non-toxic, age-appropriate, durable, and easy-to-clean toys, you can ensure your child’s safety while meeting their sensory needs.
Incorporating Sensory Toys into Daily Routine
Incorporating sensory toys into your child’s daily routine can help with emotional regulation, sensory processing, and overall development. Here are strategies for using these toys in various settings to help your child thrive:
During Playtime:
- Active Play: Use therapy balls, balance boards, and squishy toys for proprioceptive and vestibular input. These toys allow children to release energy and practice body awareness in a fun and engaging way.
- Fidget Play: Fidget toys like stress balls or cubes help tactile seekers stay focused during quieter activities. These toys provide calming sensory input while allowing children to engage in other tasks.
- Interactive Exploration: Light-up or color-changing toys engage visual and auditory seekers during play. These types of toys can stimulate focus and provide sensory exploration in a controlled manner.
Supporting Learning:
- Focus and Attention: Fidget tools can help children remain engaged in learning tasks. For example, a child with autism may struggle to focus on tasks like reading or writing, but using a small fidget toy can provide the necessary sensory input to maintain attention.
- Reinforce Learning: Sensory toys can also be used to support educational goals. For example, color-changing toys can reinforce learning about colors, while sound toys can assist with language development.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Sensory toys like therapy balls can be used in therapeutic exercises to help children with motor coordination, strength, and balance. These toys support physical development alongside emotional regulation.
Encouraging Emotional Regulation:
- Sensory Breaks: Incorporating regular sensory breaks during the day can help children manage stress. Use calming toys such as weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones during these breaks to help children reset and return to activities with a better sense of focus.
- Sensory Play Routines: Establishing a sensory play routine helps children feel calm and secure. Having a designated time during the day to engage with sensory toys can offer stability and structure for children who struggle with changes in routine.
- Parental Involvement: Parents can model how to use toys for emotional regulation, demonstrating how to calm down with sensory tools when feeling overwhelmed or anxious. This approach helps children learn coping strategies in a safe environment.
For Relaxation in Different Settings:
- At Home: Integrate soothing sensory toys into bedtime routines or create a sensory-friendly space for your child to unwind. Calming toys like weighted blankets or soft sensory blankets are ideal for bedtime.
- At School: Use sensory toys during breaks or group activities to manage stress and improve focus. Sensory tools such as fidget spinners or noise-canceling headphones can help children stay engaged in a classroom setting.
- In Therapy: Occupational therapists use sensory toys to address sensory processing issues and support emotional regulation and motor skills. If your child is working with an OT, they may recommend specific toys to use at home as part of their therapy.
By incorporating sensory toys into your child’s daily routine, you can help them manage sensory input, regulate emotions, and enhance their play and learning experiences.
Top Recommendations for Sensory Toys for Autism
Here are some of the top sensory toys for children with autism, categorized according to their specific sensory needs:
Tactile Seekers / Focus & Calming:
- FidgetCube by Antsy Labs: This toy offers various tactile feedback (buttons, switches, joystick) to improve focus and calmness.
- Tangle Therapy Toy: A twistable toy that promotes fine motor skills, stress relief, and hand strength.
Oral Seekers / Sensory Exploration:
- ChewBuddy Sensory Chew Necklace: Made from food-grade silicone, this necklace is durable, easy to clean, and ideal for oral stimulation.
Proprioceptive Seekers / Calming & Relaxation:
- Harkla Weighted Blanket: Provides deep pressure to promote calmness, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.
- Kangaroo Weighted Lap Pad: Portable and provides calming deep pressure to help children stay focused and reduce anxiety.
Vestibular Seekers / Movement & Balance:
- Little Tikes First Slide: Encourages physical activity, enhances motor skills, and supports balance.
- SnugFit Sensory Swing: A soothing rocking motion for relaxation and focus, ideal for sensory breaks.
Visual & Auditory Seekers / Interactive Play:
- Playskool Play Favorites Busy Ball Popper: Offers visual and auditory stimulation while promoting hand-eye coordination and cause-and-effect learning.
Tactile Seekers / Stress Relief & Relaxation:
- Sensory Gel Pads: Squishy gel pads that provide calming tactile feedback, helping with emotional regulation and stress relief.
- Glo Pals Light-Up Water Cubes: Activates with water for soothing light-based sensory play and cause-and-effect exploration.
When to Seek Professional Guidance for Sensory Toys
In some cases, seeking professional guidance may be necessary. Here are a few instances when consulting with an occupational therapist (OT) can be beneficial:
- Specific Sensory Processing Needs: If your child has sensory processing disorder (SPD) or extreme sensitivities, an OT can assess their needs and recommend appropriate toys.
- Sensory Responses Affecting Daily Life: If sensory challenges affect daily activities like schoolwork, social interactions, or sleep, an OT can recommend toys to help manage overwhelming responses.
- Guidance on Introducing New Toys: An OT can help introduce new toys gradually to avoid overstimulation and ensure the child is not overwhelmed.
- Combining Sensory Toys with Other Therapies: If your child has additional developmental concerns (e.g., motor delays, anxiety), an OT can recommend complementary toys that support other aspects of development.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sensory toys for children with autism is an important step in supporting their sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overall development. By observing your child’s unique sensory preferences and needs, you can select toys that promote calming, focus, and self-regulation. While the process may require some trial and error, the right toys can significantly improve your child’s daily experiences.
As children grow, their sensory needs may evolve, so it’s important to continuously reassess and adjust the toys you use. Professional guidance from an OT can provide further insight into specific needs and the most effective sensory toys. Ultimately, sensory toys help children with autism thrive in a sensory-rich world, empowering them to navigate their environment with confidence and calm.
