{"id":1821,"date":"2021-12-28T15:13:59","date_gmt":"2021-12-28T15:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/?p=1821"},"modified":"2022-01-28T15:21:11","modified_gmt":"2022-01-28T15:21:11","slug":"12-fun-sensory-toys-gifts-for-autistic-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/12-fun-sensory-toys-gifts-for-autistic-children\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Fun Sensory Toys &amp; Gifts For Autistic Children"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with autism looking for fun autism toys? We at Worldwide Pediatrics understand the difficulties you face <\/span><a href=\"\/worldwide-pediatrics\/practical-tips-to-raising-a-child-with-autism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">raising a child with autism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Even finding toys for autistic kids can be a challenge. This is why we created this list of the best sensory toys for autism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you may well know, one of the symptoms of autism can be sensory sensitivity. Many people with autism also have another condition called sensory processing disorder. Either way, your child is likely to be dealing with some sensory issues. Sensory play is a great tool to help your youngster manage their sensitivities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>About Sensory Sensitivity<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sensory Sensitivities can affect one sense or multiple senses. It typically presents in one of two forms. Some kids are hypersensitive (oversensitive), while others are hypo-sensitive (under-sensitive). Oversensitive children may overreact to sounds, clothing, and food textures. Alternatively, an under-sensitive child may underreact to sensory input, causing them to seek out more intense stimuli. They can also be oversensitive and under-sensitive depending on the affected sense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Signs of Oversensitivity<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1823 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity.jpg\" alt=\"Professional Therapist and Her Autistic Patient During a Meeting\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/Signs-of-Oversensitivity.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Specific sensory input can be overwhelming for people with oversensitivity. This can lead to a phenomenon Autism Speaks calls sensory avoidance, when someone tries to escape stimuli that most people can easily tune out. It may look like pulling away from someone\u2019s touch, covering the ears when presented with a loud or unpredictable sound, or avoiding certain fabrics or clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common oversensitive behaviors may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Complaining of scratchy or itchy clothing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Avoiding contact with certain fabrics or textures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fussing over bright lights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Certain food textures make them feel sick<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thinking normal sounds are too loud<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Poor body control and inability to balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reacts to soft touches as if too hard<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are afraid of certain playground equipment like swings or slide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Extreme reactions to sudden or unexpected touch, noise, movement, or light<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Signs of Under-Sensitivity<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Particular sensory input may cause little to no reaction for under-sensitive people. This may present as a constant need to move or difficulty recognizing body cues like hunger, illness, or pain. They may seek out loud noises, bright lights, or bright colors. Someone with under-sensitivity may stimulate their senses by making noises, randomly touching people or objects, or moving their body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Common under-sensitive behaviors may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constantly moving or fidgeting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Insomnia or other sleep issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thrill-seeking (May engage in risky behaviors)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Enjoys extreme sports or activities like rock climbing\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can spin without feeling dizzy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doesn\u2019t recognize bodily cues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chews on random things\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Video game addiction<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Why Sensory Toys for Autistic Kids?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sensory objects make great autistic children\u2019s toys. They are designed to activate the senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste). They\u2019re usually tactile (touch), visual (sight), or auditory (sound) in nature. Occasionally, you\u2019ll find toys that include olfactory (smell) or gustatory (taste). Still, they\u2019re usually combined with one of the top three.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sensory toys are excellent autism toys because they help the child relax, focus, and calm down and give them the sensory experience they crave. Being exposed to different experiences may help your child better manage diverse sensations and interact with the outside world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sensory play creates the opportunity for children to open brain pathways and build new connections. In turn, communication and social skills improve. This is a massive benefit as one of the hallmarks of autism is difficulty in social situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sensory activities can also boost coordination and motor skills. Those with autism generally struggle with movement, and low physical activity is detrimental to developing motor skills. Since using all the senses is typically physical play, it also helps develop physical attributes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>12 Best Sensory Toys for Autism<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Toys you can buy (note: they make great gifts for autistic kids!)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1 &#8211; Fidget Cube<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These toys help a child focus by keeping their hands occupied. The palm-sized box has different textures and mechanisms on each side. Some of which click, making it auditory as well as tactile. The best part is that they\u2019re not just one of the best sensory toys for autism but also for other neurodiverse children as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2 &#8211; Reflective Ball or Cube<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The reflective surface makes them ideal for kids that need visual input. You can get them weighted to add a bit of tactile input to the mix.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3 &#8211; Weighted Stuffy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A favorite amongst schools is weighted stuffed animals. They have an instant calming effect on most children on the spectrum, making them one of the best gifts for autistic kids.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4 &#8211; Textured ball<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are so many different types of sensory balls out there. We\u2019re positive you\u2019d find one that your child enjoys. They range from squishy stress balls to metal atomic balls and everything in-between. Most satisfy the need to fidget, making them popular autistic children\u2019s toys.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5 &#8211; Light Table<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This furniture-like toy is one of the best sensory toys for autism. It can be used with other sensory objects like water beads and sand or alone. Most include brightness settings and multi-color modes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6 &#8211; Squishy Stuff<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Water beads, sand, slime, putty, and playdough, are all wonderful gifts for autistic kids. They provide endless hours of tactile fun. Some even boast a sweet aroma inviting your child\u2019s sense of smell to play. Water beads and sand can become more visually stimulating when added to a light table.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Autism Toys You Can Make<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>7 &#8211; Sensory mat\/texture mat<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These autism toys can be made or bought. It\u2019s a large mat made up of tiny squares featuring different textures. You can make it using a cardboard box or a yoga mat and gluing different textured objects to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8 &#8211; Sensory Bottle<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Combine water, oil, food coloring, glitter, and as many beads or other shiny objects as you can find into a clear bottle. Seal it and shake for loads of visual and tactile fun. This is one of the most effortless and most enjoyable autistic children\u2019s toys to make!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9 &#8211; Chew toy<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We aren\u2019t talking about the squeaky toy you give your dog. These chew toys originated to help with infant teething and evolved into toys for autistic kids. You can make them by wetting and freezing cloth. They can also be purchased in the baby department.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10 &#8211; Filled Balloons<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1824 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons.jpg\" alt=\"A Lot of Water Balloons Ready for the Water Party\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/01\/10-Filled-Balloons.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is where the squishy stuff comes in again. You can fill balloons with water beads, sand, or clay and have a homemade sensory ball. You can also go another route and fill it with beads, marbles, or other hard materials. Either way, it\u2019s an inexpensive way to keep your little one occupied.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11 &#8211; Sensory Box or Tent<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fill a cardboard box with soft or squishy materials. Cut a hole in the top just big enough to reach inside and watch your child\u2019s face light up as they play with the unknown substance. Alternately, immerse your child in their senses with a tent filled with blankets and stuffed toys. Set up a flashlight to shine through colored paper and use a white noise machine to add to the ambiance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12 &#8211; Ripping Box<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ripping paper is a favorite amongst toddler boys, both neurotypical and neurodiverse alike. Simply fill a shoebox with multi-colored construction paper and allow your child to rip it up to his heart&#8217;s content. Once the pieces get too small to rip, you can easily reuse them as filler for your balloons!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In short, sensory toys are great for children with autism in one form or another. They can help with all kinds of sensory issues. Still, they can also help with other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/medical-conditions-associated-autism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">common conditions associated with autism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, making them the perfect addition to your toolbox!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Want to learn more about the support available to you? If you believe your child could benefit from sensory therapy, it is never too late to contact us. We at Worldwide Pediatrics Group are experts in <\/span><a href=\"\/worldwide-pediatrics\/developmental-screening-delay-treatment-plantation-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">autism screening<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and treatment. Call or click the link above to schedule your child\u2019s appointment with us today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with autism looking for fun autism toys? We at Worldwide Pediatrics understand the difficulties you face raising a child with autism. Even finding toys for autistic kids can be a challenge. This is why we created this list of the best sensory toys for autism. As<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1822,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[88,21],"tags":[279,281,283,282,280],"class_list":["post-1821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-autism","category-childrens-health","tag-autism-toys","tag-autistic-childrens-toys","tag-best-sensory-toys-for-autism","tag-gifts-for-autistic-kids","tag-toys-for-autistic-kids"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1821\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/worldwide-pediatrics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}