Best Toys For Autistic Toddlers 2021

With endless options available online and in stores, any parent will tell you that finding engaging toys for your toddler can be a massive challenge. If your son or daughter has autism spectrum disorder, the situation becomes even more difficult. 

For Autistic kids, the first three years of life are crucial in developing motor skills and mental comprehension. While the vast majority of toys on the market are built solely for entertainment, there is a growing supply of toys specifically designed to accelerate the learning process for kids on the spectrum. These toys are indeed a “win-win” for autistic children. They get to have fun while developing vital skills that they will use for the rest of their life.

Suitable toys can accelerate this process. It also presents the opportunity to encourage new skills in your toddler. With so many different ways to digest information and learn new things, the same is true when teaching our little ones. Toys can make a great teaching aid for even the youngest of children.

For example, if your toddler is struggling with their fine motor skills, why not look into a toy that will capture their attention while simultaneously encouraging new skills? Likewise, if your toddler struggles with sensory overload, why not take a look at toys that provide them with comfort in stressful environments? There is a lot to consider choosing new toys for your growing toddler.

It Can Be Hard to Choose The Right Toys For Autistic Toddlers

As parents, we are protective of our children in every sense, even when it comes to something as simple as their toys. But, unfortunately, circumstances can come up that leave it difficult for us or others to find the best toys for autistic children. So, whether you are buying for your child or a friend, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure that your child’s toys are safe and promote a healthy learning environment.

• Cognitive level. Well-intentioned friends and family members may eagerly have a shopping list of toys they want to gift you, son, or daughter. However, they probably don’t fully grasp your child’s needs and may purchase toys outside your toddler’s cognitive level or social ability. 
• Differing abilities. Although their cousins and playmates of the same age enjoy certain toys, these may not be in the best interest of a child with Autism. Everyone’s interests and abilities are different and should be taken into consideration when toy shopping.
• Choking Hazards. Toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need to avoid certain toys deemed ‘safe’ and familiar in other households. For example, magnetic toys can be readily purchased online and in stores but are extremely dangerous for children with Autism. Therefore, magnetic toys and those with small parts and pieces are best left alone.
• Over-Stimulating Toys. Textures, loud noises, and bright flashing lights can all lead to overstimulation. This especially holds if your toddler struggles with sensory issues. So while it’s probably best to steer clear from buying them a drum set, controlled textures and noises can be beneficial and even therapeutic. 

What Are Good Toys For Autistic Toddlers?

Although there are many toys toddlers with Autism should avoid, there are still thousands of awesome toys they can enjoy! Toys with a dual purpose can be a great asset to both parents and children. Of course, every child is different, but below are a few items to consider to make a good toy for a toddler with Autism.

• Interactive toys promote an inviting environment and even encourage communication with those around them.
• Sensory toys can help soothe or relax a child during stressful and overwhelming situations. 
• Occupational therapists recommended toys have the seal of approval for improving cognitive behavior, coordination, and movement skills.
• Educational toys are just that, educational! Depending on the toddler’s developmental stage, educational toys can be a great way to teach something new in a subtle way that might otherwise be a challenge to learn. 

The 7 Best Toys For Autistic Toddlers

While there are infinite great toys out there, we have whittled it down to 7 of our favorite tried and true toys for children with Autism. These specific tools and therapeutic toys are affordable and easy to find to be accessible to anyone.  

Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano — The Best Musical Toy For Toddlers With Autism

When finding musical toys for autistic toddlers, it’s important to note that some children may struggle with sounds or loud noises to the point where it becomes painful to their senses. The Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano allows your child to be in control of their surroundings as their touch is what sets off the noise. 

This colorful toy is also milder than other musical instruments. In addition, music therapy has been clinically proven to improve behavior and communication as the toddlers naturally feel motivated to participate.

BunMo Pop Tubes Sensory Toys — The Best Learning Toy For Autistic Children

Learning toys for autistic toddlers does not need to be complex or challenging. Even a simple toy that helps train their tiny fingers while developing fine motor skills can entertain your child for hours. For example, pop tubes are practical tools for physical therapy toys. Their bending abilities teach them how to use their tiny hands, and their imaginative fun encourages self-learning. 

OrthoDon Sensory Puzzle Floor Mats — The Best Building Toy For Toddlers with Autism

Orthopedic floor mats have so many great benefits. Not only are they a fascinating toy for your toddler, but the variety of textures on each mat stimulates the sense of touch. In addition, these bright and patterned mats provide much-needed sensory input as four unique textures are included in one set. 

Make this safe set of building mats a permanent feature in your child’s room to boost blood circulation and early intervention! 

Neliblu Wacky Tracks Snap and Click Fidget Toys — The Best Calming Toy For Toddlers with Autism

There’s a reason why fidget toys are all the rage lately. Fidget toys, including this Neliblu Wacky Tracks Snap and Click one, have been an aid to many in high-stress situations as they quickly offer a distraction for the senses. 

These compact toys can provide great comfort to your little one while also unyielding their creative side, making them good toys for kids with Autism. A pack of four allows you to keep one in the car, your purse, the playroom, and the bedroom!

Huggaroo Lamb Weighted Lap Pad  — The Best Portable Toy For Toddlers with Autism

Sensory weighted lap pads are essential in many families for car rides, appointments, and for simply snuggling at home. This Huggaroo Lap Pad comes as a lamb or a puppy for more imaginative fun. 

Deep pressure from the 3.6 pounds contributes to a relaxing and calm environment. These are especially beneficial for doctor’s appointments or visits to new places that may typically invoke stress. Your toddler will never want to be without their furry friend. 

MOLUK Bilibo — The Best Active Play Toy For Toddlers with Autism

Exercise and active play that focuses on gross motor skills improve behavioral issues. Durable Bilibo’s could be one of the best ways your little one can unleash their energy. They provide countless hours of safe, imaginative play at home, the backyard, or the park! 

These unique toys help to develop creativity, coordination, and balance. There is no limit on how you can use your Bilibo. 

Melissa & Doug Let’s Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop!— The Best Pretend Play Toy for Toddlers with Autism 

Pretend play instills a space for your child to experiment and communicate. Melissa & Doug’s fan-favorite set of wooden cleaning toys helps do just this while instilling values like responsibility and ownership at a young age. 

Engaging toys such as this one promote the connection between young playmates. We especially love how these wooden toys are meant to last for years to come!

Choosing Toys For Your Child With Autism

Finding toys that encourage developmental skills doesn’t have to be a chore anymore. However, flashy lights and loud noises can quickly distract and overwhelm children with Autism, so it’s best to avoid toys of this nature. Thankfully, there are many others to choose from that are entertaining, soothing, and educational. 

Again, these are our favorite toys, but, as parents, you know your child’s unique needs and circumstances. You know what they enjoy and how they learn best. If you are a friend or family member of a child with Autism, these are simply some suggestions and points to consider before gift-giving. You may be concerned about offending or misjudging, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the parent their limits or interests. They will no doubt appreciate the sincere interest you have in their little ones.

We would love to hear from YOU! Post a comment below telling us what toys your autistic toddler loved or will soon be trying from our list.