How Sensory Toys Aid Autism

Unlock the potential with sensory toys for autism. Discover how these toys cater to sensory needs and promote calm and focus.

By Brighter Strides ABA

August 1, 2024

Sensory Toys for Children

When it comes to child development, sensory play and the use of sensory toys play a crucial role. Sensory play engages a child's senses such as touch, smell, sight, sound, and even taste, allowing them to explore and learn about the world around them. It also aids in building cognitive skills and creating new connections in the brain, supporting language development and emotional regulation [1].

Importance of Sensory Play

Sensory play is particularly important during the early years of a child's life. It helps in developing new connections in the brain and supports language development by responding to different stimuli. Through sensory play, babies learn cause and effect relationships, develop their senses, and build adaptive skills for their future development. It also provides an opportunity for children to engage with their environment, learn through exploration, and develop their imagination and creativity.

Benefits of Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are designed to engage one or more of a child's senses, providing them with stimulating and interactive experiences. These toys can positively impact a child's development from birth to early childhood. Here are some key benefits of sensory toys:

Cognitive Development: Sensory toys help build nerve connections in the brain's pathways, supporting cognitive growth. They encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial awareness skills. Through sensory play with toys, children explore cause and effect relationships and learn about the properties of different materials and textures.
Physical Development: Sensory toys promote gross and fine motor skills development. Depending on the toy, children may engage in activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. For example, stacking rings or nest cups can improve fine motor skills, while toys that encourage crawling or jumping can enhance gross motor skills.

To provide age-appropriate sensory experiences, it's important to choose toys that cater to a child's developmental stage. For babies, toys that focus on visual development with high contrast colors, auditory development with chime, shake, and rattle toys, and motor development with stacking rings or nest cups are recommended. Toys providing different textures like cloth or textured baby books are also beneficial. As children grow, the complexity and variety of sensory toys can expand to meet their changing developmental needs.

Whether store-bought or DIY, sensory toys offer a wide range of benefits for children of all ages and abilities. These toys can be used to activate or calm, encourage engagement and hand-eye coordination, and increase participation and turn-taking. By incorporating sensory toys into playtime, parents and caregivers can enhance a child's learning experience and promote their overall development.

Sensory Development in Early Childhood

During early childhood, sensory development plays a vital role in a child's overall growth and learning. Two key aspects of this development include cognitive growth and physical development.

Cognitive Growth

Sensory play is crucial for babies and toddlers as it helps in developing new connections in their brain, learning about the world, and supporting language development by responding to different stimuli [1]. By engaging in sensory activities, children have the opportunity to explore their surroundings, experiment with cause and effect, and develop critical thinking skills.

For toddlers, sensory play aids in the development of thinking abilities and exploration of concepts like time and opposites. They get to engage in activities that encourage exploration, such as comparing light and dark, and sorting colors [1]. As children progress into preschool age, sensory play continues to be beneficial. It allows them to explore independently, further develop language skills, play with musical instruments, and create and build different shapes with various objects and materials.

Through sensory play, children are encouraged to learn through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. It helps build nerve connections in the brain, encourages language and motor skills development, and enhances the ability to focus and block out distractions [1]. Introducing sensory toys as part of this play can further enhance cognitive growth by providing unique sensory experiences.

Read about: Empowering Autistic Teens: Exciting Activities to Try

Physical Development

In addition to cognitive growth, sensory play also contributes to physical development in early childhood. Sensory activities engage children in movement and manipulation of objects, promoting the development of fine and gross motor skills. These activities often involve touching, grasping, pouring, and pouring, which help strengthen hand-eye coordination and improve dexterity.

By incorporating sensory toys into play, children have the opportunity to engage in activities that stimulate their senses and promote physical development. For example, toys that require squeezing, stacking, or manipulating objects can help improve fine motor skills. These activities also provide sensory feedback, allowing children to explore different textures, shapes, and weights, further enhancing their physical development and spatial awareness.

By understanding the importance of sensory development in early childhood, parents and caregivers can actively engage children in sensory play and provide them with appropriate sensory toys. These toys not only facilitate cognitive growth and physical development but also contribute to the overall enjoyment and learning experience of the child.

Sensory Processing Issues

For individuals with sensory processing issues, understanding how sensory processing works and implementing effective strategies is crucial to support their overall well-being. Sensory processing difficulties were first identified by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres, Ph.D. in the 1970s [4]. These difficulties can affect individuals' ability to process information from the seven senses, including body awareness and movement senses [4].

Understanding Sensory Processing

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information from the environment and the body. For individuals with sensory processing issues, their brain may struggle to organize and integrate sensory input effectively, leading to challenges in filtering and responding to sensory stimuli. This can result in overstimulation, sensory-seeking behaviors, or sensory avoidance.

It is important to note that sensory processing issues can vary from person to person. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain sensory inputs, while others may seek out more intense sensory experiences. Understanding an individual's specific sensory preferences and challenges is essential for providing appropriate support.

Strategies for Children

Implementing effective strategies can help children with sensory processing issues navigate their environment and regulate their sensory experiences. Here are some strategies that can be beneficial:

Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Making adjustments to the environment can help reduce sensory overload. This can include minimizing bright lights, reducing noise levels, and providing a calm and organized space for activities.
Offer Sensory Breaks: Providing regular sensory breaks can help children regulate their sensory input. These breaks can involve activities such as deep pressure exercises, fidget toys, or quiet spaces for relaxation.
Use Visual Supports: Visual supports, such as visual schedules and social stories, can help children understand and anticipate daily routines and transitions. These supports provide a visual structure and can reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
Provide Sensory Tools and Toys: Introducing sensory toys and tools can support sensory exploration and provide calming or alerting sensations. These may include items such as weighted blankets, textured toys, or stress balls.
Incorporate Movement Breaks: Allowing opportunities for movement breaks can help children with sensory processing issues release excess energy and regulate their bodies. Activities like jumping, swinging, or yoga can be beneficial.

Implementing these strategies in educational settings is crucial to ensure inclusive environments for children with sensory processing issues. The U.S. government has established the Rehabilitation Act and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided to meet the specific needs of children with sensory issues. These plans help create customized education plans and support structures to optimize learning experiences [4].

By understanding sensory processing and implementing appropriate strategies, children with sensory processing issues can better navigate their environment, engage in activities, and develop essential adaptive skills. With the right support, they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Read about: Top Sensory Activities for a Child with Autism

Sensory Toys for Autism

For individuals on the autism spectrum, sensory toys can play a vital role in supporting their sensory needs and promoting calmness and focus. These toys are specially designed to stimulate one or more of the senses, providing the sensory experience that individuals with autism often seek.

Catering to Sensory Needs

Sensory toys are designed to engage and stimulate the senses, making them particularly appealing to individuals on the autism spectrum. These toys provide an opportunity to engage with different textures, sounds, and visual elements, offering a range of sensory experiences that cater to their unique sensory needs [5]. By providing a safe and controlled environment for sensory exploration, these toys can help individuals with autism regulate their sensory systems and engage with their senses more effectively.

Promoting Calm and Focus

One of the key benefits of sensory toys for individuals with autism is their ability to promote calmness and focus. These toys provide a sensory experience that can help individuals relax and self-regulate. By engaging with sensory toys, individuals with autism can find comfort and reassurance, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

Sensory toys can also assist in improving attention and focus. The tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation provided by these toys can help redirect attention and enhance concentration. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism who may struggle with staying focused on specific tasks or activities.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of sensory toys may vary for each individual with autism. Preferences for specific types of sensory input may differ, so it's essential to observe and understand the individual's unique sensory needs and preferences when selecting sensory toys. Consulting with professionals such as occupational therapists or behavior technicians can provide valuable insights into the specific sensory needs of an individual with autism.

By incorporating sensory toys into daily routines and activities, individuals with autism can benefit from the calming and focusing effects of sensory stimulation. These toys provide a safe and enjoyable way to engage with the senses and support overall sensory development.

Types of Sensory Toys

Sensory toys are designed to stimulate the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. They can benefit both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism. These toys promote language, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and cognitive growth. Let's explore two main types of sensory toys: those that provide textural stimulation and those that offer auditory and visual stimulation.

Textural Stimulation

Textural stimulation toys engage the sense of touch by providing various tactile experiences. These toys can have different textures, vibrations, temperatures, or weights. They are designed to awaken specific senses and aid in developing skill sets such as pattern recognition, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, visual awareness, proprioception, gross motor skills, and auditory sense.

Examples of textural stimulation toys include:

Textured blocks: Blocks with different textures, shapes, and sizes that children can explore through touch.
Kinetic sand: Moldable sand that provides a unique tactile experience and encourages creativity.
Spinning tops: Tops with textured surfaces that can be spun, providing both visual and tactile stimulation.
Climbing arcs: Arch-shaped climbers with textured surfaces that children can climb on, promoting gross motor skills and tactile exploration.
Stacking towers: Towers with textured pieces that can be stacked to develop fine motor skills and tactile awareness.
Wooden drums: Drums with different textures and sounds that children can tap on, stimulating both touch and hearing.

Auditory and Visual Stimulation

Auditory and visual stimulation toys focus on engaging the senses of hearing and sight. These toys incorporate features such as lights, sounds, patterns, and colors to provide stimulating experiences. They can help children with sensory needs develop auditory skills, visual perception, and sensory integration [3].

Examples of auditory and visual stimulation toys include:

Light-up toys: Toys that emit bright lights or change colors, capturing visual attention and providing visual stimulation.
Musical toys: Toys that produce different sounds, melodies, or rhythms to engage the auditory sense.
Chimes or bells: Toys that create gentle chimes or bell sounds, encouraging auditory exploration and sensory awareness.
Visual projectors: Projectors that display moving patterns or images on walls or ceilings, captivating visual attention and promoting visual tracking skills.
Light-up spinning toys: Toys that spin and light up simultaneously, combining both visual and auditory stimulation.

When choosing sensory toys, it's important to consider the individual's preferences, sensory needs, and developmental stage. Some individuals may benefit from a combination of textural, auditory, and visual stimulation. Keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another, so it's essential to observe and assess the individual's response to different sensory toys.

Recommended Sensory Toys

When it comes to choosing sensory toys, it's important to consider age-appropriate options that cater to the specific needs and developmental stages of individuals on the autism spectrum. Sensory toys provide numerous benefits, aiding in stress relief, promoting relaxation and focus, and enhancing cognitive development [6]. Here, we will explore age-appropriate options and the choice between DIY and store-bought toys.

Age-Appropriate Options

Sensory toys should be selected based on the age and developmental level of the individual. Different age groups benefit from various types of sensory play, as it contributes to their overall growth and skill development.

Babies: For infants, sensory toys that engage their senses are essential for their early development. Soft toys with different textures, teething rings, and toys that make gentle sounds are great options. These toys stimulate their senses, encourage grasping, and support language development by responding to different stimuli.
Toddlers: Toddlers benefit from toys that further develop their thinking abilities and encourage exploration. Building blocks, shape sorters, musical instruments, and toys that allow them to compare light and dark or sort colors are ideal choices. These toys help them explore concepts like time and opposites while engaging in hands-on activities.
Preschoolers: Preschoolers thrive with sensory toys that encourage independent exploration and creativity. Toys that promote pretend play, such as dress-up costumes, construction sets, and art supplies, are excellent options. These toys allow them to engage in imaginative play, further develop language skills, and build fine motor skills while creating and building different shapes with various objects and materials.

DIY vs. Store-Bought

When selecting sensory toys, you have the option to choose between DIY (Do-It-Yourself) or store-bought options. Both have their advantages and can be tailored to fit the individual's needs.

DIY Toys: DIY sensory toys can be a cost-effective and creative way to provide individuals with personalized sensory experiences. They can be made using simple materials found at home or easily obtained. Examples include sensory bottles filled with colorful liquids or objects, sensory boards with various textures, or homemade stress balls using balloons and different fillings. DIY toys allow for customization and can be adapted to focus on specific sensory needs.
Store-Bought Toys: Store-bought sensory toys are readily available and offer a wide range of options designed specifically for sensory exploration. These toys are often made with high-quality materials and undergo safety testing. They come in various forms, such as textured blocks, kinetic sand, spinning tops, climbing arcs, stacking towers, and wooden drums. Store-bought toys provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation, contributing to cognitive development, social and language skills, and enhancing fine and gross motor skills.

The choice between DIY and store-bought toys ultimately depends on personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of the individual. It may be beneficial to have a combination of both to provide a variety of sensory experiences.

When selecting sensory toys, it's important to consider safety, durability, and the individual's preferences. Observe how the individual interacts with different toys and adapt as needed. Remember, each individual is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By providing a range of age-appropriate sensory toys, you can support their sensory needs and contribute to their overall well-being and development.