Buying presents for kids can be a real challenge. For parents with kids on the spectrum, we’re all wondering just how to find the perfect gift time and time again.
Of course, kids on the spectrum are just that, kids! Their interests may differ from their peers, but the perfect toy is out there for them! All that’s left if for you to find it.
What to Keep In Mind When Searching for Toys For Kids of Different Ages
Choose Toys for Their Unique Interests
When beginning to search for a toy for your child, be sure to keep in mind their interests. Often, children with autism can become especially interested in one thing, such as an animal or a machine.
While some parents may worry about their child’s fixation on a certain topic, don’t despair. Get your creative wheels turning and try to use their interest in ways to foster learning and play.
For example, if you notice that your child is interested in building and taking apart items, it may be best to purchase toys that encourage creativity in building. Toys like these can help to improve fine motor skills in young children.
Avoid Over-Stimulating Toys
For children with ASD, the way they process and respond to sensations is very different from neurotypical children. They often struggle to regulate the way they respond to overstimulation from loud noises or texture.
Playing with toys that feature loud sounds, lights, or moving parts may easily lead to meltdowns. Not only this, but toys that fully capture your child’s attention may result in them completely ignoring their surroundings and those around them.
When choosing toys, it’s important to pick ones that can work to stimulate the senses without overwhelming the child. These toys should expose children to sensory input in a fun way to help the body create proper responses to these types of stimulations.
Look for toys that excel in helping children to develop their sensory skills. Toys like this will likely be quite tactile and stimulate the senses while your child is playing.
Along with this, avoid toys that may be destroyed if thrown or dropped. This may be helpful to avoid a further meltdown if your child is prone to having frequent temper tantrums.
Pick Toys to Match the Developmental Age
While toys are age-graded by most manufacturers, only you as the parent know where your child truly falls on this scale. Don’t worry about what the box says! If the toy is appropriate for your child’s developmental age, don’t hesitate to buy it for them.
While some autistic children may have intellectual disabilities, some don’t. Some children may have a higher intellectual ability than other children in their age range.
For instance, If you’re considering games to play with an autistic 4 year old, you may have to look either above or below their age when looking at toys in-store or online.
If the toy poses no risk to your child and matches their interests, there is no reason why they shouldn’t have it.
Beware of Choking Hazards
If considering toys with small pieces, pay special attention to the “Choking Hazards” on the boxes no matter the age. It may be beneficial to opt for toys that have large pieces or are all in one piece to avoid the risk of choking.
Although consideration should be given to all children, children from the ages of 1-6 should especially be paid attention to.
Gift Ideas for Autistic 2 Year Olds (Toddler Age)
If you’ve got a birthday coming up, parents may be wondering what the best toys for a 3 year old autistic boy or girl might be. You might have already scoured the web for gift ideas, but here are a few great gifts that I’ve found.
Fat Brain Toys Dimpl
One of the highest-rated baby toys of 2019, the Dimpl by Fat Brain Toys is a great gift for autistic 2-year-olds. The Dimpl is a great toy for encouraging sensory exploration along with the development of motor skills from a young age.
Five brightly-colored silicone bubbles are built into a plastic frame, perfect for catching your little one’s attention. Toddlers can push and pop the bubbles to their heart’s content.
It’s simple, yet perfect for captivating their minds while engaging the senses. Another plus is that the bubbles are made of food-grade silicone, and the toy is fully BPA free.
Chewies
One of the best gifts for an autistic 2-year-old this year is a Chew toy. For autistic toddlers, chewing may help in their journey of learning to self-regulate. Instead of turning to their fingernails or other objects around them, a safe chewing toy may help calm them in overwhelming situations.
Chewies also work to encourage oral sensory input in young children. There are chew toys that can be worn as a pendant around the neck or T- shaped knobs that can be easily held. With all toys that feature small pieces, parents must be alert to the choking hazards these pose to their children.
Best Toys for Preschool Age (Ages 4-6)
As our children are starting school and getting ready for kindergarten, you may be looking for toys that will aid in their development. If they happen to become friends with other children on the spectrum, you might begin to wonder about additional gift ideas for a 5 year old autistic boy or girl. Here are three toys that might fit your needs.
Inflatable Pea Pod
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When looking into good toys for a 4 year old boy with autism, a pea pod may not be your first choice. However, think again!
These sensory pea pods are a haven for young children with ASD still finding their place in the world. It’s made from strong vinyl and has triple welded seams for added strength, meaning it can handle whatever life (or your child) throws at it.
Most children should be able to get in the pod themselves, applying deep, yet even pressure to their body. Some children prefer to rock side to side in the pod, making a small cocoon. This would truly be a great gift idea for a 4 year old autisitic boy.
See & Spell Learning Toy
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This is one of the best toys for 5 to 6-year-old autistic boy or girl that may be just beginning school. These wooden puzzles encourage the development of fine motor skills while assisting your child in developing basic spelling skills.
With over 50 colorful wooden letters available, your little one will begin to recognize everyday words like bird, bus, pig, and fish. The letters neatly pack up in a compact case for easy travel.
Kinetic Sand
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A shining star among sensory toys, this Kinetic Sand is a great choice when choosing toys for young children with autism. You can bring the beach to you and forget all the mess it normally comes with. While this sand feels wet, it’ll leave your hands completely dry.
Their imagination can run wild with this nontoxic, moldable foam. The sand can be formed into virtually any object, providing your child with plenty of sensory stimulation. With endless options, this is easily one of the best toys for the 6 year old autistic child in your life.
Toys for School-Age Autistic Children (Ages 7+)
Peaceful Pals
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These Peaceful Pals are a great alternative for young children with ASD who can’t handle a weighted blanket. These weighted stuffed animals can be between 3lbs and 5lbs. They can be used as a lap pad or an alternative to a weighted blanket.
The fabric for these animals is waterproof, washable and wipe-able. It may also be a great choice for children on the spectrum to take to school, as it doesn’t particularly look like a therapy item.
Educational Insights Playfoam GO!
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This Playfoam GO! Educational Insights set is the perfect gift idea for an 8-year-old autistic boy that is always on the go. They’ll be able to sculpt and play to their heart’s content in the car, on the plane, or simply around the home.
It’s one of the best sensory toys for 8 year olds that assists in improving fine motor skills while allowing your child to express their creativity.
Lego Large Creative Brick Box
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Legos are a great gift for both children with ASD and neurotypicals. Legos can allow your child to unleash their inner architect and engineer while improving their problem-solving skills.
When they are around other children or siblings, playing together can encourage your child to work on social skills, such as sharing or waiting for their turn. Legos can easily provide hours of fun for children with ASD who have a special interest in building or machinery.
While these pieces may not pose a threat for older children, be wary of choking hazards that small lego pieces can pose for younger children.
Best Gifts for Teenagers on the Spectrum
Weighted Blankets
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Weighted blankets are some of the best gifts for teenagers on the spectrum. These blankets have been shown to help people who struggle with sensory processing. The blankets provide the wearer with a calming effect.
It’s all too common for children with autism to experience anxiety when learning to process all the sensory information coming their way. A weighted blanket works to help lessen the anxiety that teenagers on the spectrum can feel when struggling to express themselves.
Bubble Tube Lamp
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These Bubble Tube Lamps make great gifts for autistic teenagers. The lamps are powered by small motors located in the base of the tube. The motor then pushes air through the water, creating small bubbles that float up and throughout the tube.
With over 20 different color options, your teen is free to change the colors to match the ambiance of their bedroom or their mood. These lamps come in various sizes and work as a point of sensory focus and create a relaxing environment for your teen after a stressful day at school.
Many parents like to place the bubble lamps in their rooms at night to help lull their kids to sleep, as some children with ASD often have trouble sleeping.
Gifts for Adults with Aspergers
When talking about autism, the conversation is typically focused on children. We can’t forget that autistic children grow up into autistic adults. Here are a few gifts that may be perfect for adults on the spectrum.
Noise Canceling/Reducing Headphones
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While neurotypical children and adults may step outside their house and deal with loud noises without a second thought For adults with Aspergers that may deal with sensory overload, noise-canceling headphones can make the perfect gift.
When choosing these, consider the environment in which they might be wearing these headphones. You wouldn’t want them to be unable to hear noises as they cross the street or their name being called out, as this could lead to accidents.
Depending on the situations that the headphones are needed in, noise-reducing headphones may also be a great choice. The unwanted sounds in their surroundings will be muffled, but they won’t be completely out of reach from those around them.
Weighted Sleep Mask
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A weighted sleep mask works similarly to the weighted sleep blankets mentioned earlier. It gives your face the needed stimulation and pressure to get a perfect night’s rest.
This mask can be adjusted to fit most heads, guaranteeing that the autistic adult in your life can use it for years to come. If they are sensitive to some tactile sensations, it may be best to choose a silk mask instead of one made with fabric.
Some masks may even feature aromatherapy scents or come with built-in mufflers to block out external sounds that may disrupt their sleep.
I was purchased Fat Brain Toys Dimpl for my 2-year-old grandson, who is suspected of having autism. It sounds just like a pop should and is a perfect stress reliever! As a result, I believe he would have to share. It’s bright and vibrant, and it’s a great fidget toy. It’s small enough to hold but large enough to be useful.