• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Recommended Toys for Autistic Children

December 10, 2010 by ds_3c4390334a86 Leave a Comment

Autism is a developmental disability. According to the Autism Society, it affects the functioning of the brain and typically appears within the first two years of life. In addition to being manifested in difficulties in both verbal and non-verbal communication, people with autism can have difficulties in social interactions and leisure or play activities. Because of the difficulties with play activities, choosing the right toy for an autistic child can mean making playtime less difficult and more enjoyable.

Toys for Toddlers and Infants

Balls are toys that can help toddlers and infants learn the motor skills for grasping and throwing. Additionally, balls can help with tactile awareness. Toys that are ridden, such as wagons and toy vehicles, can help the autistic child become more mobile, helping them with using their imagination and with exploring their surroundings. Blocks and other stacking toys help encourage children to use their motor skills.

Toys for Preschool Children

A tricycle with a push handle can help an autistic child feel more independent while the handle allows the parent or caregiver to maintain control. As an autistic child grows out of the toddler stage, the child may still enjoy playing with blocks. Use blocks that are more difficult to play with, such as those that require being snapped together. A dry erase board allows the child to be imaginative and develop hand-eye coordination. Puzzles are toys that autistic children may be drawn to, and they can provide hours of stimulation. Musical toys not only help autistic children learn about sounds and music, but these toys also develop motor skills. Stuffed animals and dolls allow autistic children to develop their imagination with their toy companions.

Toys for School-Age Children

Board games help autistic children become involved with others in group play. Try using simple games that are age-appropriate at first, and then try more complicated games as the child’s abilities allow. Technological games that use the style of keyboards found with computers can help an autistic child become more technologically aware and aware of cause-and-effect. A pocket sketch pad can help an autistic child become engaged in art projects. Outdoor playground equipment may not be considered toys, but autistic children can enjoy physical activities, such as swinging and sliding, giving them physical activity and helping to develop motor skills.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Parenting

About ds_3c4390334a86

Doug Hewitt has been writing for 20 years and has a Master of Arts from UNC-Greensboro. He authored the book The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting, which includes health and fitness hints for parents. He and his wife, Robin, are co-authors of the Free College Resource Book.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

Third Child

I Want a Third Child, Except, I Really Don’t

Something strange has been happening to me lately:  I keep … [Read More...] about I Want a Third Child, Except, I Really Don’t

Must Have

ToniBox

Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

If you are looking for something to occupy your children … [Read More...] about Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

Did you know?

Cover a Pork Roast

Should You Cover a Pork Roast & Add Liquid When Baking?

abdominal pain on the left side in pregnancy

Abdominal Pain on the Left Side in Pregnancy

What Can I Substitute for Butter When Making Frosting?

Academic Parental Pressure on Kids

The Effects of Academic Parental Pressure on Kids

Decoding a Man’s Hug

Decoding a Man’s Hug

Mild Cramping During Early Stages of Pregnancy

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.