All children, without exception, need to play for their proper physical, mental and emotional development. In the case of autistic children, they have a difficulty, and that is that in some cases they cannot express themselves to us to ask us for a specific toy. It can make finding the right gift difficult. That is why today we are talking about toys for autistic children, to be able to hit the purchase.
Toys are not just for entertainment or entertainment. Thanks to them, the little ones stimulate their senses, work on their intellectual, motor and social interaction skills. They learn to perform different movements, to identify sounds and colors, and to relate to their surroundings.
We will have to look for those toys that best suit their needs and that are not too complex. There are specific online stores where you will find games and toys adapted for autistic children, although in any store you can find toys that they like. We give you some examples of toys for autistic children.
Toys for autistic children
- Sensory balls. Children with autism have sensory problems, and through toys we can work this area discreetly. A) Yes they can explore the sensations at their own pace. Sensory balls are a great toy for them. They have an irregular surface that can be used to massage them, making them roll to catch them,… thanks to their surface it is easier for them to grasp them and they also work on their fine and gross motor skills.
- Stories to work on social skills. For the older ones, we can help them to work on their social skills thanks to books and stories. In them they see day-to-day situations, and they teach them tools to know how to function.
- Balls of emotions. They are values of different colors where each of them identifies an emotion (anger, sadness, joy, surprise…). These balls are help to identify and express emotions, and they will also work their gross motor skills and coordination. This way they will learn to recognize other people's emotions when they see them.
- Wooden blocks. Construction games are great for all children. They enjoy building and destroying their buildings. They work on their fine motor skills and their ability to distinguish colors and shapes. They also provide calm and distraction.
- Food to cut. They are wooden toys that simulate food that can be cut. It is a tough game and you will have a great time, using your imagination and coordination.
- Stackable puzzle. Children enjoy playing with puzzles, where they also work on their fine motor skills and coordination. Being stackable they have to put the pieces of the same color or shape, one on top of the other. They are sturdy and easy to handle.
- Relaxing stuffed animals. For children who are sensitive to proprioceptive stimulation, soft toys and relaxing toys are ideal. These have balls inside that, when pressed, produce a relaxing and calm sensation.
- Mr Potato. They love this famous game, having to snap, open and close. Sensory stimulation while having a great time.
- Paint. If the child enjoys drawing, and they take it as a form of expression. If you have a lot of sensitivity, do not do it with your fingers and try with a brush. In addition to being an ideal therapy, it improves your concentration, fine motor skills and the way you express yourself.
More Considerations for Choosing a Toy
Must adapt the toy to the level of autism of the child. For children with a low level of autism we should choose simple and simple toys. For children with a higher degree of autism, we can better choose a more complex toy (without overdoing it) where it can be built, connected, created, ... Look more at quality than quantity.
If the child reflects a specific taste, we must select a toy that is in accordance with his area of interest or if not, he will not pay attention. If you don't know, you can ask their parents.
Because remember ... autistic children are equally children who need our love and play to improve their skills.