Finding the right autism sensory toys can make a world of difference for children navigating the challenges of distorted sensory input. Sensory difficulties may affect areas such as social interaction, proprioception, and safety, often leading to discomfort or tantrums in young children.
Designed to engage the senses and address specific sensory needs, toys for kids with sensory issues help them process their environment in a safe and enjoyable way. Below are some of the best ones to consider for your child.
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Best Sensory Toys for Kids with Sensory Processing Issues
1. The fidget spinner sensory toys
Spinners, often called “fidget spinners,” have been soaring in popularity since 2016. They became toys (and labeled as classroom distractions) for neurotypical children.
Spinners were used long before 2016 as a successful intervention for children with autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and attention deficit/hyper disorder (ADHD).
They are most often used to keep a child’s hands occupied so they can focus on a larger task, like listening to a teacher or speaking to a peer or to a group. Spinners are one of the best toys for sensory processing.
Many children enjoy the smooth and fast rotation. Due to a spinner’s compact size, it can be easy for a child to play with it discretely and quietly. This makes them ideal for classrooms and other settings where minimal interruptions are preferred.
As spinners have become more popular, a wider range of novelty designs and colors has become available. It is not uncommon to find ones with movie characters, athletic teams, and even glitter and metallic finishes.
Spinners range in price from around $10 to collector’s items priced upwards of $200.
2. Hand fidget toys
If spinners aren’t your child’s preferred choice but they still benefit from keeping their hands busy, there are plenty of other sensory processing toys available for children with autism.
Options include stress balls, stretchy or spiky toys, and other engaging textures that cater to various sensory preferences.
Fidget toys are accessible in mainstream stores, including bookstores, big-box retailers, and online platforms. Some classic items, like gel-filled stress balls or bead-filled toys that pop through netting when squeezed, are making a comeback as effective sensory tools.
While everyday objects can serve as hand toys, it’s essential to ensure they are safe and age-appropriate. Consulting an occupational therapist can provide helpful guidance in selecting the best toys for sensory processing disorder and your child’s unique needs.
3. Chewelry (Chew toys)
Less-talked-about toys for sensory issues that can be greatly beneficial are chew tools, otherwise known as Chewelry. Chews are beneficial for developing muscles, refining tongue coordination, and improving motor skills.
These toys often take the shape of a necklace with a non-toxic silicone pendant. These chews can be textured with dots, ridges, and patterns or be smooth if your child prefers.
There are many different chew toys for sensory issues. Chews come in a variety of shapes and sizes beyond necklaces. Silicone pencil toppers, “noodles,” and bars are other popular options.
More companies are now making chews with older children, adolescents, and adults in mind. These chews are modeled to look like jewelry, such as a dog tag necklace or woven bracelet.
For children who dislike silicone’s rubbery texture, fabric bands resembling hair scrunchies or ties are available and can often be braided for added texture.
When selecting a chewy for your autistic child, it is especially important to be sure its size and shape are appropriate for their developmental level and will not present a choking hazard.
The chew should always be used under the close supervision of a parent or caregiver.
4. Fidget cubes
Cube toys, like spinners, have gained popularity with many neurotypical adults and children. This surge in popularity has made it easier to find at big-box stores. One of the most accessible cube toys is a die with different buttons, switches, and textures on each side.
These dice are usually designed not to emit noise when clicked and manipulated, making them a practical choice for students or those in the workplace. However, more specialized cube toys exist for an array of developmental levels.
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Wooden shape sorter cubes are a popular option for younger children who are still developing motor skills and learning shapes, colors, and sizes.
Traditional building blocks, bristle blocks, Lego blocks, and newer magnetic blocks are other common options for children who prefer a challenge.
Cube toys come in metal, wood, fabric, and silicone materials, so your child can find an appealing texture. Cubes are a great option for parents seeking a way to be involved in their child’s sensory integration therapies.
Ask your therapist about games and activities appropriate to your child’s developmental level.
5. Sensory rings
Sensory rings are another great option for toys for sensory seekers who are not at risk for choking. They are often small and coiled, like a Slinky for your finger.
These rings provide an interesting texture, elasticity, and resistance. They are often sold in plastic or metal and come in a variety of colors.
Another wearable ring has a traditional band but with small balls attached for manipulation. These rings generally lack elasticity, but their moving beads still offer a way to fidget.
Non-wearable ring options include tangle rings composed of several movable parts that transform into interesting shapes and sizes. These can be fun for children who love repetitive movements and patterns.
For children who enjoy the die mentioned above, several companies now sell rings with appendages with similar features. The clicking on these rings is also usually silent and appropriate for quiet environments.
Silicone rings can triple duty as rings, hand manipulatives, and chews. Be sure to buy one specifically designed for chewing.
Choosing the best autism sensory toys
Occupational therapists are increasingly recommending sensory toys to help children with autism engage their senses in enjoyable and meaningful ways. These toys can support focus, calmness, and relaxation in stressful situations.
Over time, they may help reduce sensory discomfort and fear, encouraging gradual progress in other areas like communication.
The goal of toys for sensory processing disorder is to make learning and development feel natural through play. Consistency and involvement from parents or caregivers can enhance the child’s experience and support steady improvement.
Selecting an autism sensory toy can be a daunting task. Children’s preferences and interests often change frequently, so having a variety of toys for different situations and moods can be helpful.
While sensory toys are often used in social situations, school, and the workplace, they can also help children fall asleep. Selecting a soft toy safe for a child to sleep with (not to chew) may help your child establish a sleep routine.
Sensory toys are often considered an intervention, but that does not mean they cannot be fun. They may also provide opportunities for a child and their parent or caregiver to bond.
Choosing the right stim toy for your child may take some trial and error, but repetition and integrating your child’s sensory toy into a daily routine are key to the success of this intervention.
FAQs
Q: What are good sensory items for autism?
A: Weighted blankets, sensory swings, and fidget toys like spinners or stress balls are popular sensory items for autism. They provide calming pressure, movement, or tactile stimulation to help regulate sensory needs.
Q: What do autistic kids enjoy?
A: Autistic kids often enjoy activities that match their interests, such as puzzles, art projects, or trains. They may also like sensory play, like playing with slime, water beads, or kinetic sand.
Q: What materials do autistic people like?
A: Autistic individuals often prefer materials with distinct textures, such as soft fabrics, smooth silicone, or textured rubber. Items like weighted blankets or plush toys made of soft, tactile materials can also be comforting.
Q: What are the best toys for toddlers with sensory issues?
A: Toys like sensory balls, stacking blocks, or light-up toys are great for toddlers with sensory issues. These toys engage multiple senses and encourage fine motor skills development.
Other articles you may be interested in:
- 8 DIY Sensory Toys You Can Make at Home
- Choosing Autism Noise Canceling Headphones
- The Best Sensory Boards For Autism
- Weighted Vest for Autism – Benefits and Uses
- Amazing Ways a Weighted Blanket May Help Children with ASD
- 10 Sensory Table Ideas For Autistic Children
- Amazing New Fidget Pillow Calms Busy Hands and Minds
- Sensory Weighted Blanket and Miracle Cape Created with Love
- Review: Yogibo – Using Bean Bags for Sensory Soothing
References:
Cañete, R. C., Picardo, A., Trueba, P., Torres, Y., & Peralta, E. (2024). A new multi-criteria decision-making approach for the design and selection of materials and manufacturing processes of toys for children with autism. Materials Today Communications, 109709. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352492824016908
Roche, M. A., Back, E., & Van Herwegen, J. (2024). Parental perspectives on the use of fidget toys and sensory-seeking profiles in autistic and neurotypical children. Current Psychology, 43(17), 15872-15882. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-023-05483-3
Christopher, S. (2019). Touch hypersensitivity in children with autism–An analysis. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 6(2), 616-622. http://ijrar.com/upload_issue/ijrar_issue_20543588.pdf
Flattery, S. (2023). Stim joy: Using multi-sensory design to foster better understanding of the autistic experience (Master’s thesis, Iowa State University). https://search.proquest.com/openview/8720a5a81626f26379ef829862a350e0/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
