(emily, maryjo, & amber)
Toys are great for two reasons: they provide children with entertainment and learning at once. If you think about it, how many toys feature the alphabet or numbers or encourage problem-solving? Toys allow children to learn in a fun way.
A lot of times we buy toys for children and do not think much about how that toy will help them other than amuse them for a while.
With some children, however, considering the educational side of toys when purchasing a gift is beneficial. Autistic children struggle with communication, expression, relationships, and interaction. Yet toys can be a great way for them to develop.
The three of us (Emily, Maryjo, and Amber) have had different experiences with autistic children. We’ve interacted with children in both professional and personal settings, and together we’ve compiled a list of different toys we believe would be beneficial for children with autism.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a great toy for developing fine motor development. They allow children hands on activity, which helps stimulate them and encourages them to develop hand skills like the pincer grasp.
They foster achievement through cause and effect and problem solving. Peg puzzles feature pictures for where the pieces go. For autistic children, this visual cue is a positive reinforcement for finding independent success while completing the puzzle.
Blocks and Block Puzzles Building architectural masterpieces out of blocks allows children a chance to create and develop something on their own. The inevitable tearing down of the blocks fosters a child’s understanding of cause and effect.
Musical Instruments
Making music (and noise) is really good for kids. It stimulates the senses and teaches cause and effect. It’s a great introduction to noise and stimuli. Plus it allows a child to express themselves, (and how!), while also positively encouraging new skills.
Scooters, Walkers, and Pull-Along Toys
Scooters and walkers encourage gross motor skills as well as independence. A pull along toy teaches cause and effect and motor skills. Plus, they’re so much fun!
Books
Sitting down and reading with a child has so many benefits. First, it develops language and vocabulary. It also encourages social interaction between the child and adult, and reinforces listening skills and following oral directions. While reading to a child, adults can encourage pointing, a fine motor skill.
Dollhouses
A dollhouse provides great imaginative play that encourages the development of language and social interaction. Playing encourages the use of new words, and allows for discussions of daily routines and the expression of emotions.
Food and Cooking Toys In addition to encouraging motor skills and language development, these toys also provide children with life skills. They can express their likes and dislikes. They also allow for parallel play, which is an important stage of development that leads to one on one interaction. The imitation of daily events and role playing will help children develop skills they will later use in life, fostering their independence.
All children need to learn these skills, but for some children they will have a harder time developing them. Encourage all children, autistic or not, with toys that foster achievement. Keep in mind that each autistic child is unique, so play to your child’s strengths. Encourage him or her. Play with your child. Choose toys that encourage hand manipulation and that will encourage your child to communicate.