Child with occupational therapist touching sensory integration equipment The 10 Best Sensory Toys for Autism Through the use of play, a child with autism may better understand their senses and how to manage them. In the end, sensory toys are meant to help a child learn more about their senses in a fun way. Sensory toys used for autism can help children focus better, calm down, and relax, however, sensory toys do not replace formal and evidence-based treatment for autism spectrum disorders. Sensory toys work to engage a child’s senses in an enjoyable way. There are many different types of sensory toys for autism available, appealing to one or more of the different senses. The use of sensory toys to help children with autism is becoming more and more common. Futhermore, sensory toys help develop social learning skills like negotiating, planning, and sharing. It helps them grasp objects with decreased dear and discomfort, ultimately helping them play naturally. Sensory toys help children with autism relax, focus, and calm down to a scenario or event. Some accommodations that can be made for children who are hypo-sensitive include weighted blankets, strong tasting or textured foods, and activities that practice physical skills such as dancing, jumping, running, and catching. A child who has hypo-sensitivity also may be under-responsive to body signals that affect balance control and physical coordination. One example of this is a low sensitivity to pain.
Hypo-Sensitive ChildrenĪs opposed to hyper-sensitivity, some children with autism are actually under-responsive to senses and stimulants. In order to ensure appropriate support is in place, in addition to autism toys, parents should consult with an occupational therapist or professional to determine the best way to support their child with hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Autism toys can help with sensory hypersensitivity, but they aren’t the end-all. There are a number of strategies that can be used to help children with sensory hypersensitivity. This is often called “sensory overload.” Both regular and extreme stimuli, like bright lights or strong smells, can affect hyper-sensitive children, leaving them feeling overwhelmed. According to Autism Speaks, these can include, but are not limited to:Ĭhildren who are hypersensitive are overly responsive to stimulants.
Both types of sensitivities affect how the child processes and reacts to different types of stimuli. There are two types of sensory issues that might affect a child with autism: hyper-sensitivities and hypo-sensitivities. These toys are meant to help children develop their senses in a safe and natural environment using play. They might include elements such as bright, contrasting colors, sounds, or different textures. Sensory toys are designed to stimulate a child’s five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. If you have a child that is dealing with sensory issues, you might want to try bringing home some sensory toys for autism for them to play with.
The American Psychiatric Association even added sensory sensitivities to the list of symptoms that help diagnose autism in 2013. We rounded up the best gifts for 4-year-olds that will keep their minds and their bodies moving.Autism is commonly accompanied by sensory issues. Capes and dress-up props, as well as outdoor toys or science gadgets, allow them to explore their world. Their pretend play is a little more complicated as they come to understand narratives and differentiate between fantasy and reality, said Marie Conti, head of The Wetherill School in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, and a board member of the American Montessori Society. “They tend to have clear preferences on what they like or want to do,” said Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of “How Toddlers Thrive.” They are also immersed with friends and start playing collaboratively instead of just playing side by side. As they leave age 3 and turn 4, little ones are enthralled by storytelling, pretend play and exploration. The best gifts and toys for 4-year-olds help their imaginations come alive. If you have to come up with a gift for a 4-year-old and you're stumped on what to get, we've got some expert advice to help you.
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