Are you searching for that perfect holiday or birthday gift for a little one that has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder? The possibilities are endless! First think about the child you are buying for. Each child is so unique including those with autism; their needs, wants and preferences are all very individualized. Hopefully, some of these ideas will seem like a good fit for that special child on your list:
Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are toys that are designed to stimulate a child’s five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch and taste. Sensory toys can help children who are seeking sensory input (e.g., providing lights, texture or movement), help them regulate themselves or calm down. Often, sensory toys help children explore and develop fine or gross motor skills at the same time.
Play Doh and slime are great for children to develop fine motor skills. Additionally, Play Doh and slime toys can help a child self-regulate or calm down. Other toys that can be calming include squishy balls, liquid sensory viewing jars, rain sticks, and toys that provide calming lights and/or music.
- Amazon.com: Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set: Toys & Games
- Sensory Slime at Lakeshore Learning
- Amazon.com: Power Your Fun Arggh Mini Stress Balls for Adults and Kids – 3pk Squishy Stress Ball Fidget Toys, Anti Stress Sensory Ball Squeeze Toys (Yellow, Pink, Blue): Toys & Games
- Rainbow Liquid Sensory Viewers at Lakeshore Learning
- Rainbow Liquid Sensory Viewers at Lakeshore Learning
Pretend Play Toys
Some children with autism have difficulty learning how to participate in pretend play. Pretend play provides many opportunities to develop language, spontaneous speech and teach children about their environment as well as daily living skills. Additionally, pretend play can help a child develop social skills through role play and acting out various real-life scenarios. Toys such as Little People and puppets can be used to teach children how to pretend to be doctors, farmers and even animals. They provide opportunities for parents to narrate what is happening (e.g., language building and modeling appropriate behaviors) as well as help the child vocalize different scenarios.
- Caring for Animals Farm Playset | Smart Stages| Fisher Price (fisher-price.com)
- Jolly Helpers Hand Puppets | Melissa & Doug (melissaanddoug.com)
- Slice & Toss Salad Set | Play Salad Set (melissaanddoug.com)
- Deluxe Mobile Medical Station – Young Explorers Creative Educational Products
Educational Toys
The list of terrific educational toys is endless. Puzzles are always a great option to develop visual and spatial skills as well as teach problem solving. There are also many great toys that teach language, spelling and math. Leap Frog brand toys bring together education, vocalization opportunities and pretend play. The have so many offerings. Below are a few favorites:
- Amazon.com: Boogem 115Pcs Counting Bears Toys Set, Rainbow Counting Bears with Color Matching Sorting Cups, Educational Toys 30 Large and 60 Small Teddy Bear Counters with Activity Cards for Toddlers and Kids: Toys & Games
- Amazon.com: Ravensburger Busy Airport – 35 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids – Every Piece is Unique, Pieces Fit Together Perfectly: Toys & Games
- Amazon.com: Melissa & Doug 48pc Space Voyage Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle: Melissa & Doug: Toys & Games
- Amazon.com: Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards: Melissa & Doug: Toys & Games
- Sponsored Ad – LeapFrog My Own Leaptop, green Amazon.com: LeapFrog My Own Leaptop, green: Toys & Games
- Amazon.com: LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set, Pink: Toys & Games
Books
One can never go wrong with a good book. For early learners and children who are just developing vocal speech, books that offer rhythmic repetition can be great. Some children with autism tend to favor nonfiction and fact-based books. Additionally, picture books and I Spy Books offer opportunities for caregivers to describe, narrate and ask questions thus further developing language and reading comprehension.
- Amazon.com: Little Green Box of Bright and Early Board Books (Bright & Early Board Books(TM)) (9780525648147): Dr. Seuss: Books
- Amazon.com: What Should Danny Do? (The Power to Choose Series) (9780692848388): Levy, Adir: Books
- Waiting Is Not Easy! (An Elephant and Piggie Book): Willems, Mo, Willems, Mo: 8601416358765: Amazon.com: Books
Cause and Effect Toys
Cause and effect toys can spark the interest of early learners. Often, they make fun sounds and provide sensory stimulation as well as develop fine and gross motor skills.
- Amazon.com: Lekebaby Marble Run, 180 Piece Marble Maze Race Track for Kids, DIY STEM Building Toys for Boys Girls Aged 3,4,5,6,8 and Up (84 Translucent Plastic Pieces + 48 Plastic Marbles): Toys & Games
- Battat – Pop-Up Pals – Cause & Effect Learning Toy for Babies Battat – Pop-Up Pals – Cause & Effect Learning Toy for Babies – Walmart.com – Walmart.com
- Amazon.com: Lewo Toddler Toys Wooden Ramp Racer for Girls Boys Wood Race Track with 8 Mini Cars: Toys & Games
- Amazon.com: B. toys by Battat B. Symphony Musical Toy Orchestra for Kids – 13 Musical Instruments for Classical Music for Babies and Toddlers – Interactive Kids Music Toys with Lights and 15 Songs: Toys & Games
We hope this list sparks some helpful gift ideas for a special child in your life. Happy gift giving!
*Steinberg Behavior Solutions does not sponsor nor endorse the items within this article.