It’s playtime for your autistic child and here’s how it can be the best time of the day

As parents, you love to see your Autistic child play and laugh like other children and have carefree moments, along with the best treatments. So do we.

As part of your journey to make their lives better, safer, and self-sufficient, here are some pointers on toys and games to make your Autistic child’s future better.

Play is an important part of childhood as it lets children, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, be creative and run with their imaginations.

Children learn through play. Play is essential for teaching social skills and language. For children with autism spectrum disorder, play provides important engagement with the five senses.

It also gives autistic children an opportunity to connect with peers (social skills), practice motor skills, connect with their parents and family, and develop a better understanding of the world around them.

What to look for in toys for kids with Autism

When looking for toys for children with autism, it’s important to remember these things.

• What toy engages your child most and what may help them work on certain skills.
• Keep in mind your child’s developmental stage. Toys suitable for certain age groups may or may not work for a same-aged child with ASD.
• Most kids on the spectrum enjoy sensory toys. Is your child with autism visually-oriented? If so, think about interesting visual toys. Motion lamps, liquid timers, and tops are often pleasing and make great special needs toys.
• Does your child seek to touch lots of things? If so think about toys that are tactile. Good tactile toys for children with autism must be durable and interesting to touch.

Some popular choices include massaging pillows, fidgets, and fabric items with lots of textures, like sensory pillows or textured squares.

What kind of toys should I shop for?

• Toys like jump ropes, modeling clay, weighted balls or bean bags, and toys that provide a hugging sensation, like a large bean bag chair.
• Toys that rock, spin, swing, or involve some other motion, like a trampoline.
• Toys with different textures, as well as finger paints, play scarves, bubbles, and sand and water toys.

Aside from sensory toys, other good choices involve toys that work on language development (particularly if your little one is nonverbal) as well as fine and gross motor skills.

You may also want to search for musical instruments, sorting toys that soothe your child or toys designed for “stimming” (self-stimulation, like rocking) or fidgeting.

Games that get kids working together and honing social skills are another solid option.

While choosing toys for Autistic children, keep development as the basic goal in your mind, for these can play vital roles in Autism treatment.

These are the best toys that can be gifted to an autistic child:

• Swings: Swings can develop the senses of the child and the cozy feeling will help him remain calm.
• Puzzles: Connecting pieces provide a satisfying tactile sensation. Puzzles are a favorite toy for children with autism.
• Video Games: These can be fascinating for an autistic child as they will keep your special kid engaged for a longer period of time. This will also help him develop focus.
• Card Games: These help your autistic kid to develop his memory and retaining skills. These can also help him in developing finger muscles & wrist agility.
• Sensory Toys-These can help Autistic children develop their senses as well as your kid can also pretend and play which this stuffed toy.
• Lego Blocks- These will bring out the creative & imaginative skills of your child. This can also help them develop their finger muscles and wrist agility as well.
• iPads- Some autistic kids aren’t able to speak properly. So they take the help of a device.
• Board Games: These enable interaction and socializing with family and friends during the play.

Autism Toys: Tips for Choosing a Great Gift

Cause and Effect Toys:

Children who interact very little with other people can benefit from cause and effect toys. These toys teach that our actions can cause something in the environment to change. They also work well for introducing the idea of turn-taking and can create opportunities for positive interactions with autistic children and their families.

Developmental Ability

It may be appropriate to give toys to children at a younger developmental age. Some children may be in grade school but have developmental skills at the preschool level. A child who is beginning to notice their peers will do better with simple turn-taking board games. Some games, like the How Do You Feel Game also have the bonus of introducing more than just turn-taking. In this case, children are also introduced to the concept of emotions. Does your child have difficulty holding a pencil or buttoning a shirt? Simple fine motor toys that are fun can also help them develop these essential skills.