Best Toys for Autistic Children

The autism spectrum is just that -- a diverse spectrum with many different variables -- a fact that makes treatment for autism wide ranging.  Most commonly, treatment for autism involves bothbehavioral and medicinal interventions.  Addressing the symptoms of autism as well as those conditions often comorbid with autism can provide well-rounded treatment for autism. 

Treatment is often based around the developmental stage of children with autism.  Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers can benefit from early interventionstrategies, while children with autism in school might need to target social skills training.  Teenagers gain skills from transition training, or preparing for adult life. 

Early Intervention

Early intervention treatment for autism often involves Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA therapy.  In ABA therapy, children with autism learn skills in areas such as social skills, communication, play and leisure, self-care, motor skills, and cognitive development.  ABA therapists use appropriate prompts to encourage a child to succeed, and they break down concepts into simpler components; when things are in smaller, more manageable steps, children are much more easily able to learn and apply skills to everyday life.  Reinforcement is also a key part of early intervention, as it helps increase the likelihood that children with autism will repeat appropriate and desired behavior. 

In early intervention treatment for autism, children receive structured, therapeutic activities for at least 25 hours per week.  Therapists keep track of goals and desired learning objectives, and they monitor progress and set new goals as current goals are obtained.  Treatment for autism also involves parents, so the treatment procedures can be applied throughout the day.  Early intervention might also involve speech, physical, occupational, and recreational therapists.

School-Age Children and Transitions

Depending on the severity of autism and a family’s preferences, children with autism might be placed in a mainstream classroom (with neurotypically developing peers) or in special education.  While in school, children with autism will be involved with an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, which outlines treatment goals and what therapy services are to be offered. 

While in school, children with autism will likely continue to receive ABA therapy, as well as physical, speech, occupational, and recreational treatment.  Some children improve so greatly through this treatment for autism that they “outgrow” their autism symptoms such that they no longer meet the criteria for diagnosis.  Current research does not point to a particular percentage of children with autism who will improve this much with their symptoms, but research does point to early intervention as the best tool for improving overall function. 

Other common therapy techniques for autism include sensory integration therapy (as many children with autism have sensory issues), modified diets (gluten-free and casein-free often helps with behavior problems), social story therapy, visual schedules, and 

cognitive behavioral therapy

.  Keeping a routine and remembering appropriate feedback and rewards helps create good habits and increase the probability of wanted behaviors.

As children with autism develop, treatment might need to be reevaluated to match children’s progress and create new goals.  Children with autism do receive therapy through their IEP while in school, but after they leave school, many of these treatments stop.  Working on transitions to adulthood are important skills to learn.  Transition therapy includes more social skills training and teaching children with autism how to interact socially and in an appropriate manner.  Working on independent living skills is an integral part of transition treatment for autism, and many people with autism can work, have relationships, and enjoy adult life.

                                           HOW TO CHOOSE TOYS FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN

The Best Toys for Autistic Children

As a parent of a child with autism, it may be discouraging at times when your child seems disinterested in several types of toys and games.  Because 

autistic

 children process things differently and at a different level than other children, their playtime needs may be a little different.  Autistic children can love toys and games just as much as other children with the right types of toys.

Don’t Pick Toys Based Off of Age Levels

When choosing toys for autistic children, do not go based off of age levels.  You may find that your nine-year-old child is interested in a toy that is labeled for ages 4-7.  That is okay.  Also, if your child seems disinterested in a toy, do not give up on that toy.  Your child may be interested in the same toy a few months or even years later.  For example, a one-year-old child with autism may not pay any attention to a signing, rolling toy.  However, it may then become his favorite toy when they are three.

Some of the best toys for autistic children are those that teach cause and effect. Many infant toys teach cause and effect by having a reaction to the child’s action. An example of these types of toys is a plush animal that sings if you push its hand or vibrates when you touch its feet. While they are made for infants, your child may still enjoy them as a toddler or older.

Pick Toys that Help Gross Motor Skills

Another great idea for toys for autistic children are toys that develop gross motor skills.  Toys such as trampolines, tricycles, and bicycles help children with autism with their physical and gross motor skill development. Special attachments are made for bicycles that allow the child to ride with his parents.  Both the child and parent peddle, but the parent can control the brakes and steering of the bicycle. 

Educational Games are Always a Win

Educational computer games are also a fun way to catch your child’s attention.  Pick educational computer games that are animated to keep your child’s attention.  Find games that allow your child to discover and make things happen.  For example, a learning game that plays different sounds or music when a different item is touched is a perfect choice.  Since many children with autism are tactile learners, allow them to experience educational games on devices such as an iPad.  An iPad or other tablet can allow an autistic child to use his fingers to explore the game.

                                                             AUTISTIC BRAIN GAMES

EMOTIONAL COLOR WHEEL

Some other great toys for autistic children include toys and educational items that are predictable and repeatable.  Many children with autism love to watch the same show or movie over and over again.  While parents may find this counter-productive, the predictability of the movie can help your child develop words of his own.  He will take pleasure in repeating lines from the movie, and as a parent, you can say lines from the movie to interact with your child.  Other predictable and repeatable toys are puzzles and books.

When it comes to toys for autistic children, there are no set favorites.  Every child is different and will have a specific toy they love.  Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t find interest in the new toy you bought them, but instead, just keep trying, choosing toys that appeal to the senses.