For an autistic child, play may look different than it does for a neurotypical child. According to Susan Kim, a behavioral interventionist who has nearly 10 years of experience working with autistic children and young adults, autistic children may engage in unique forms of play, such as repetitive motions or fixating on specific toys. “They may also find it difficult to read social cues or take turns with others,” says Kim. Many autistic children also struggle with processing sensory information. To determine which toys are most engaging and beneficial for autistic kids, we spoke to licensed marriage and family therapist who works with autistic children, a behavioral interventionist, and a former behavioral specialist. After reviewing nearly 60 different toys, we developed a list of recommendations that are appropriate for children of all ages across the autism spectrum. Here are the best toys for autistic kids. The Teeter Popper can hold up to 110 pounds, and its unique shape cradles children while they sit inside or balance on its edges. The bottom is lined with suction cups, so it makes a popping sound when rocked around. This noise, combined with the gentle rocking movement, makes the Teeter Popper a satisfying sensory toy. Price at time of publication: $40 This particular tumbler is designed to be leak free. Kids can run and jump while holding it (and even carry it upside down) without spilling a drop. It comes with 4 ounces of non-toxic, dye-free solution, and best of all, there’s no assembly required. Price at time of publication: $10 This set has everything a child needs for playtime. It comes with six cans of Play-Doh and loads of accessories, all of which help strengthen fine motor skills. Although it’s made of non-toxic ingredients, Play-Doh does contain wheat, which may make it unsafe for autistic kids who follow a gluten-free diet. Price at time of publication: $20 The Dimpl is made of BPA-free plastic, and the bubbles are made of food-grade silicone, so it’s safe if a kid puts it in their mouth. This is especially helpful for autistic kids who may chew as a form of stimming. Pushing the bubbles is also a great way to keep a child’s hands busy and engage in sensory exploration. Price at time of publication: $13 To use the book, children need only to turn to a page and begin touching pictures. Whenever a picture is touched, it will be repeated in one of three modes: words, colors and counting, and fun sounds. For example, if a child touches the picture of a cow, the fun sounds mode would say, “moo!” However, some of the photos may not look realistic, so parents and caregivers may need to offer clarification. This book also includes two bonus bilingual songs and features a handle to take it on the go. Price at time of publication: $20 This swing also has a unique ability to provide a sense of calm. When sitting inside, it can be folded around the child to create a cocoon-like structure, which can be an incredibly soothing sensory experience. To install the swing, you’ll need a high-quality stud finder and some basic tools. As a bonus, every purchase of this swing provides funding for the University of Washington Autism Center on Human Development & Disability, which offers therapy for autistic kids, conducts research, and trains parents and caregivers. It’s important to remember that children should always be supervised by an adult when chewing on a foreign object—even if it’s meant to be chewed on, like this necklace. To prevent accidental choking, each necklace has a safety clasp that can easily be pulled in the case of an emergency. This set comes with three necklaces, each in its own pastel shade. Price at time of publication: $7 In addition to memorization, this game can help autistic kids identify objects and enhance their vocabulary. It’s also quite versatile, as it can be played independently or with others as a way to work on social skills. When playing with younger children, parents and caregivers may need to reduce the number of cards so that the game is accessible to them. Price at time of publication: $11 Price at time of publication: $160
This board is easy to install and includes all the necessary hardware. By hanging it on the wall, you can adjust it to your child’s height, and you won’t have to sacrifice floor space. Although this wooden sensory board is built to last, it should be kept indoors at all times. Price at time of publication: $110 When submerged in water, the figurine and cubes instantly light up, providing a hands-on sensory lesson on cause and effect. The average battery life per cube is around 4-6 weeks, but they can’t be replaced when they run out. However, they can be recycled, and Glo Pals will send you a coupon for another purchase if you do so. While these extra steps may seem cumbersome for a bath toy, it can be worth the effort if it helps your child look forward to and enjoy bathtime. Price at time of publication: $16 The Light Up Magic Ball uses light-emitting diodes (LED) to create its kaleidoscope-like display, which may have a calming effect on an autistic child. The Light Up Magic Ball comes with three AAA batteries and is ready to be used right out of the box. Price at time of publication: $15 As each ball makes its way down the tube, it goes through various obstacles before collecting at the bottom. This is not only entertaining to watch, but it can also cater to an autistic child’s desire to focus on items that fall or spin. Price at time of publication: $25 This trampoline is unique in that it has 15 LEDs lining its perimeter. Together, they shine in nine different patterns that add some extra excitement to your child’s jumping session. There’s also a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker that will play your child’s favorite music as they bounce to the beat. Price at time of publication: $120 This block set includes several small figurines, which can encourage an autistic child to engage in make-believe play and strengthen their social skills. The blocks can be sanitized with soap and warm water, and the included carrying case makes cleanup a breeze. Price at time of publication: $19 By placing the small, brightly colored letters into their corresponding slots, autistic children can also work on their fine motor skills. This entire puzzle is made from wood and comes enclosed in a sturdy wooden case. Price at time of publication: $28 Another great aspect of this fidget popper is its keychain. By clipping it to your child’s belt loop or backpack, they can access it whenever they need relief. And because its soft silicone bubbles can be popped over and over, it provides a positive sensory experience that can help an autistic child block out unwanted sensory input. This four-pack of poppers also comes with a decorative door hanger and a pack of 3D butterfly stickers. Price at time of publication: $13 There’s also plenty of sensory play to be had in this kitchen. The magnetic refrigerator comes with magnets to apply, which is a great hands-on lesson in cause and effect. When using the oven, kids will hear the knobs click as they turn them back and forth. They can also hang the included spatula, ladle, and pan on the hooks and fill the kitchen sink with water to wash dishes. When assembled, this kitchen is slightly more than 3 feet high and wide. Price at time of publication: $155 This toy also helps with counting and color recognition. Since the pegs vary in color, kids can identify and name the color when placing the peg. And as children learn to count, they can identify the number of pegs or sort them by color. When it’s time to clean up, the pegs stack neatly inside the hedgehog’s removable shell. Price at time of publication: $16 The Step2 Water Table comes with 13 accessories, ranging from floating toys to spinners, ramps, and buckets, so kids can work on pouring or creating their own waterfalls. They can also launch a toy frog into the water by using a removable side flipper or fill up the top tray and watch and listen to the water trickle into the pond below. This water table is easy to clean and is a good option for kids who are 18 months and older. Price at time of publication: $90
What to Look for in Toys for Autistic Kids
It’s important to note that autism is a spectrum—each person will have a different variety of traits. Every autistic child has their own needs, so providing them with certain kinds of toys may be therapeutic, help them to engage with their peers, and play in a way that is accessible to them. When searching for toys for an autistic child, parents and caregivers should focus on those that are engaging and develop their child’s motor and social skills. Toys should also provide a positive, engaging sensory experience.
Engagement
While every child has their own individual hobbies, autistic kids’ interests are often restricted to particular topics (called special interests). Catering to these interests will not only engage them in various modes of play, but it can also help them cope in stressful situations. For example, if your autistic child loves to watch Cocomelon, you may find that purchasing a Cocomelon Fidget Popper Keychain helps ease the transition when it’s time for school, a doctor’s appointment, or bedtime. If you’re attempting to broaden your child’s interests, you can also use their current interest as a segue. For example, if your autistic child is interested in Mickey Mouse, you can invite them to play the Disney Classic Characters Matching Game which features Mickey, but includes other characters, too.
Developmental Stage and Motor Skills
From strengthening fine and gross motor to enhancing communication and social skills, toys can be beneficial and educational in a variety of ways. Some toys, like the Battat Bristle Blocks, target both fine motor skills as well as eye-hand coordination. Others, like the Little Tikes 4.5 ft Lights ’n Music Trampoline, are great for strengthening gross motor skills while working on balance and coordination. While it’s important to find toys that stimulate your child, you’ll also want to consider their age and developmental stage so they don’t find the experience over or underwhelming. This is especially true when it comes to autistic kids who are working on their verbal skills. “To build verbal skills, I use pictures, books, and games for emotional identification and verbal labeling,” says Clelland. The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book is a great option for working on verbal skills because it’s interactive and allows children to identify pictures and words in a variety of ways.
Sensory Experience
Providing autistic kids with positive sensory experiences may improve their socializing skills. A fun way to do this is to introduce your child to the Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set. “Play-Doh is a great sensory toy for kids who have autism because it can help with developing fine motor skills, like cutting and rolling,” says Hanna Hughes. Investing in a sensory board like the Learning Advantage Bear Activity Wall Panel also allows parents and caregivers to provide their autistic child with a tech-free toy that engages their senses. Stimming is a natural practice that autistic children use to calm their anxiety when struggling to process sensory information or alleviate boredom. While it can take many forms, offering them a chew necklace, like the Tilcare Chew Chew Sensory Necklace, can be a helpful and fast-acting way to manage their anxiety and overwhelming emotions through stimming.
Promotes Social Skills
Depending on how they’re used, most toys can help build social skills, especially when used alongside peers. “Toys that fit each child’s unique life experience can help autistic children build social skills,” says Clelland. “One of my favorite activities is to ask autistic children to pick an animal for each family member or friend and explore why they chose that specific animal. It is a great way to understand how they experience people in their lives and discuss skills based on their answers,” she says. Games, like the Disney Classic Characters Matching Game, are a great way for autistic kids to build social skills. “Matching games provide a variety of opportunities for children with autism to develop skills they’ll need in life, like identifying objects, memorization, and taking turns,” says Hughes.
Why Trust VeryWell Family
Laura Lu is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. She’s also a mother of two young children and has firsthand experience with many toys on this list.
