Choosing Toys for a Child with Autism
Have you considered a toy for autistic child? Regardless if a child has autism, another disability or not, all children love toys. Of course, no child is alike. Therefore, what may be enjoyed by one child may not hold the interest of another. Thus, the trick is to figure out which toys your autistic child will enjoy playing with, and will help them develop skills.
Ages 3-7
Paints and/or coloring pencils with large paper
Any toy for autistic child that can be stacked helps them improve their motor skills. Great toys to consider include “Lego”, alphabet blocks, colored shapes, etc.
Stories with Repetition and/or Rhyme
These books help in the development of speech skills. Good book examples you can consider include “Dr. Seuss” and “Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes”.
Mix and Match toys
Toys that involve sorting and grouping together matching numbers, colors, shapes, etc. help improve cognitive skills. One interesting toy for autistic child is “Match & Spell 3 – Letter Word”. This game teaches a child how to spell basic words by putting together matching colored cards that create a picture.
Toys that light up
Toys such as the “flashing ball” are good for visual stimulation. When the ball is bounced, the colorful balls light up and flash.
Musical toy instrument
If your child has an interest in music, consider getting a toy instrument such as drums, guitar, recorder or piano with sheet music. These toys teach cognitive, motor, creative and sensory skills.
Picture books
Picture books such as “I Spy” are great ways to engage your child’s imagination. “I Spy” has a collection of picture riddle books based on different themes.
Classic board games
There are many classic board games to choose from including “KerPlunk”, “Scrabble Jr.”, “Monopoly Jr.”, “Trouble”, “Yahtzee”, etc. Board games can be a toy for autistic child that helps to improve social skills, and depending on the game, may help to develop cognitive and motor skills.
Stretch-Eze
This is a unique sensory toy that is ideal for stretching, exercise, and making creative movements. The “Stretch-Eze” is a stretchy circular band that comes in different sizes and colors.
Keep in mind that the toys listed above are only toy for autistic child suggestions. You don’t need to base the toys you give your child on their age. In fact, many parents of autistic children find that any toy is acceptable if their child responds to it regardless of the age specifications on the box. Note: The only exception is choking hazard age warning.