Best Games for Autistic Toddlers in 2021
A child’s brain is a truly incredible thing. While the brain will continue to grow well into the adult years, Dr. Eric Chudler, a research neuroscientist at the University of Washington, suggests that by the time a child is two years old, their brain will have already “grown to 80% of its adult size”.
Brain growth occurs not only in physical size, but the cognitive ability and critical thinking significantly increase during the early years. Between the ages of one and three, toddlers will learn faster than they ever will in their teenage and adult lives. Their ability to think and understand directly contributes to the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
While it’s true that kids, both with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), experience this rapid cerebral development, the way they learn and understand new things greatly varies from child to child. So when using toys and games to aid in this process, choosing the right ones can make all the difference.
How Games Promote Healthy Brain Development
Toys and games serve a dual purpose. First, they can entertain your child, keeping their young mind occupied for hours while simultaneously fine-tuning their motor skills and sensory processing ability.
Take, for example, simple wooden blocks. To a grown adult, the simple act of placing one block on top of another is far from groundbreaking. But for a curious toddler. Stacking blocks teach them coordination, focus, and even basic comprehension of gravity.
Utilizing lights, sounds, colors, and textures, designers of children’s games often use their products to target the development of a specific skill.
It’s important to remember that your son or daughter isn’t just playing; they are learning. Playtime will build the foundation for vital skills that they will continue to develop for the rest of their lives.
Which Games are Best for Children with Autism?
Buying games for autistic children is challenging to say the least. Unfortunately, there is no special aisle at your local supermarket dedicated to “special needs” products. On top of that, autistic kids can be particularly picky regarding their toys and games. Often, a child will latch on to their favorite toy refuse to play with anything else. So, where can you find games that are both fun and educational for your child?
Thankfully, due in part to the incredible community of parents of autistic children, there is an ever-expanding online supply of games specifically designed to help kids on the spectrum learn and grow. But how do you know which games are suitable for your son or daughter? Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing.
Age and Ability– Obviously, a one-year-old child isn’t going to be able to do the same things that a three-year-old can. So when purchasing games, keep your child’s skill level in mind. Overly simple games will bore older toddlers, while more complicated ones can confuse or even overwhelm younger kids.
Interests – Even at an early age, kids develop preferences. Some like puzzles; for others, it may be cars or animals. Take these interests into account when purchasing games. Catering to things they like will help to promote an enjoyable learning environment.
Purpose of the Game – Different games are designed to teach different skills. Ask yourself: What do I want to teach my child with this game? Motor skills? Social interaction? Sensory exploration? Pinpointing a specific goal will help you narrow your search.
Hazards – Not all games are created equally. Unfortunately, some companies brand their products as “specifically designed for kids with ASD” only to sell to a broader market. Games like these often have small parts and magnets that pose a real danger to an autistic child. Be sure to research a game and its manufacturer thoroughly before buying.
Our Favorite Games for Autistic Kids
If you are confused about where to start looking for games for your autistic child, don’t fret! Here is a list of our favorite learning games that your son or daughter is sure to love.
UGEMIA Popping Bubble Puzzle – Our Favorite Anxiety Relief Game
Popping bubble toys have exploded in popularity this year, and for a good reason. The simplistic silicone design of these toys can relax a child by providing stimulating haptic and aural feedback.
UGEMIA has taken the popular toys a step further, turning them into a fun and engaging game. This puzzle not only provides all the stress-relieving benefits of traditional popping toys but adds a learning aspect to its design, allowing a child to organize the different geometric shapes into patterns that fit together.
All the pieces are waterproof and easily cleaned with soap and water, making this popping bubble puzzle an excellent game for nonverbal autistic children or little ones who like to put things in their mouths.
PEPKOO iPad Case for Kids – A Must-Have Accessory for ELearning
Kids today are growing up in a digital age. While there are differing opinions regarding autism and video games, many educational apps are available to assist toddlers with ASD learn and develop vital cognitive skills.
The PEPKOO protective iPad case is designed with toddlers in mind. The soft, lightweight, EVA foam construction is easy on little hands and will protect your device from any knocks and drops, while the two-piece design helps to keep your Ipad firmly secured inside the case.
Interactive Whack A Frog Game – A Game Your Kids will Love for Years to Come
This at-home take on the arcade classic: “whack a mole” is a great interactive game that teaches focus and hand-eye coordination. Utilizing lights and sounds, “Whack A Frog” is designed to heighten your son or daughter’s ability to process sensory stimuli.
Your child can play either alone or with a partner making it an excellent autism game for social skills, teaching them how to take turns and work as a team.
“Whack A Frog” is easy to learn, and as your child builds up their fine motor skills, they can grow into the more challenging game modes. This is a game that your child will be able to enjoy for years to come.
eeBoo I Never Forget a Face Memory Matching Game for Kids – A Fun way to Practice memory and Social Skills
Traditional board games are virtually impossible for kids with ASD. Even games intended for small children usually require prolonged focus and have tiny pieces that create a choking hazard. However, “Never Forget a Face” is different and one of the best board games for autism.
This matching game is comprised of 48 large, durable cards that help improve your child’s memory and recognition skills. Additionally, when played together with either a parent or sibling, “Never Forget a Face” provides an excellent oppourtunity to hone a child’s cooperation and social skills.
Fun and Function -Sensory Mini Mats – Create your Own Sensory Games
Many kids on the spectrum have a heightened sensory perception which can affect them in one of two ways when it comes to physically touching things. They may quickly become overwhelmed by textures they find unpleasant. Or on the other hand, with textures they find comforting, they might want to continuously explore the feeling, touching an object with their hands, feet, and/or face. The latter is a healthy part of sensory processing, and “Fun and Function Sensory Mini Mats” allow your child to explore six unique textures.
While these “Sensory Mini Mats” themselves are not a game, their versatility opens the door for many creative applications. Because they won’t slide around on the floor and have built-in grommets for wall mounting, you and your child can create your own games and activities exploring the sense of touch.
Finding the Right Games for Your Child with Autism
Buying games for your autistic child isn’t easy. Of course, games should be fun and engaging, so your son or daughter enjoys playing with them. Still, at the same time, you also want them to help in developing their social skills, hand-eye coordination their ability to process sensory input.
Remember, every kid is different, and it’s going to take some time to learn how your child learns, plays, and develops mentally. You won’t know what your son or daughter likes most of the time until you both give it a try. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different toys and games until you find the ones that best suit your family’s needs.
If you are confused or have questions about which games are best for your child, don’t hold back from asking your child’s doctor or therapist. They can help you pinpoint the best options for your son or daughter’s specific circumstances.
