Autism Spectrum Disorder, commonly known as ASD, is a neurological condition that affects how someone sees and interacts with the world around them. The experience of living with ASD differs from person to person.
People with autism or who are on the neurodivergent spectrum may have trouble communicating and understanding social cues, perform repetitive behaviour and speech patterns or have difficulty processing sensory information. Sensory toys are a valuable tool to help manage sensory sensitivities.
This article explains what sensory toys for autism are, how to choose suitable toys for different ages and the benefits of using sensory toys for autism.
What are sensory toys?
Sensory products can assist with stimulating all the senses, employ cognitive skills and use fine and gross motor skills. Plus they can be a lot of fun to use!Â
Gross motor skills are connected to our senses, especially body position and balance. We have seven senses that affect how we interact and engage with the world. These senses are:
- sight (vision)
- sound (auditory)
- touch (tactile)
- taste (gustatory)
- smell (olfactory)
- body position (proprioception
- balance, and movement (vestibular)
People on the autism spectrum may have sensitivities to one or more of the seven senses. This is experienced as hypersensitivity (over-responsive) or hyposensitivity (under-responsive). Often, it is a mix of both.Â
Sensory learning toys stimulate our senses, focus attention, and introduce different textures. Familiar sensory toys include fidget toys, light-up toys, and wobbleboards. These items target specific senses – touch, sight, and balance.
It is a good idea to have a selection of sensory toys that calm, soothe and stimulate the senses.Â
When choosing a sensory toy for ASD, it’s a good idea to consider:
- The developmental ability and age of the person.
- The sensory needs of the person: Movement? Touch? Visual stimulation?
- Any recommendations from therapists, teachers or doctors.
Why are sensory toys important?
Sensory toys can assist all those with sensory processing issues, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
Weighted products are soothing and calm. Liquid Timers can calm and distract and be mesmerising. Textural products like the Texturiffic Ball have embossed ridges for tactile stimulation whilst also employing gross motor skills. Lots of musical instruments stimulate the auditory senses, whilst a huge range of fidget toys of different textures and uses satisfies the touch sense.
Sensory products should stimulate the senses, encourage exploration and curiosity as well as a range of other benefits such as:
- Cognitive development: enhances memory, practices hand-eye coordination and the ability to complete more complex tasks.Â
- Language development: through discovery and naming new textures, shapes, and sensations.
- Opportunity for social interaction: by turn-taking, sharing, and communicating.
- Calming: helps regulate sensory sensitivities.
- Awareness: increases awareness of different sensations.
- Reducing anxiety: anxiety management toys help manage stress and general feelings of anxiety.
Sensory learning toys support a person with ASD in getting used to noises, sights, textures, and movements that they may experience in the world in a safe and controlled way.Â
Stimming
This refers to repetitive body movements or noises, such as jumping up and down on the spot or making loud humming noises. Sensory toys help people of all ages with ASD to focus and calm down. Some sensory toys that allow people with ASD to stim safely include:
- Sensory chew toys are safe, wearable (in the form of jewellery), and discreet. They help self-regulate in times of stress, provide oral motor input, and double as a hand fidget.
- Sensory toys for autism include aids that reduce stress, such as; stress balls, putty, cubes, and pop-its. They work as focus tools, self-soothing, and fine motor skill toys.
Sensory Products For Different Ages
The symptoms and presentation of ASD change with age and situational circumstances. At different points in time and in different social settings (like school or work), an individual would have different needs.
Sensory toys for babies
Babies need toys that encourage discovery and spark curiosity. Most toys will end up in the baby’s mouth – so choose carefully!
The Wigloo is suitable for 6months+. This sensory toy explores cause and effect and encourages fine motor skills. It is multi-textured for tactile input and easy for bub to hold. Plus, it is made from food-grade silicone and is safe for teething babies.   Â
We also love the Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Wobbls. This brightly coloured toy develops fine motor skills and coordination and provides lots of sensory input – these toys stack, topple, spin and wobble.
Sensory toys for toddlers
Toddlers love toys that encourage exploration and problem-solving. The Fat Brain range was designed specifically for the purpose of sensory stimulation and is worth checking out for toddlers!
The Shaggy Bean Bag Set is the perfect toy for learning to catch and play in a safe way. These beanbags are soft to the touch and brightly coloured, suitable for both tactile and sensory play.
Sensory toys for primary school childrenÂ
Primary school children need toys that spark imagination, creativity, and problem-solving. ‘Open-ended’ toys that can be used in many ways are ideal for this age group.
The front runner is our Squigz range. Squigz toys encourage fine motor development and can be used on walls, windows, and tabletops. They provide a means of sensory tactile input with the soft silicone texture and sucker attachments, whilst providing hours of creative and imaginative play.Â
The Rainbow Pin Art Set is another fun, tactile sensory toy for primary-aged children that increases understanding of cause and effect.Â
Teeter Poppers are wobble boards with a difference. These brightly coloured balance boards allow you to stand, sit, wobble and tilt. Plus, you hear a satisfying popping noise as you move. This toy works the auditory, tactile, proprioception, and vestibular senses.The Green Scooter Board is perfect for sensory seekers who need more sensory input to regulate and calm down. Scooter boards increase bilateral coordination (using two hands simultaneously) and strengthen hands, arms, and shoulders. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!
Sensory toys for teenagers
Sensory toys assist teenagers with ASD in managing emotions such as anxiety, excitement, and fear. The Bodysock Therapy Swing is made with a double layer of lycra that soothes an overstimulated nervous system by applying deep pressure. This swing also offers vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation for sensory seekers.Â
Stimming – repetitive body movements or noises – helps teens with ASD to focus and calm down. Some sensory toys that allow teens with ASD to stim safely include:
- Sensory chew toys are safe, wearable (in the form of jewellery), and discreet. They help self-regulate in times of stress, provide oral motor input, and double as a hand fidget.
- Â Fidgets include stress balls, putty, cubes, and pop-its. They work as focus tools, self-soothing, and fine motor skill toys.
Sensory toys for adults
Adults of all ages can also use sensory toys to manage sensitivities and overstimulation. Kaiko Fidgets and Tangle Creations are fidget toys that offer visual and tactile input to occupy busy hands. Weighted toys or lap blankets provide Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation, which releases serotonin in the brain.Â
This leads to feeling relaxed and focused. The Sensory Sensations range is suitable for all ages and includes calming and stimulating tools.
How do sensory toys help autism?
Sensory products assist with stimulating the senses and satisfying the need for sensory input. They are a valuable resource for learning, exploration, interaction, regulation and satisfying sensory urges. Special Needs Resources is dedicated to helping people of all ages reach their potential.Â
Please contact our friendly team today if you have any questions about sensory toys for autism.