- Views: 1
- Report Article
- Articles
- Business & Careers
- Ask an Expert
How Sensory Toys Can Make a Significant Impact on Children with Autism
Posted: Nov 27, 2023
If you are shopping for a child with autism, you may wonder if there are any special gifts and toys that are better than the rest. When selecting a gift for your kids, you must consider their preferences. You must evaluate and respect their individual interests regardless of their age! For instance, your child might enjoy a coloring book, a plush toy, or a book that helps them draw their favorite characters. However, if your child has autism, you must pay even more attention when selecting the right toy!
Autism is a disorder that’s characterized by having difficulty in social interaction, nonverbal and verbal communication, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors. Kids and adults dealing with autism could have sensory processing issues, which might make others feel like they are not present at the moment.
Sensory toys for autistic kids can be helpful since they will help your kids focus and pay attention. Moreover, they can also help them relieve some of their anxiety and stress, making them focused, relaxed, and calm. These toys have started to gain popularity as more and more therapists and parents report positive results. And though these toys have been around for years, they have never been as popular as they are now.
What Do You Mean By Sensory Toys? How Can They Help?Sensory toys are toys used to help children with tactile stimulation. They offer your kids a tangible way to interact with their environment, helping them better understand and learn about the world around them. They are perfect presents for children with special needs and great gifts for all children. Many doctors and occupational therapists recommend fidget toys and stress balls since they help provide just the right amount of sensor input.
Kids with autism face many challenges, including difficulty interacting, communicating, and learning. Sensory integration is the most essential skill for these kids because it helps them better understand the world and connect with their emotions. Playing with different types of autism toys will help your child stimulate all five senses (smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing), providing sensory input, which is critical to helping the brain process information.
Develop Communication SkillsChildren dealing with autism often struggle with language and communication. One way you can help your child learn how to communicate is via repetition. The play offers you a way to use repetition naturally. When playing with your child, you can use games that help use repetitive words and gestures. During these games, your kids will understand what different gestures and expressions mean. They will learn how to use language and enhance their communication skills as they make more sense of it.
Improved Motor SkillsMore than 80% of kids with autism tend to struggle with motor skills. This could range from gross to fine motor skills. Sensory toys can help your child develop ideal motor skills. For instance, sensory toys come in various sizes and textures that can help develop fine motor skills. These toys can also help your child with gross motor skills as they walk, run, and more.
Reduce AnxietyUsing sensory toys like stress balls and fidget spinners has shown signs of reducing anxiety among kids. If your child feels anxious under certain circumstances, it is best to introduce them to sensory toys that help calm their nerves and feel more relaxed.
Always speak to a professional therapist regarding which sensory toys would be the best fit for your child, depending on the severity of their case.
Diversity in Toys is an online toy shop that brings together unique and custom toys, art supplies, accessories, inclusive toys, and many more.
Awesome article. had fun reading it tbh